tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1447616255871486492024-03-04T23:15:44.352-05:00Davenport GrovesA simple fiber blog filled with bits of ramblings and what's on my mind.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-85719542574713989942014-03-24T14:30:00.001-04:002014-03-24T14:30:10.748-04:00Decisions with WoolIt's finally spring! I am very ready to garden. The weather isn't cooperating and I'm not sure when it finally will. Although I've started some seeds, they are calling for a possible snowstorm for tomorrow. We've had a couple warm 50ish degree days popping up here and there but the last couple days it's been in the 30 degree fahrenheit range. It looks so warm and sunny outside but once you step out it's a very cruel joke.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D_fx4S5lJfavRGjYvujx6qEX3m9-Ur1PEtc88__Lw6rBx_g6aF_vascmsATBlr7LXiK8ffYWKcCYslm2YEOzVM9g1MDLHObJx-4vC49wAbxZooWb4vwW5FCOxpg4vGTj8Bvt_aYelVLk/s1600/Leah's+lettuce+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D_fx4S5lJfavRGjYvujx6qEX3m9-Ur1PEtc88__Lw6rBx_g6aF_vascmsATBlr7LXiK8ffYWKcCYslm2YEOzVM9g1MDLHObJx-4vC49wAbxZooWb4vwW5FCOxpg4vGTj8Bvt_aYelVLk/s1600/Leah's+lettuce+1.jpg" height="200" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter's loose leaf lettuce blend.</td></tr>
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My two year old daughter helped me get my salad dish all started. She put in the new potting soil, planted the seeds and helped me cover them. A couple days later, they have all emerged! She is really excited about this and talks to the pot daily. I love this pot. I got it last year at a local greenhouse called "Farmer Fred's". It already had the lettuce all grown in it. The size of the pot is large enough to accommodate a lot of different loose leaf lettuces at once. It's deep enough for the roots but the pot isn't tall. I love using it as a patio table centerpiece in the summer. I loved it so much I went back and bought a second for my parents. When we're outside grilling it's so nice to just grab a couple leaves, rinse them off and use them as a topping or a small side salad. Last years lettuce that Farmer Fred's grew was delicious! I hope I have half as much luck with mine this year. I'll have to share pictures later on when it's out on the table in use (if it makes it that long)<br />
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This past week was busy! Just errand type stuff. We also had a lot of surprise guests who we haven't seen in a long time. I had a blast visiting with them all. I think everyone's trying to break this cabin fever feeling all ready even though the weather hasn't been the greatest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNdRSSmRP7B8pcX14Zg-I5oSE-FW3gABPeIeFriB7tMY3ByYgzXGEkbgJiqK44Y1iGAcLrjnSv5DvKAKOBDqH6k3bL5iVuB91L7mccDV45C8zCT8AsemQRol38as91Y14krg1hzSlpKj3/s1600/Purple+Yarn+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNdRSSmRP7B8pcX14Zg-I5oSE-FW3gABPeIeFriB7tMY3ByYgzXGEkbgJiqK44Y1iGAcLrjnSv5DvKAKOBDqH6k3bL5iVuB91L7mccDV45C8zCT8AsemQRol38as91Y14krg1hzSlpKj3/s1600/Purple+Yarn+1.jpg" height="173" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My unnamed purple thick and thin merino yarn.</td></tr>
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I've got the purple whatever merino all spun up. I haven't done bulky thick and think yarn in a long time. The wheel I use to make bulky yarn tends to be a bit of a pain to use. It's nice but quirky. Plus, I broke it while trying to reach for something up on the wall behind it. I finally got around to fixing, cleaning and oiling my wheel so I can use it. It turned out nice once I finished fighting with my wheel. <br />
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I've also got the urge to spin more wool. I just got done doing a ton of lace weight alpaca for my aunt. I've got a variety of different roving all dyed up and ready to go. I dyed this up to list in my Etsy shop but it hasn't made it there yet: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;">I'm thinking it would be perfect spun up for some fun socks? I kind of already have it playing out in my head the way I want to ply the colors and match it all up. We'll see if I can resist and get it listed or if it ends up on my wheel.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I'm also in a conundrum over a peachish colored roving I dyed up. I recently did my first felted cobweb lace scarf. I loved how I could manipulate the wool for extra texture. I think the felted scarves that are all symmetrical with clean edges are pretty but the funky textured ones make my heart go pitter patter. There's something about them that makes me want to have one in every color for every occasion. So long story short, I'm thinking about using the peach roving I dyed for a cobweb scarf. It's such a pretty spring color that will add a nice pop of color to any outfit.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first cobweb lace scarf.<br />I think I'm going to keep it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peachy wool to be a cobweb scarf?<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Too many decisions. The only thing I want to do is wash up some wool to empty out one bin and fill another back up but it's too cold. Please hurry 60 degree weather this weekend!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-88131967884730402722014-03-18T10:26:00.002-04:002014-03-18T11:14:18.239-04:00Resurrecting An Old BlogSo I've let my blog go. Things got busy and over time I honestly forgot I even had one. When I remembered, I toyed with the idea of working on it again. It was my last years resolution to work on it. Never happened. Same as this. If I get to publish this then it means I've finally put one foot in front of the other.<br />
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Where to start? Doing a quick reading over old posts brought me laughs. So much has changed since then. I felt myself cringing over some of the posts from being so embarrassed of even posting them. Not that they were horrible but it's like revisiting an old personal diary in a way and then leaving it out. I contemplated deleting all the old posts but I decided to just keep them there. To give me a reason to keep up with my blog now that I've found more time so I can see how far I've come and to share that with you!<br />
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Again, where to start. So much has changed! I've got a new laptop that I've been bad at transferring files to. My passion for fiber arts is still as strong as ever and my little hobby corner has turned into having my own studio room so to speak. I love it. Everything where it's supposed to be in one place. I can easily transition from spinning to felting to dyeing. No more digging in drawers for packing tape and a pen!<br />
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Here in PA the weather has been so cold. This time last year we were already mowing the lawn. The grass isn't even close to turning green yet. I have the gardening bug like crazy! I've bought some seed starting soil and my seeds already so I'm hoping to start them indoors soon. I find myself daydreaming of the warmer weather and missing wearing dresses because they're my most favorite hot weather attire. I need a couple of new ones but I wanted to share this one I've come across. It is one of the most beautiful dresses I've ever seen. I would wear it every single day! Sadly it's not even close to my size!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*Sigh* If it was only my size!</td></tr>
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Isn't it beautiful!? I would wear it 24/7. Grilling, gardening, cleaning, grocery shopping, going out. It's from a team mates shop and I've been eyeing it for a long time. Knowing I will never ever get down to the size needed to wear it anytime soon I thought I would at least share it because it is so beautiful. Her shop is pretty amazing. For instance there's also this suit. It's a Yves St Laurent Le Smoking Suit. It's in amazing condition with an unbeatable price tag. I can only imagine the high she had when she found it. It would be like finding treasure. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, how cool is this?</td></tr>
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Her Etsy shop can be found here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Catbooks1940s?ref=l2-shop-info-name" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/Catbooks1940s?ref=l2-shop-info-name</a> . If you happen to buy that dress, I feel it's blog worthy. I would really read a blog that had anything to do with this dress. Not kidding.<br />
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Warmer weather also means sheering time and fiber washing time. I have some bags of raw fiber I've acquired over the colder months that I'm itching to see how they turn out. Right now they're sealed tight in bags and then placed in totes until I can get to them. Every time I walk into my room I see them taunting me. I've got a couple different colored natural wools and some alpaca. I'll admit I'm somewhat of an alpaca fiber hoarder and I really need to start using up some of it before it takes over. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ie6hKT8KbTNTnb81F4SbKXlA5K6eaBGEt6BJ1LRkSUTkvpzGxsr1uplarJwH_1SjYffvexUgIfWMCeb4-tzPD61HUOycDqESPszo_HGgFoWuvF3rG5iibMM-ovoVPgaU3xIeH_6EVdTW/s1600/100_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ie6hKT8KbTNTnb81F4SbKXlA5K6eaBGEt6BJ1LRkSUTkvpzGxsr1uplarJwH_1SjYffvexUgIfWMCeb4-tzPD61HUOycDqESPszo_HGgFoWuvF3rG5iibMM-ovoVPgaU3xIeH_6EVdTW/s1600/100_1524.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merino, angelina, alpaca, silk and corriedale rolags</td></tr>
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In the meantime, I've been keeping myself busy wit a blending board I got almost a year ago. I haven't had a chance to use it so much until lately. I like that I can use up all my smaller bits of leftover fiber I've dyed without the expense of a drum carder. It's really relaxing to use it while watching TV or listening to music.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182036576/handspun-luxury-yarn-hand-old-persian" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8fcsj2NLPSleynrRATfFOSnMpf6WShj3T0Zl4-lH9FScuc1UtdT6p-ZlL-ic-lbPkiHvPfqlH3L_t2vBXiBbHkRwZLg5yBK_s0IgJccyZvTPEvk7fFavf3wLr_dZoC2XpU3dL4dPAfdj/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182036576/handspun-luxury-yarn-hand-old-persian" target="_blank">Merino, corriedale alpaca, silk, firestar, angelina, angora and milkweed fluff rolags</a></td></tr>
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I've spun up both these sets of rolags already. I've got the green/orange ones listed in my shop (caption is clickable if you're curious of the result) and I hope to get the other ones listed. I love the bumpy woolen yarn these rolags make. I also love that I have another option to use my leftover fiber rather than just felting. </div>
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Well, I need to get some stuff done so I guess I'll leave you with that. Hopefully by the next time I blog I'll have a good part of my seeds started and not completely grown and harvested! ;D</div>
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*Sigh* That wasn't so hard. Now that I've got this checked off my to do list, I feel better.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-33497076536625755572012-03-12T13:14:00.000-04:002012-03-12T13:14:20.097-04:00Been A Long Time, Been A Long Time...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1383781521"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4heauzCh3isTR_h1jaQSB8UxqO4QDTMSXmezxWcjl0MoY7yf5XXDv4cVbt3DJ_aALk738-K1JGzHUeop0GzME2FhHCgIGtYEJ5TAuHwnKJe7gmkbOqxFF_FNgJ4FXdLVpBxV0M5EgDgF/s200/Leah+in+hat.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93300721/baby-tassel-hat-chunky-gray-tweed-wool" target="_blank"><i>Our little Leah!</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Okay now that I've got that song stuck in your head (and if it isn't - it just might be now), I'm ready to share a post! It really has been a long time but with good reason. I was pregnant which I had announced in an older posting. Well I don't know about any of other pregnant women but with each pregnancy I became more tired. I feel like this last pregnancy I had slept almost the entire time. Taking care of a husband who works twelve hour swing shifts, a tween, and two toddlers had proven that it could get the best of me. In order to get something accomplished I had to cut out my blog and I scaled back the momentum I had going in my Etsy shop. It worked and we all got through it. By December our little girl (yes, finally A GIRL) had greeted us safe and sound. Another labor that went so fast I didn't they didn't have time to give me anything for the pain. I'm not going to complain though, I was just happy the doctor made it to deliver her in time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Dbb1nc_ptwejbdX_meqJl89uM5u7SgwhzcMTEbWn90rIReLnfyff3P1kxe1gfcnVC1dW_0DpFbWRxRQwGorozdiVdsEoALgCgD0bT_gLsjUqMCbkosGmvRWe4P9GUKr_iwtA0ObrM1T7/s1600/Picture+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Dbb1nc_ptwejbdX_meqJl89uM5u7SgwhzcMTEbWn90rIReLnfyff3P1kxe1gfcnVC1dW_0DpFbWRxRQwGorozdiVdsEoALgCgD0bT_gLsjUqMCbkosGmvRWe4P9GUKr_iwtA0ObrM1T7/s200/Picture+027.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they just beautiful? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now that I'm finally getting some sort of a routine going, I felt it was safe enough to start blogging again. We all know how routines go. As soon as you find one you're comfortable with - it changes up again. I've got my fingers crossed! Lately I've even found time to cook real dinners and bake! Yes, BAKE! Anyone that knows me knows I can cook. In fact I consider myself quite a decent cook. Baking is another story. Usually anything I bake will come out tasting really good but the presentation is awful. Especially if it comes from a box. Chocolate chip cookies from scratch usually come out decent. If I have to use already made batter, forget it. I don't know if it's because I pay more attention when I'm making it from scratch. Check out these moon pies I made the other day. My husband brought home the box kit so I felt obligated to make them. The cookies are uneven, the icing is a mess. The sprinkles are everywhere. In all honesty though, by the time I got to the sprinkles I quit trying and opted for "easy". I figured if I rolled these pies in the sprinkles, the icing wold get everywhere and the sprinkles would just stick to the icing that came off. So, I literally just threw the sprinkles at the pies. They stuck, it worked.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Victoria" bfl wool waiting for dye to be set</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN59TxzqAp48_UqUh0oTrdUshKl95j5__lHYLBMkLfpm4lO23QECTPE7eDbHXh3aeHE7Ysc4RDATRVXgcIB7SiwWuzG-la61gdY5u3WmSmKvss4BOk_064cZDe6aOv5Gw2l4VHfBvGthT7/s1600/victoria+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN59TxzqAp48_UqUh0oTrdUshKl95j5__lHYLBMkLfpm4lO23QECTPE7eDbHXh3aeHE7Ysc4RDATRVXgcIB7SiwWuzG-la61gdY5u3WmSmKvss4BOk_064cZDe6aOv5Gw2l4VHfBvGthT7/s200/victoria+1.jpg" width="200" /></i></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"Victoria" all spun up and waiting to be listed </i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLKGmXo1Q40t1Zo1nQ2sFxX1UEgm48AxIhRQjBMMmdxbUx7dZqoDxy1xgVwBaeRZz0ZJoc8sEqDYADJSix9bLebWobiGwIWoEwsgXnJAMINqo8W7Z2KLW1W6WRRXDbW3wfr79ciNFTViw/s1600/Picture+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLKGmXo1Q40t1Zo1nQ2sFxX1UEgm48AxIhRQjBMMmdxbUx7dZqoDxy1xgVwBaeRZz0ZJoc8sEqDYADJSix9bLebWobiGwIWoEwsgXnJAMINqo8W7Z2KLW1W6WRRXDbW3wfr79ciNFTViw/s200/Picture+044.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The merino that is currently on my wheel</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've been able to start dyeing again! I haven't done any large dye pot batches yet, just small batches here and there. I had a pretty productive dye day a couple days ago. Most of it was corriedale for felting that had to be done up. I tossed in about four ounces of merino into the session to use up the rest of the dye I had made up. I actually like the color combos. It's on my wheel right now and I plan on turning it into a two ply yarn to enhance all the different colors it has by having the plies contrast against each other. I have a bunch of more merino I would like to get dyed up and set aside as I'm in the market for a new wheel! I am so stinkin' excited. I like the wheel I have now but it came unfinished when I got it. In my excitement to use it and learn to spin, I never finished it or tended to it the way I should have. So now it needs some tlc if I want to keep it for many years to come. Also it's great for novelty yarns and thicker art yarns but I would like something a little more steadier for medium to fine yarns. I'm still searching on exactly which wheel I want and where I want to buy it from. I know I would like a double treadle but I don't know if I would miss it if I got a single. I would like it to have scotch tension since my current wheel is set up for both already and I like the way my medium type yarns come out when I use it. Yep, that's all I got. Would love to hear any input on any wheels that any of you reading this might have. I don't want to jump into anything and I'm hoping to take the next two weeks to make up my mind. Whether I can wait that long is another story.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhyphenhyphenBkrEDD_oGB1-OkefDJUdfhpRvH2mlhif8GWGfsaVPRURDkRxwq13DxG-jFGjHaC4ScnEo5hk2QU_YpzB0s8fvaVpN_atGsL1IoxzU-DbB-Gkn1E0CpFXqCICiCcol4Rkzge66rpguh/s1600/Picture+037+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhyphenhyphenBkrEDD_oGB1-OkefDJUdfhpRvH2mlhif8GWGfsaVPRURDkRxwq13DxG-jFGjHaC4ScnEo5hk2QU_YpzB0s8fvaVpN_atGsL1IoxzU-DbB-Gkn1E0CpFXqCICiCcol4Rkzge66rpguh/s200/Picture+037+blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My dye day wools</i></td></tr>
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Well, I need to go get something productive done before the kids get up from nap. Laundry and dishes, here I come!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-56496125773844292072011-07-26T15:45:00.002-04:002011-07-26T17:46:41.114-04:00Dying to Dye In This Heat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnHuIpVVi45s3Mr9p6E8wXE5ioLR_0sUZz6vIUOTlhgPRvI7CB9fHEi-_-LZtyxl3XWZxtKr4SKx4Nr3Dz43CHTnpfnmyiJ6bIcfBxPC6jSFY2wmUzYo6_SVHEbmnecZ23vQP_3gstiS1/s1600/IMG_5111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnHuIpVVi45s3Mr9p6E8wXE5ioLR_0sUZz6vIUOTlhgPRvI7CB9fHEi-_-LZtyxl3XWZxtKr4SKx4Nr3Dz43CHTnpfnmyiJ6bIcfBxPC6jSFY2wmUzYo6_SVHEbmnecZ23vQP_3gstiS1/s200/IMG_5111.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRLxHeXXV42chRHbdDC8VzuMLuP47If4i8if90UoPWKMUxMchrnvgg46Vc6gDHX6xkZrMlkXWjscvU5ATLRYH4utPHJtPjsi8Lwigmi5wv1WKdgsOQRpGEaPJigIJ3wsw9xUw45DQ6sCs/s1600/IMG_5117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRLxHeXXV42chRHbdDC8VzuMLuP47If4i8if90UoPWKMUxMchrnvgg46Vc6gDHX6xkZrMlkXWjscvU5ATLRYH4utPHJtPjsi8Lwigmi5wv1WKdgsOQRpGEaPJigIJ3wsw9xUw45DQ6sCs/s200/IMG_5117.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Gray Alpaca in Dye pot.<br />
Bottom: Alpaca All Dyed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugbcMvnvi6KsGu3BgsdvbBQYjh_08iE9x0_cwLkwBSx6dEq2pYQFAZx75qoQCAHtOxsiwZEy-Q53DbPcLquhYDtj5nHngIo9FOKZX4_hn11z_K0nbG5JWsPHEnG0ll2GSgJDAHlQ1nJwD/s1600/IMG_5114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugbcMvnvi6KsGu3BgsdvbBQYjh_08iE9x0_cwLkwBSx6dEq2pYQFAZx75qoQCAHtOxsiwZEy-Q53DbPcLquhYDtj5nHngIo9FOKZX4_hn11z_K0nbG5JWsPHEnG0ll2GSgJDAHlQ1nJwD/s200/IMG_5114.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merino In dye pot.<br />
A little bit of dye spillover into pot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This past Friday I finally ordered some new dyes I was itching to try out. However, the weather has been extremely brutal (especially on pregnant ladies) and running a stove in my kitchen was the last thing I wanted to do. Luckily since they were ordered and I opted to have them sent first class mail it meant chances are they would take a while to come in. This spared my family of the added heat from my excitement and impatience. Imagine my surprise when I found them in my mailbox on Monday! An added bonus is that by Monday the heat finally broke and we were welcomed with on and off thunder showers throughout the day. A perfect day to play with dye. I grabbed some gray alpaca roving that I had an abundance of and some superwash merino and went to town. As I assembled my materials, I realized I was out of saran wrap. Bummer! I really wanted to try out some progression dyeing on my merino and I felt hand painting it would be the easiest. Then it finally it me, d'oh! Why not do immersion dyeing similar to canning. To my surprise, it worked great. Next time I'll need to use larger canning jars. Notice the white splotches from the fiber being crammed into the smaller jars?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNG34BrDUmOdxMFXxfBeWSTiFK_xRSAFjyCadtZKy-DL7Cm69jTuBpR1S1QSFODqnYV6RCcT4yO8U692URs7jW7360BUizm8173EieoH1EoVkuFW8NncbSl7boBoKM3-sSh2BNFCnEqhR/s1600/IMG_5124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNG34BrDUmOdxMFXxfBeWSTiFK_xRSAFjyCadtZKy-DL7Cm69jTuBpR1S1QSFODqnYV6RCcT4yO8U692URs7jW7360BUizm8173EieoH1EoVkuFW8NncbSl7boBoKM3-sSh2BNFCnEqhR/s200/IMG_5124.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merino Hanging to dry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E0eylKQ56cnbVVKCg7IjWeKTSjGLFrisSCsX7qb7wblxmh0oGfnuEVnrIIcdqQZcIhMWvhcuDspvM1WlBgg5iGkiSJLmMJjPERuktfZFJaDoa-WzgaVDjPQ0-OtKARiH4UNdrTFE5x2N/s1600/IMG_5127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E0eylKQ56cnbVVKCg7IjWeKTSjGLFrisSCsX7qb7wblxmh0oGfnuEVnrIIcdqQZcIhMWvhcuDspvM1WlBgg5iGkiSJLmMJjPERuktfZFJaDoa-WzgaVDjPQ0-OtKARiH4UNdrTFE5x2N/s200/IMG_5127.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merino Dry and Braided</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another accomplishment on my weekend to do list: I finally got my upgrade that I ordered (and received last Feb./Mar.) onto my Blue Bonnet wheel. This upgrade now allows me to use my wheel as a double tension or a scotch tension with only having to change out the whorl and smack on the correct belt. What should have taken maybe an hour or so project took about five hours. No lie! It wasn't the installing of the upgrade that was the problem. It was finding all the correct tools as I needed them. Instead of assembling everything I would need ahead of time, I waited until I came to the step that I needed to use them. I would have to drop what I was doing, go on a manhunt (anyone who has seen my husbands garage or the organization of his tools would feel sympathy) and come back and have to fix any adjustments the kids made to my wheel while I was gone. All the kids were cranky as we were feeling the effects of the continuous days of excessive heat. They had been lacking in naps since their rooms were too hot. They had decided it was more fun to play in the A.C. rooms that were offered as napping alternatives.<br />
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I was beaming when I finally finished it. I tweaked the settings and spun my first roving on it. I am ecstatic that I can now do lace weight yarns! My double tension set up was perfect for art or bulky yarns leaving my options limited. Now it does about everything and in about half the time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n0aQvk14yMu96Z5zdEcg9rbnMgizuNlInyjCcTPYHC45o0Wt1lLFN2l7IoqkbR39S_5pKBiJkp3hg2Sr5pqHEWrRiBlN-dREUvxObhD0ioMPCPfqPZk-MrXvgzdqx8_ILuYpOHYT9LqJ/s1600/IMG_5085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n0aQvk14yMu96Z5zdEcg9rbnMgizuNlInyjCcTPYHC45o0Wt1lLFN2l7IoqkbR39S_5pKBiJkp3hg2Sr5pqHEWrRiBlN-dREUvxObhD0ioMPCPfqPZk-MrXvgzdqx8_ILuYpOHYT9LqJ/s200/IMG_5085.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhubarb Pie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIoBUcircvaWNFTDnvRNr9ZNW12sLChkTMPt9AQzIZN3FpY2gwc8zDPcoDysjPsgr1RbaMxgDzMkLvzQYTJk1ma3Vm-kdi_0eA-1oyz8qPrF6I6z1jNaEg6dMFJpC1sjCpZw7-zBr7cv8/s1600/IMG_5121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIoBUcircvaWNFTDnvRNr9ZNW12sLChkTMPt9AQzIZN3FpY2gwc8zDPcoDysjPsgr1RbaMxgDzMkLvzQYTJk1ma3Vm-kdi_0eA-1oyz8qPrF6I6z1jNaEg6dMFJpC1sjCpZw7-zBr7cv8/s200/IMG_5121.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late Night Stroll</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also got the unnamed superwash merino spun up. It was aptly named Rhubarb Pie because, frankly, it reminded me of rhubarb pie. I decided to enter it in my Blue Bonnet's summer SAL challenge through Ravelry. I dyed up about 8 oz of it, this picture shows one of the skeins. I also dyed and spun up a little over 4 oz of alpaca that I named "A Late Night Stroll" that I entered as well. We were allowed up to three entries but with me wanting to hone up on my upgraded wheel and play with my dyes I know that's all I will have time for. <br />
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Husbands (at least mine) don't understand these little deadlines we put on ourselves. They are very important to us. When these are going on that means all cleaning is on hold. Dinners will be quick made portions. Phone calls will neither be answered nor returned right away. The fact that your favorite clothes aren't clean are of no importance to me. We need groceries? Best go down to the basement and see what goodies are in the chest freezer. It's really not that he doesn't care, or doesn't support. It's more of a "Are you feeling okay? You've got me worried." Obviously he cannot understand the excitement those of us can get over these simple things. I also get, "I think you need to get out of the house for a bit. Even if it's just for a ride". Then I have to try to compose myself from showing what I'm really thinking: "No! Please! That means I will have to leave all my "work" and get nothing done!?". If my face showed how I really felt it would cause him extreme worry. Somewhere on the lines of I think you should see professional help worry. To avoid all that my usual response is, "Eh. That's okay. It's such a pain in the butt to load the kids in the car just for a ride. If you think of something else we could all do though, I'm all ears". It works as a great save every time. It promises me at least another two hours to wrap up whatever I was finishing. I admit getting away is healthy. It gets me away from this stuff and out enjoying time with my family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-14509528725526639822011-07-14T16:07:00.000-04:002011-07-14T16:07:06.690-04:00It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Berry Picking!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLm4ktKCeDP2SONYkaS7-L6cr_mBv6hx44vTFDZKZTekCAX9WX7kIgFL9Rszg12WLEK_ahn9dYF5LHHYcxt4Bj2uXaq_bcMuRQPGHBrBgJYRDY3IqcowznqL0eCiLNQ1L1ANj-_EITemf/s1600/IMG_5061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLm4ktKCeDP2SONYkaS7-L6cr_mBv6hx44vTFDZKZTekCAX9WX7kIgFL9Rszg12WLEK_ahn9dYF5LHHYcxt4Bj2uXaq_bcMuRQPGHBrBgJYRDY3IqcowznqL0eCiLNQ1L1ANj-_EITemf/s200/IMG_5061.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's Blueberries!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today has been quite a refreshing day thus far. The weather here in PA has been hot and humid for a while so it was nice to see a warm sunny day without so much humidity. My husband was off work today so we had a chance to get the kids out for a bit and play. I took my two year old with me and darted out to the backyard to check out our blueberry bushes. I was surprised to see so many ripe already. I grabbed a bowl and a cup and we started picking. The cup was a "distractor" for my two year old, Danny. This way I could put some in his cup to eat without him wanting the majority in the bowl that would inevitably end up on the ground. Between my kids and I we picked almost three full pints which amazed me for this time of year. There's still tons waiting to ripen so it looks like we will be able to make lots of jellies, muffins and wine this year! I wish we had blackberries here in our yard. They grow rampant everywhere else but when we go elsewhere on walks to pick them we usually don't yield enough to warrant saving. They usually get eaten by the time we get home. It's a bummer. I would love some blackberry jelly and wine. Something to invest in I guess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6cAw5BkPh7X6ekgq0QKayj9EdaF0ovMaqCEeuc9FShkKTgLrLHiRbwxG5mSHd09LxfGECi2tnuDB3D-0pRUlQAw6ASUBTc8vvWtXWUKlykPhJRHY_xoyBb3307P2hFfzLrYQlQFpx4K1/s1600/IMG_5055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6cAw5BkPh7X6ekgq0QKayj9EdaF0ovMaqCEeuc9FShkKTgLrLHiRbwxG5mSHd09LxfGECi2tnuDB3D-0pRUlQAw6ASUBTc8vvWtXWUKlykPhJRHY_xoyBb3307P2hFfzLrYQlQFpx4K1/s200/IMG_5055.JPG" width="150" /></a>After a taking care of a troublesome honeysuckle bush that was growing out of the middle of one of the blueberry bushes I decided I best scout around the rest of the yard and see what needed attention. I have an extreme love of gardening (especially edibles), but being pregnant the past three years has provided me slim opportunity to really get my hands dirty. I giggled to myself as I got to my grapevines and noticed one side of my grapevines had spilled over and were visiting all through my peach tree. The other side was frolicking inside and out of a neighboring apple tree. At least everything looks good. I had to share this picture as I thought it was quite cute. I find awe in the way a plant can just dig itself wherever it really wants to be. Maybe I'll get the chance to prune the grapevines this winter? Highly unlikely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCinDmLdhwU_-P7Etz9cGvcnnyUsiO_y7AeCNyGcEkZSV40mt_VqgVjb1HFeZxsjPW4TwbMJs0Y2T253xZVCks0f6lEtNWBCWdilMIKKnNDKftSph3OHlvCZvRF9-_qEItzX2dDamoCOk_/s1600/IMG_5058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCinDmLdhwU_-P7Etz9cGvcnnyUsiO_y7AeCNyGcEkZSV40mt_VqgVjb1HFeZxsjPW4TwbMJs0Y2T253xZVCks0f6lEtNWBCWdilMIKKnNDKftSph3OHlvCZvRF9-_qEItzX2dDamoCOk_/s200/IMG_5058.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nameless Superwash Extrafine Merino</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW9aCMTXiqXGRso4M3c90rSEgnHCuAEGBeA7hf6nOIHkGsPTBPMeGOWa9ZZssM4MguHGvkh2ETnfrVAXF_jbfIhyo-oflUF8cToIZTlJEwxhIv-n9aeYgomvvNH44T95gguh76Vp_a7Hg/s1600/IMG_5060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW9aCMTXiqXGRso4M3c90rSEgnHCuAEGBeA7hf6nOIHkGsPTBPMeGOWa9ZZssM4MguHGvkh2ETnfrVAXF_jbfIhyo-oflUF8cToIZTlJEwxhIv-n9aeYgomvvNH44T95gguh76Vp_a7Hg/s200/IMG_5060.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "nameless" merino started on the bobbin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-wRWpEU-06pUo68xa1HvDA404r45J8F88u3Mqwp4sp9vgCGdjhGo7FyNnyp7eNTJJofzxjckS8Li93HpaDFGrvvEH6Hth7CEHJXV1AF8z7-bEsY36KdELrHChoEVgSN7D93nFYUKXiOH/s1600/IMG_5054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-wRWpEU-06pUo68xa1HvDA404r45J8F88u3Mqwp4sp9vgCGdjhGo7FyNnyp7eNTJJofzxjckS8Li93HpaDFGrvvEH6Hth7CEHJXV1AF8z7-bEsY36KdELrHChoEVgSN7D93nFYUKXiOH/s200/IMG_5054.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recently finished yarns ready to list.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Trying to spend more "me" time on the spinning when I get a chance. Now that this tiredness is over I'm amazed at what I can get done and still have time to enjoy doing what I want to do. The kids are loving the fact I can play with them longer before I want to nap. I was even able to get a couple skeins of yarn finished and off the wheel. They got their photo shoot this morning. I'm hoping to get them listed on the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/davenportgroves">Etsy</a> shop sometime on Friday. Right now I'm working with some superwash merino I hand dyed myself. I approach most of my dyeing pretty carefree. I have an idea of colors I want to work with but I try not to constrict myself into anything particular that way I'm not disappointed if it doesn't work out exactly the way I want it to. I liked the way the colors came out in this one. I thought it looked even neater when spun up. I imagine I'm going to make this into a two ply so I'm already thinking of how it's going to look when all plied together. I'm actually rather excited!<br />
<br />
Oh, I almost forgot! I started up a Facebook page a couple days ago for the shop. Trying to get things on it here and there in my spare time. I mostly wanted to set it up to connect with other crafters and share tips and such as well as quick <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/davenportgroves">shop</a> updates. Yesterday I was able to get an album up to show step by step of turning old t-shirts and plastic bags into upcycled yarn. If you're on Facebook, feel free to add us. You'll find it under Davenport Groves (of course!).<br />
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With all that being said, I guess I will leave you with a short blog. The kids are napping and I have to finish up special shipment for a special person (thank you a million times over!). Plus, I don't have to worry about making dinner tonight. The boys said they have that under control. How wonderful is that? It doesn't happen too often so I'm looking forward to getting some stuff cleaned and enjoying the rest of the day. Wishing everyone else a wonderful day as well!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-69023205016090834392011-07-12T17:04:00.000-04:002011-07-12T17:04:09.374-04:00I Promise I Didn't Go Into Hiding, At Least IntentionallyWell, after a long hiatus of my blog and twitter posting, I'm back. The lack of posting was for good reason, which I will get into later. I didn't intentionally mean to leave any kind of cliffhanger with my last blog either. For that, I apologize. I did write the blog and saved the draft but was in a different sort of mood when I went to post it. It was very cathartic to type out but I guess it was something I wasn't ready to post, yet. For that I apologize a million times over and I am sure I will share eventually. For now I promise no more cliffhangers without solid intentions to deliver promptly.<br />
<br />
As for the hiatus, the demands of the kids have been crazy. With my husband's crazy work schedule, an 11 year old, a toddler and a newborn it was impossible for me to find a routine. Especially with the newborn changing to a crawling/almost walking nine month old and the toddler hitting the terrible two's. On top of that our house was "gifted" many small illnesses that everyone couldn't help consecutively sharing. The biggest reason for the hiatus is we found out we were expecting...again. Just when I thought I was on top of this routine thingy. I couldn't figure out why I was so tired and sleepy all the time. All I wanted to do was nap and I never felt rested.<br />
<br />
The thought of having three under three sent us into complete panic mode. We are feeling extremely blessed and grateful (I have always wanted four children) but quite overwhelemed. Each stage the children reach we get one of those "can we still keep up with this and have another one" fears. Each time we couldn't prevent a boo-boo or would find crayon mysteriously on the wall it would escalate. Now the panic has pretty much settled and the excitement has started to set in more. After having all these boys, it would be nice to have a little girl. I do have a strong feeling it's a little girl. I'm not sure if my feelings are correct or in the back of my mind I'm wondering what the odds would be of it being ANOTHER boy. Trust me, I would be just as excited for a healthy boy. In a couple weeks time I should know! I usually find out the sex. It's still a surprise to me and I can rest assured being a little more prepared.<br />
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As far as the spinning, knitting and crocheting goes I have been busy on my downtime! I have a lot ready to go list in the shop but I'm having a hard time with picture taking anymore. We don't get very good natural lighting in the house. I have a tot who loves to be outside and once he's outside it is impossible to get him back in. So unless I've got everything squared away inside to spend my whole rest of the day outside, I can't get pictures done. Lately I've set everything needing pictures in a separate area so I can utilize time better and take a bunch of different things all at once.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIHi_Dro4rQcCIGfmSGci1UfdpTiQLLyeK_XgYAlVIB4C8r5BFkUTIDNI1Y5fP91EBQr3Rt6AvL0p3oyRRPcQPT_2vybHFjLOUYCUmgeheKylJUwAzI_8C3hsHSvroMKwjyjTZR1Ab2G4/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIHi_Dro4rQcCIGfmSGci1UfdpTiQLLyeK_XgYAlVIB4C8r5BFkUTIDNI1Y5fP91EBQr3Rt6AvL0p3oyRRPcQPT_2vybHFjLOUYCUmgeheKylJUwAzI_8C3hsHSvroMKwjyjTZR1Ab2G4/s320/IMG_4713.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benjamin Green Studio Combs with prime alpaca.<br />
(Notice my redneck spice cap diz?)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lately I have been taking in a lot more raw wool and fleeces. After my first Ebay purchase of raw wool, I realized I had been had. All of my other purchases were no where close to the horror or that first shipment. Since I don't own anything to align the fibers with and a tight budget to do so, I researched the best product for my desired results. I knew a carding machine was out of the question. Especially not knowing if I would actually like working with raw wool. That pretty much left hand combs and hand carders. I tend to like working with combed wool better than carded wool. I prefer more of a worsted over a woolen when working with yarn so that's what I wanted to make. On Etsy I found a beautiful hand comb set through Benjamin Green Studios. I loved the looks and design of the set and the price was in my budget. I've been using them for a couple months now and I absolutely love them! If you're looking for a really fine hand comb, these may not be for you but they hold up to the toughest of wool I have. Very strong and durable and they look pretty too. I'm extremely satisfied with the job they do. He has even provided a youtube video with instructions. At the time I was unaware that diz's even existed and realized I needed one so I came across a witty idea of using the caps on the little supermarket spice canisters. For now, they work fine. My husband is right now in the process of designing a couple and making them for me. Thanks to the confidence these combs have given me, I have too much raw wool and alpaca fleece now waiting to be washed and combed. The jacob's wool I mentioned in a previous post wound up under the tree for birds. I am content to know that I did not give up on it, it's just that it was complete unworkable garbage.<br />
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Speaking of garbage, mine needs taken out. Dinner needs started, floors need swept, yadda yadda. Hoping everyone is enjoying their evening!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-2014124847649994432011-03-10T09:09:00.000-05:002011-03-10T09:09:37.604-05:00Bobble Yarn and a Blah Blog<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUPxTdbnChaL0YA5hmU6-kJgtg1_WXpOiMpOLle-gPDBogVhHl1ppncOnHovJ2Jml980_DcB6DP1VwcdDvd_MGoXSlZn_CziQRcQ5v8L8WeJZ39V_kpb6pmMGcZJbZ_Qx9y083mSrsjHG/s1600/IMG_4619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUPxTdbnChaL0YA5hmU6-kJgtg1_WXpOiMpOLle-gPDBogVhHl1ppncOnHovJ2Jml980_DcB6DP1VwcdDvd_MGoXSlZn_CziQRcQ5v8L8WeJZ39V_kpb6pmMGcZJbZ_Qx9y083mSrsjHG/s200/IMG_4619.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the backyard...much different <br />
than normal snow pictured <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qvdv9y7K-O4kt0s1pQoypXVF2XdZut3Ik7ca6R7PI6noFbGbiMka1qWfPTJ4WRAGBA-6AD-CuvCNwYT1349MD1IZuvveuHsGhBU3Ye62XfMU_iS0awdkwoPXgyLhncSc5vsyCbB7iVJv/s1600/Blog+001.jpg">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After shoveling out from a little over two feet of snow, we're now going to be swimming in mud. It was nice to listen to the rain last night while I was in bed. I just don't feel like dealing with the consequences of the quick melting snow mixed with the current steady rain. On top of it, I am not awake. So I will start by apologizing about my post and it's lack of wit. After many concurrent nights of little sleep I feel like a zombie. Some is of my own doing but mostly it's the kiddo's impecable timing. I know if I don't get a post out this morning, I don't know the next chance I will be able to.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's been busy around here to say the least! Was getting low on supplies so I found some great deals and restocked. I love when you can find quality fiber at a really good price. Especially if it's for a customer because then I can share the cost savings with them. Right now we've got alpaca out the ears. We're due in for some more of our basics but I'm trying to stock everything in superwash as well. I normally don't work in it because as a knitter and a crocheter, I like my yarn to be versatile. I like knowing I can felt something if I wish to do so. I apply the same thing with gardening. When I am going to buy a plant, it has to have more than just pretty flowers. It has to be edible, make a dried arrangement, have herbal qualities or something on that line. I preferr anything I can use for my home-made wine.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nEsVmNMIBFLYKoCvumPNIHGIntd_2bPOoYYv3tGlVERrl76HTO73qognt5NoPgM3e0LV7BEUajewIkSbtZm_RzzxkC7iLw6Qrh0cE7VmO-Iv2jWjUi1hy-jUDnj-I1fC3CRIKLrSNfho/s1600/IMG_4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nEsVmNMIBFLYKoCvumPNIHGIntd_2bPOoYYv3tGlVERrl76HTO73qognt5NoPgM3e0LV7BEUajewIkSbtZm_RzzxkC7iLw6Qrh0cE7VmO-Iv2jWjUi1hy-jUDnj-I1fC3CRIKLrSNfho/s200/IMG_4625.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the mill end roving<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As I think about it, all this restocking reminds me of when I first started spinning. I couldn't keep any fiber. I went through it all and wondered how people could "forget" about some roving here or there that they had in their stash. I always kept a mental note of exactly what type of fibers I had and the amount in ounces I had. Last week while rummaging though my fibers for an idea to put on my wheel, I came across some mill end wool roving that was perfect for what I wanted to do. I completely forgot I had it and there was a perfect amount for playing with. I've always liked certain art yarns as long as they were practical. I love the texture and look of bobble yarn and have never attempted to spin any myself even though I've gone over and over in my head the steps that had to be done to make it. So, I spun some up. It was a lot more tedious than I expected, but it still wasn't so bad. It came out pretty decent. Nothing I would put in my shop (at least not at this point, yet) but I would definately use it in a project. Thinking about possibly felting some...just to see how it would look. At this moment I have black and white zebra striped bobbles on my wheel but I have already gotten bored of it. It's a lot of manual <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTFI9AcgeUBYf0A4z8yjtguotB1_nOTSQeoMjx2E1dNV_s40iD0lVQoQkmFRehSn5vzgUkLWpHi7joRjxiY8Zdg6qg0GDk9MSlW3g3Ol1sO27-CRN1GD9QKV4JihOZbAD1IHJFvOtnO1T/s1600/IMG_4626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTFI9AcgeUBYf0A4z8yjtguotB1_nOTSQeoMjx2E1dNV_s40iD0lVQoQkmFRehSn5vzgUkLWpHi7joRjxiY8Zdg6qg0GDk9MSlW3g3Ol1sO27-CRN1GD9QKV4JihOZbAD1IHJFvOtnO1T/s200/IMG_4626.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First bobbin of bobble yarn. See,<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">still needs a little more work.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>work. Sometimes the bobbles are too big and you have to manually feed them into your wheel. Sometimes you are constantly doing this to avoid over twisting where you are working. Sometimes it needs to be fed back through and the plies loosened. If you use that method then it needs to be fed back through again to tighten again. My favorite part of it was making the thick and thin singles. It was very relaxing to let the wheel take over and not work against the fiber. I imagine I will be pulling the rest off my bobbins and storing it for another time to play with. I have some other work I need to do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVRQQpai2xAS_MgTYfnCl2I4XZdFTdh7ULv7GtOEURcpJ54eH1W4-R8wcs9FgH954LzI-e8q30Lt1QQfg-3P_Bk5fIYxyySecnE9PKYL2WVN3SoRUZA5yzHFZhT7dQv61zXPrXSfATI4k/s1600/IMG_4621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVRQQpai2xAS_MgTYfnCl2I4XZdFTdh7ULv7GtOEURcpJ54eH1W4-R8wcs9FgH954LzI-e8q30Lt1QQfg-3P_Bk5fIYxyySecnE9PKYL2WVN3SoRUZA5yzHFZhT7dQv61zXPrXSfATI4k/s200/IMG_4621.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BFL right off the wheel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYwtykJ2jQAhAM514YiRSa2ujo56NuD23d3y5BqtM0-vhCu4Ev2MfrpUP6WL35EIOM2NKYgyrwFOAm5ZOm_UOPNPAgwyFswTBrFh6-Q1hJsccFrymKxOvpkKLXBaCLis4YLIMlEiyB6Za/s1600/IMG_4634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYwtykJ2jQAhAM514YiRSa2ujo56NuD23d3y5BqtM0-vhCu4Ev2MfrpUP6WL35EIOM2NKYgyrwFOAm5ZOm_UOPNPAgwyFswTBrFh6-Q1hJsccFrymKxOvpkKLXBaCLis4YLIMlEiyB6Za/s200/IMG_4634.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first self designed sock.<br />
Needs improvements.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've gotten a couple skeins off my wheel and hope to have listed in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/davenportgroves">shop</a> some time tomorrow. Right now the twist is being set. I enjoyed the way the colors came out and it's a larger batch than I normally do at once. I think it was somewhere over 320 yards between the skeins. Once the twist is set and they're all dry they'll get to go through their own little personal photo shoot. I've got a couple other things knitted that I haven't bothered doing photos for either, so we'll see. I've been itching to do a project for myself. I did the socks, I am generally pleased with them. I took the knowledge from all my sock attempts and combined it into this sock I made. It's awaiting a mate but I'm not really feeling up to it. While out shopping last weekend Zeke picked out some yarn as he mentioned he wanted socks for himself. Not feeling that one either. The other day I heard about Ravelry's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/mystery-220">Mystery 220</a> group. Basically, each week you are given a set of knitting pattern instructions. You do the instructions and by the end of the month you have a wonderful knitted piece. Each piece will usually not contain more than 220 yards so it's perfect for all the stash yarns I have sitting around. For me, it's a no-brainer. I can't sit and ponder at the picture and decide if I would really wear/use it. I don't have much time to ever do anything for myself so when I am looking for something to make myself I find I spend more time searching for the right pattern than it would to take me to even knit it. This way I have no choice, I just do it! I started the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/mystery-220/1540375/1-25">March KAL</a>. As my piece developes, I have an idea of what our little item will turn out to be. Don't worry, I won't spoil it for those who are not as far or haven't had a chance to check out the group out yet. Very tickeled to see how it all plays out!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On that note, I am staring at my carpets and noticing how they are in a severe need of cleaning. The boys have done a great job at making a collage out of mystery stains. Even if my closest relative/friend were to stop in right now, I'd be mortified. When my house looks like this, it always seems to be the time we get a bunch of unexpected company. I guess I had better clean the evidence!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In closing, I'm debating on sharing a very personal post in reference to the upcomming St. Patrick's Day weekend. As I ponder it more and more, I think I just may. If you're interested, check back in around this weekend and I just may have it up. Until then, I hope everyone is keeping warm and that your projects are coming together beautifully!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Also, spell checker does not seem to be working today so I will apologize for all my errors that have slipped my personal corrections.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-8423713059585863042011-03-01T09:50:00.002-05:002011-03-03T06:36:00.517-05:00Handsome Dogs, More Yarn and Socks DoneAn interesting morning with lots to share...hopefully the blogger picture uploader and I can be friends as I type this so I can get everything up. I have a lot of problems arranging the pictures exactly where I want them before the auto save clicks on and then the pictures end up somewhere in the page like a scavenger hunt.<br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kenn32707?ref=pr_shop_more" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; height: 220px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 187px;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBCDsddqb1pkFgaHOmBoCoF_mHNa7MhPrMx7YWPIDNNzUHmnRD6f3fRriJ-Jn2JjXIMwlnzSkNRUwEvFJlzyrEM6dyK1BrdN1XViEllvISp2X3CrKPwgSAe95eI2lLi8ndDpw2ycsmT-D/s320/il_570xN_223207812.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handsome Kato ready for St. Patty's Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>First and foremost, a couple friends of mine have launched their Etsy shop as of last night, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BullFits?ref=pr_shop_more&show_panel=true">BullFits</a>. It's catered to your pets, or "fur-babies". Right now they are featuring some adorable neckties for medium sized dogs. Their model (and their personal fur-baby Frenchie), Kato, is a doll! How could you resist those looks and cheeks? What a ham! Some of you may have seen accessories or other attire for your pet but these are a much better quality than you might find elsewhere. Unlike most other pet attire <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BullFits?ref=pr_shop_more&show_panel=true">BullFits</a> designed their line to accommodate pets in a practical way. The ties are designed not to drag and to hug the body more so they don't interfere with activities like running, playing or drinking water. The ties are made to slip right over your dogs existing collar. The St. Patty's day prints are available now and are adorable but there are other clever designs that will be listed soon. If you get a chance, you have to check them out!<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudiPi-Phgg6dXIMUTbr0MFjyh05qlWYvTKwgaOwZJZgxuS-Uacn0wsTk174PZw2ZhDYnonWMdK6E5r0UPzHW2QAmGxSW1eNvM865cdqjYjNZQuonxws7YM6T4POgRYFu6jjHKn_yQusQy/s1600/IMG_4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudiPi-Phgg6dXIMUTbr0MFjyh05qlWYvTKwgaOwZJZgxuS-Uacn0wsTk174PZw2ZhDYnonWMdK6E5r0UPzHW2QAmGxSW1eNvM865cdqjYjNZQuonxws7YM6T4POgRYFu6jjHKn_yQusQy/s200/IMG_4601.JPG" width="150" /></a>The socks I was working on are finally finished! If you've been following my blog, you know that I've never attempted socks. Baby booties, yes, but not socks. I decided I wanted to use a worsted yarn for a thicker house sock, plus, I figured it would be easier to work with for attempting my first pair. So I grabbed some basic Read Heart stash yarn I keep around because it's cheap and versatile. I found on Ravelry (yarn artists, if you are not using Ravelry you are missing out!) a very cute pattern that incorporates cables but still had a great foundation pattern. It's St. Brigid's Carnamoyle Stockings by Lahoma Jayne Nally-Kaye (if you are looking for it). They came out pretty thick which is what I wanted for a house sock. I love working with cable patterns too. Every time I work on cable patterns I think of my younger sister, Sarah, and her plethora of J.Crew sweaters when we were younger. I was jealous of her sweaters and would try to steal them when I could but she knew I would not take as much caution with them as she did. I don't blame her, she bought them with her hard earned money.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsQG1gWyyInK1UuuTaIxVJYL98dYK-yfsE4AmBObhBNeNy8JLAZ9sycfjp1f-Cvy_W6eCus08Iyi6_sGTvJIfzdJsfCQbQJ2Sp_ffdPOFJMInsWgg526mMIefttEQMCErOR299mePlr5U/s1600/IMG_4599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsQG1gWyyInK1UuuTaIxVJYL98dYK-yfsE4AmBObhBNeNy8JLAZ9sycfjp1f-Cvy_W6eCus08Iyi6_sGTvJIfzdJsfCQbQJ2Sp_ffdPOFJMInsWgg526mMIefttEQMCErOR299mePlr5U/s200/IMG_4599.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have a couple little lazy slip ups here and there but it's hard to find them and they are for myself anyway. My 11 year old son, Zeke, tried one on last night and loved them. He asked if I could make him a pair that he didn't have to wear to school because he thought the cable pattern would get him picked on. I told him I can either make these or let him scour for a pattern he liked. I loved them so much I slept in them last night. Yep, I think they just may be a permanent fixture on me feet. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnEyfSlOdfW6YeDiIbm6TLsfHN9omyFqzk0rQE0spZm2HrjIVSAd00lcyF6eikinV3Ay60FAh_SMjBL3NBBzGdcBwEfS_4KnTzAWrBvPRr6ke6VahYE6eIPm723qo8q8pMZZm6YzxpFqB/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnEyfSlOdfW6YeDiIbm6TLsfHN9omyFqzk0rQE0spZm2HrjIVSAd00lcyF6eikinV3Ay60FAh_SMjBL3NBBzGdcBwEfS_4KnTzAWrBvPRr6ke6VahYE6eIPm723qo8q8pMZZm6YzxpFqB/s200/IMG_4595.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Dreaded knot!</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Other than that I got a couple small shipments of some yarn. Where I live, we have no LYS within an hour drive - one way (Yikes! This is also why I learned to spin though). The closest we have is a Wal-Mart which offers the basics like Red Heart, Lion Brand, Caron, Bernet, etc. The second closest is a Ben Franklin craft store (every time I go there I seem to lose a Ben Franklin too) where they offer the same as Wal-Mart with a couple extras like Paton's, etc. So not the largest variety. I like to buy Red Heart for my prototypes because it's inexpensive. When I am looking for a little extra texture (or something other than acrylic) I will buy Lion Brand or Patons for prototypes and friend/family gifts. I love the variety, textures and colorway among the two latter. The only problem lately is whenever I buy Lion Brand, I get a few yards into a project and here pops out a sneaky knot. I've tried working it into my projects but it's very visible. So, I end up ripping it back apart and just cutting it out and not using that part. Sometimes it's required taking a whole project apart. It's been happening in one out of three skeins of yarn I've been purchasing anymore. I thought it might be because I purchased it from Wal-Mart (this seems common for a lot of Wal-Mart yarns despite what brand) but I found the same issue when purchased from two other craft stores. It's only been as of late but I hope it's something they're looking into. Maybe it's just my luck too, who knows. I'm sorry Lion Brand, I love you. You were the first yarn I ever fell in love with but I think we need to take a break. At least for a month or two.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv35X6pwzl4drx4KcE6SbCy-yakrHuLccbouDGwruDHF64yl2RMWSC9SRwZLlqPpgy0XWlc6TCuN-YtDfgB-njhyZ4B0BDkcJveo_WpOSYsPpHvHI86FRFaADeuvMs5dpXx8tHN5HFcPXW/s1600/IMG_4588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv35X6pwzl4drx4KcE6SbCy-yakrHuLccbouDGwruDHF64yl2RMWSC9SRwZLlqPpgy0XWlc6TCuN-YtDfgB-njhyZ4B0BDkcJveo_WpOSYsPpHvHI86FRFaADeuvMs5dpXx8tHN5HFcPXW/s200/IMG_4588.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Alright, back to what I was saying, my shipment of yarns. I was looking for something different as far as commercial yarns. My one purchase was KIM made by Filtes S.A.S. in Italy. It's 55% cotton and 45% acrylic. What drew me to it is the way it is made it is very lightweight and seems to have some great drape. It's wound like a loose, airy rope <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAVWPqmpqPm2SId-_VLpzfRh1xrSB8f6OQylhuhHeoA4D8yb2zEmqKR0uTuPKxAmO69pxOQfjFMWqCQoLBcfWxIz2uxXpT7Fc0iYgJZk-4KGpU0W4Z0vv8tqD7xq2IhoFvKvfS3iFflLm/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAVWPqmpqPm2SId-_VLpzfRh1xrSB8f6OQylhuhHeoA4D8yb2zEmqKR0uTuPKxAmO69pxOQfjFMWqCQoLBcfWxIz2uxXpT7Fc0iYgJZk-4KGpU0W4Z0vv8tqD7xq2IhoFvKvfS3iFflLm/s200/IMG_4590.JPG" width="200" /></a>(hope my picture can convey this). I have so many ideas of what to use this for! I purchased an off-white/beige color and I see it being offered in many others. If all goes well I will have to get some in other colorways.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoOsq71AQiYKScwszDpy6R0sQwNXfuX0DFcwwxWBC_jZPFBHrrMt2d1u4EjyPXlaRDok1nEe-sWZ7U3QdxeV4dOFn1Q1mAA2n3GVRfD0OFlEj4jhipvzDYeD6EfcI7VKWfnB7_bGNofgb/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoOsq71AQiYKScwszDpy6R0sQwNXfuX0DFcwwxWBC_jZPFBHrrMt2d1u4EjyPXlaRDok1nEe-sWZ7U3QdxeV4dOFn1Q1mAA2n3GVRfD0OFlEj4jhipvzDYeD6EfcI7VKWfnB7_bGNofgb/s200/IMG_4591.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt47B2kSvXChHmvcRnk8x4lSp7Ry4b8CgxpyRFFgbnvziUymhJ5CNZFPN_wdSnSP_MDzBCddqN62__sa5ojEXi-vbwsJ_n3_ZjwpSHiA0HkjDmbTjZwpieWV9hXnwDRpcuoCmHOKQRVvb_/s1600/IMG_4592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt47B2kSvXChHmvcRnk8x4lSp7Ry4b8CgxpyRFFgbnvziUymhJ5CNZFPN_wdSnSP_MDzBCddqN62__sa5ojEXi-vbwsJ_n3_ZjwpSHiA0HkjDmbTjZwpieWV9hXnwDRpcuoCmHOKQRVvb_/s200/IMG_4592.JPG" width="200" /></a>The second I bought was Lily Chin's signature collection Harlem. I liked the colors and this, too, is very lightweight. This one is made almost like the KIM but it's more of a flat ribbon. It's 52% cotton and 45% acrylic. I've never used any of Lily Chin's products (although I would love to get my hands on her book <span id="btAsinTitle"><strong><em>Power Cables: The Ultimate Guide to Knitting Inventive Cables </em></strong>soon!). I remember the first time I ever heard of her is when I was watching David Letterman and she crocheted a sweater on air for him, however long ago that was. I giggled thinking, "That wasn't so tough, anyone can do that!" not thinking about how much the on-air pressure would add. To be honest, maybe they can't. I've not ever tried and I don't exactly know if I'm up for that challenge. I'll probably get my ass burned. Anyway, I liked her and thought she was great. I loved how she helps bring knitting and crocheting into into mainstream fashion and designs exciting new projects that keep younger kids wanting to learn how to knit and crochet. Back to my original statement (I'm rambling now and all over the place), I bought her yarn. I will let you know what I think of it when I'm finished!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Anywhooo, now that I am over my sock determination I need to get things taken care of around the house that have fallen by the wayside. The kids are getting stir-crazy and the weather looks like it will be nice for Northeaster Pennsylvania! Maybe some grilling will be in order tonight? Even better, grilling and spinning at the same time on the porch!? (Yeah, I'm addicted) We shall see....</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-68924262989288751102011-02-27T10:38:00.005-05:002011-02-27T11:00:09.822-05:00You Can Keep Your Germs, I'll Take Your Socks Though<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a bout of sick kids and a sick dog, I have finally found some time to be back on. After some TLC, a few hundred dollars later (thank you stupid medical insurance) and lots of disinfecting, we are back on track. Sadly enough, the roughest to care for was the dog. Although we were up every couple hours making sure Danny got his meds and James got a nebulizer treatment (of course they didn't coincide) the dog was tough. Without getting graphic, he couldn't hold anything in and was not able to make it outside in time. He had to be crated at night and spent most of the day outside which he hates. The routine resulted in constant barking and whining. Constant barking and whining in my opinion is one of the worst forms of torture. You can't reason with him and tell him he can't enjoy his normal routine because the last thing I need is the kids running through his messes. Or that I particularly don't enjoy cleaning his messes, especially when the kids are making enough of their own. He's very old, and very needy. A giant, stubborn, thick-headed big baby. He also suffers from some type of entitlement delusion. He thinks he's the boss. No matter how many times you try to prove to him that he isn't, he will bark and whine till he can get his way.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65370176/rusted-tin-signs-hand-dyed-hand-spun?ref=v1_other_2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq9ONCa1gwrTQpeQUAABOaYVF1Jy9hZMoQuZCrOTo0G_0lZNmB9mgRP6J8oUq5SmV_0YgWPGLGLBaThW4VdsLhNWN6725vJSNJv0f6YMmLtR3d9hQSMDK65-pSkUolQPhrSouufGppAly/s200/IMG_4000.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm merino becomes....</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Naptimes around here where when I could finally find some sanity. I would get my downstairs picked up and work on whatever project I could that is more dangerous or time consuming to have out when the kids are awake. My favorite would have to be dying and painting roving and yarns. To me, it's like an addiction. My methods are not calculated exactly, so it's always a great surprise when I'm finished. If it's roving, I find myself extremely antsy to get it on my wheel to find out how it looks. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65370176/rusted-tin-signs-hand-dyed-hand-spun" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVZiQ_D5OYL0DTIL3EHz9Wke7XDwIvidCXEdONZFUofjUM80ObIuoH1A8xdKBKZ2r4cP2TJbQ4nGFWZpT38TtAVghUeUyWLI1fn9LJP5dg4oyEWyAeyeMfeFHR7iT-NG_IusHCeFODycY/s200/IMG_3903.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This. My Tin Signs Merino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>That's also another surprise. I've found myself with a wonderful braid of roving thinking, "This is going to look amazing." When it's one the wheel sometimes it doesn't appeal as much to me. I've had others that I would set aside with no desire to get to my wheel immediately. A lot of those end up becoming my favorite. I love the way the colors take shape and compliment each other. I think that's why I seem to prefer to spin mostly two ply yarns. It doesn't seem to matter the amount of color you use, or what colors you use together. When it's plied correctly, it can be wonderful. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sunny skein!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1572474557"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjIvaiHw38RhHcEl6zKH9knQJKTIQzi1AtG9N_sImzqfwP8PeRwBU7NiF7ieAsD3ZPxIIsA5KZp25MNnnTPEhesthdXaOJJmve-TULicL7k-QRRF-w2rhAwjrXZELf6zFkK-u09E3Qq7M/s200/IMG_4362.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67942305/oh-sunny-days-hand-spun-hand-dyed-merino">This mottled hank became...</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67942305/oh-sunny-days-hand-spun-hand-dyed-merino"></a> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also love surfing around and checking out other peoples blog for hand dyed roving pictures. I think it is fascinating to see the roving and then see the spinners final product. Colors that are extremely unappealing that you would never want to own or pair together find a way to live in perfect harmony with each other. So, in honor of my addiction, I will share some of my most recent work myself. Just so you can see how it evolves. I drive my husband crazy whenever I am working on something and I am running around like an idiot taking lots of pictures. I always regret when I don't have pictures. They not only give you a simple satisfaction of watching your own work evolve but it's a handy way to keep reference notes. It makes every artist more efficient and cuts out a lot of the guesswork. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZXd1n2lKeRzrNE0_g1LRyCCyaPHrx4aoRVBD8S03vYtQvSEBQZwlngaYDGLuv8XzXJGNTjTzO0ybQHgXx8OgTdTwut1SectxqclnFw08cjOrxTLGfyg8-qUfXSsHYvhfFrv0evuURFs6/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZXd1n2lKeRzrNE0_g1LRyCCyaPHrx4aoRVBD8S03vYtQvSEBQZwlngaYDGLuv8XzXJGNTjTzO0ybQHgXx8OgTdTwut1SectxqclnFw08cjOrxTLGfyg8-qUfXSsHYvhfFrv0evuURFs6/s200/IMG_4472.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is the yarn I spun from it. By far my favorite colorway. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Who would have thought? A gift for my mom.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3we_fcOcT_UgBj_EeOUH-kmdwilcubfS9of4RJ-9VkfbDXo4OGmHlQ1_LEzudBFpaRrVDxmhwmjbOPkgaGo97-ANiGYgpRNcN5JtKMGR4XQNy785R_zJctNN1U8gtX1qYm1xrBx5kb73Q/s1600/IMG_4373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3we_fcOcT_UgBj_EeOUH-kmdwilcubfS9of4RJ-9VkfbDXo4OGmHlQ1_LEzudBFpaRrVDxmhwmjbOPkgaGo97-ANiGYgpRNcN5JtKMGR4XQNy785R_zJctNN1U8gtX1qYm1xrBx5kb73Q/s200/IMG_4373.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the roving Zeke hand dyed all by himself</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very pretty BFL skein</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful BFL</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68926866/tomato-harvest-bfl-hand-spun-hand-dyed-2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHhQfkWnw_aE01CNZEUDTP5sOMM0Nd15FBSGrDYN_XbjaqF2GJsglgi1UvdG1c2xH3MEW9Ncl3H8pfrfNKzFUZuptdqa4vl1-qLp3wtHI-mOtvMeBVVY1bKRP43w1tEa0IvL3WSLZl3QG/s200/IMG_4538.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Handspun waiting to be painted.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Notice my trashed socks from last post</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">in the background!</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haindpainting the yarn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68926866/tomato-harvest-bfl-hand-spun-hand-dyed-2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL0IgHELKxy6I0xhNFPlE-yLe7pnjq0KdMT_qOYEG59hnqyZsK9fc3kummnjz3bnsQiAd_hvV2l0L-hf_DNPKWs7GOvHtL-yiQ3U3nJ9nVteMkdk3tzFYJIf8fGV4rdd0lCU5N6DOwlTm/s200/IMG_4555.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvest Tomato Hanpainted Yarn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4ujo2Ai9ct6YSjpfaQnX7tyXWTgaPWLQFVGceXZujj-krvbxvALklkFIajz6PmuaPTj81LEGAJoNK7Xyl_KODLjlTMByRd6a2aI0TR-zWttocLjVbHL9H7aEpGD3GiAVqzRWqfL7psas/s1600/IMG_4534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4ujo2Ai9ct6YSjpfaQnX7tyXWTgaPWLQFVGceXZujj-krvbxvALklkFIajz6PmuaPTj81LEGAJoNK7Xyl_KODLjlTMByRd6a2aI0TR-zWttocLjVbHL9H7aEpGD3GiAVqzRWqfL7psas/s200/IMG_4534.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corridale for socks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I think since my last post, you got to see me knitting those damn socks. Well, if you check out one of the pictures of hand painting you can see them in the background. I gave up on that particular sock officially. The first pattern I had on it, the further I went the more I wasn't impressed with the pattern itself. Made the sock start looking generic. The second pattern I got, it was written out much better. However, I missed the type of ribbing from the first sock. So, I plan on combining the two eventually, the top of the first and the bottom of the other to get the sock I want. In the meantime, I have started a new pair. I have not taken liberty to take pictures yet but I will once they are done. I decided to go with a worsted yarn because I wanted more of a house sock, or "footie" as we call. It's an equivalent of wearing your shoes in the house. They are coming out beautifully. Now I feel my sock confidence rising and I am finding myself looking at yarns much differently. So has my husband...he now despises yarn even more (if it was possible) and hates socks. I find myself going over everyones socks while I am doing laundry now. I never paid attention before but now I am amused. Eventually I will get back to the stripey pair, if I can restrain from buying more yarn and fiber. I got a new shipment of corridale that I intend on keeping for myself just to make socks. I always spin two ply but love the way it looks spun single ply. Being this is only for socks, for myself, I think I will stick to the single ply.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div> Well, my small blog break is over. I wanted to share more but honestly, this auto save stuff is for the birds when you are trying to place your pictures where you want them. Sorry for the poor layout but my patience are maxed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwjDiuOYxJWeQoSE4Ff4fBVFulv1LBZ6hKBfsOvWdNYZY8PQKSlPLl4tXgvMmIIwT_QKrgKdtg03YAfdBAbxan2Xfuj_w371xiidHvvGS2DfqKtewTAEbjOSSU89IPD-1lD45oQATmbPg/s1600/IMG_4394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwjDiuOYxJWeQoSE4Ff4fBVFulv1LBZ6hKBfsOvWdNYZY8PQKSlPLl4tXgvMmIIwT_QKrgKdtg03YAfdBAbxan2Xfuj_w371xiidHvvGS2DfqKtewTAEbjOSSU89IPD-1lD45oQATmbPg/s320/IMG_4394.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current (and maybe permanent) status of my sock</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, this past weekend I celebrated my birthday by buying more yarn. "Yes, I know I make yarn!" I told my husband as he grimaced at the idea. "It's just nice to have more for my stash." The idea of adding more yarn to my stash turned his grimace into a scowl. He should by now know that these facial expressions are quite useless when I have my mind put to something.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One thing I have never done is knitted a pair of adult socks. I've done infant booties, but never socks. The idea of using three or more needles intimidate me. I'm comfortable just using a pair, cable needles or cirucular needles. I would have never intended on doing socks if it weren't for the yarn I came across while shopping. It was Patons Kroy Sock Jacquards but I loved the colors in it. It was my most favorite colored skein in the whole store. Well, if I was going to buy it I needed to make what it was intended for. Along with the socks I purchased my first set of sock needles (which I prefer bamboo if anyone needs to know). I came home and got the kids settled and started away. I casted on the number required once, messed it all up and took it apart. I stared at it starting to wonder if I really could do it. Then I decided to start again making sure my investments went to good use. Sure enough, I got it! I did the simple rib stitching for about 8 inches like the pattern said (or so I thought it did). When I was ready to proceed further I noticed the patten only called for the ribbing to go three inches. No biggie, I figured I would just make them longer. So I trudged on and now the pattern I'm using makes no sense at all. It's a Paton's pattern from online and I either should not be making socks or I accidentally have been checking between two different patterns. The pattern keeps telling me to slip last st onto next needle. Okay, first there is no last st. There are about 8 of them. Secondly sl onto what next needle? The next set that needs knitted? That's what made sense to me and that's what I did. At the end I had 8 stitches sitting on the fourth needle of my three needle pattern. I would assume this is part of the heal and I would ignore it and flip the thing over and work in rows for a bit but it's still telling me to work in rounds. I found a helpful website and kinda left it at that. We'll see if I decide to pick it back up or if it's going to end up in my RIP project pile.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q6fX3xSn4EEI66etQxgDr7K_fp6x2mAsjs2ADu5XXC8DLpfNCX2Eoa7fbaeCLl9rLUUUPGZidBNvu60YEA-gUg0UpYyt3IZM5N9ghoPEtjvpfp-Bt8e14XosPiGRZeAvS8Amm1qnr1Qp/s1600/IMG_4356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q6fX3xSn4EEI66etQxgDr7K_fp6x2mAsjs2ADu5XXC8DLpfNCX2Eoa7fbaeCLl9rLUUUPGZidBNvu60YEA-gUg0UpYyt3IZM5N9ghoPEtjvpfp-Bt8e14XosPiGRZeAvS8Amm1qnr1Qp/s200/IMG_4356.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek Stone Merino Yarn</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Other than that, things have been humming along with my other projects. The creek stone merino was spun and listed. I debated on keeping this hank because it came out so squeezy. I reluctantly parted with it knowing I would be sorry if I kept every skein I make. I didn't have time to show you the regular, "Here it is, it's finished!" before it was sold. I shipped it out this morning and I hope it's new owner enjoys it along with the other goodies sent. I really do enjoy putting a package together. I like to make it a present for whoever is going to open it. Oddly, I hate wrapping presents.</div> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Zeke's hand dyed yarn, single ply<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Zeke dying his merino roving</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also got a couple more batches of yarn dyed, and some spun. Zeke actually helped me dye one night. I gave him four ounces of merino to do whatever he wished with it. I personally liked the colors in his the best. I've spun one batch up that I did and I have his on my wheel. I have the first ply done and I'm almost halfway through the second ply but it's been a little too busy for spinning. I also think the very cold weather and ice outside has to do with it too. I can't seem to get myself motivated. Hmmm, now to think of it a fresh pot of coffee sounds great right now. We were almost out of coffee this morning so I didn't get to brew much.</div> <br />
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</div>Well, I should go see if the hubby needs help putting away the groceries he came home with. I noticed he got a box of chocolate donuts in which my reply was, "Why do you always get food that makes my butt grow?". His reply was to hand me two donuts, one for each cheek. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-45105477865727049772011-01-25T14:15:00.000-05:002011-01-25T14:15:28.154-05:00You Found WHAT!? WHERE!?As you can see there's been another small lapse in my blog posts. For a good cause I may add. It all started when my husband and I were having one of those conversations that turned into a debate and the horrible "C" word was thrown out at me. Yep ladies(and gents in fairness), you guessed it...the word "CLEAN" (what else were you thinking?). Our house was starting to look like something off of hoarders. Not that we hoard anything, or meanfully try to. When you have small tots, you're playing with them and ooops, someone found a pair of scissors or a fresh cup of coffee. They get placed up out of reach and playtime is resumed. Well, after months of it clutter starts to stack up in high places. For years I had been nagging my husband about a bookshelf (well a wall of bookshelves). A little over a year ago we finally got them and I proudly placed my books on them. Until this past weekend if someone were to stop by I had wished I had curtains over my bookshelves so they would become hidden from view. They were a catch all for everything. Not to mention I have been pestering my 11 year old son, Zeke, to clean his room for what seems like two years now and mine looked like a tornado ran through it. I had lost about 60 lbs since before I was even pregnant from my second son so there were piles of clothes that were too big. There were piles of maternity clothes that go from sister to sister when she's expecting. There were clothes my kids had outgrown or hand me downs they had not grown into yet. My husband had a plethora of band t-shirts that he felt were too juvenile at his age but he didn't want to part with. All of that, and then some got done this weekend. No blood was lost, no lives taken. Everything was taken back down to being simple and tasteful. I have an eclectic taste and have all kinds of things placed everywhere so it was hard parting with a lot of furniture and nick knacks. Thankfully, the new found functionality takes all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pVpKApFJgo95T1Vaq1XFeHkWRvTzcJIf-A1gZu9G99NxUz_-fAVOlBP_Nk01tBDq5avpMOvZEza6BvYdHqwOuPa-rE2twNgwpbpsuuP952AdAgK_rLNHaPCiNddsOLe8XE65CQMaGGx-/s1600/Blog+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pVpKApFJgo95T1Vaq1XFeHkWRvTzcJIf-A1gZu9G99NxUz_-fAVOlBP_Nk01tBDq5avpMOvZEza6BvYdHqwOuPa-rE2twNgwpbpsuuP952AdAgK_rLNHaPCiNddsOLe8XE65CQMaGGx-/s320/Blog+064.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back: Jacobs wool before cleaning<br />
Front: Jacobs wool after cleaning<br />
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</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm just glad there weren't too many surprises. Kids love to hide things in odd places. It took us all weekend to find our Wii remote that Danny (my 18 month old) lovingly shoved in his play kitchen stove. We found candy from who knows which child shoved between books. Medical ID bracelets from when we had to take Danny to the ER from a high fever (he was actually seizuring) that we couldn't bring down. We even found some tablets used for high school and college homework. I think my favorite find of all was this hippy single shoulder bag I had from when I was in high school. Not so much the bag but inside I found a small bag of puppy food from when our pit, Sable, was a puppy. I used to bring her to work with me. In there was also one of those fine toothed pet combs that had never been used because her hair was so short. I had been trying to find something to help me clean out vegetable matter out of raw wool in order to spin and couldn't find anything fine toothed enough. So although this may seem silly to you, it was a treasure to me! I still have about two pounds of Jacobs raw wool wrapped tightly in a garbage bag stashed inside one of those wooden porch bench/toy box deals. It was the scariest thing ever when I got it in the mail. It didn't look anything like the picture. It was matted with urine and feces and clumped together. There were whole dead bug carcasses and carcasses of bug butts, like cockroaches. I don't know much about cockroaches as I've never seen a real one but I guess the eggs are carried in the rear and the rear breaks off with the eggs in it or something to that effect. Well, you get the idea. Just as I was about ready to dump it out so I could go through it better a large, giant, millipede crawled to the top to meet me. So, that's why it's still sitting outside since October. I did get enough courage to clean a little of it to see if it's even worth cleaning. As you can see from the pictures it did clean up very nicely. I think I may keep it around to practice some techniques with and maybe make some felted mats for the doggie out of. This was my first and only run in with raw wool and I have no clue if that is the norm. The raw alpaca I got from my aunt seemed like it could have been eaten off of compared to this stuff. Alas, alpaca doesn't have the lanolin in it either so I imagine raw wool in that shape is normal.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1IroFExv_9skUuJVp4JMEitc61TXyvDkX1KntM2o-CO7daG2NqMMxb_bytsmMMk-df9vDCMNA49YnSm05gggCQipgHS3azgWqs6gk7TQRVRMWxPrrLimFCmNle3aPoF2XTpC4M8QohUe/s1600/Blog+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1IroFExv_9skUuJVp4JMEitc61TXyvDkX1KntM2o-CO7daG2NqMMxb_bytsmMMk-df9vDCMNA49YnSm05gggCQipgHS3azgWqs6gk7TQRVRMWxPrrLimFCmNle3aPoF2XTpC4M8QohUe/s200/Blog+058.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, I got this far!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I guess I should be moving on to other things now. I have my shop scheduled to have a showcase promotion this weekend and planned to have a lot of different things ready by then which probably won't be happening. I've been caught up lately at working on my knitting cable technique. Not that I can't cable knit, but try it with an 18 month old running around and every time you get up and leave it lay he decides he needs to "help out". So I guess you can say it's more of a "retrain myself to get through a cable knitted project and not let the kids get to it" state of mind.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-43809514480471282142011-01-21T07:27:00.000-05:002011-01-21T07:27:10.652-05:00Another Snow Day and Another Listing <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66393810/hurry-spring-mobius-cowl-hand-knit" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMdouNZEYYhC7V2Zbps5UA_WYg8TdqwMKWAiiNgb5ofGaX3oF7lDmVUKUxA-3nYNlwEcZL5-Wpyna2yIg_zvZNRC6IswhrdHey7Lex3b-MmLJ_0B16q92sHVgujzkv2OvpTTCSeFqUOnc/s320/Blog+020.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mobius Cowl - 100% Mernio Wool, Handknit, Hand Spun and Hand Dyed</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Just want to let those of you who are reading this know I am still blogging! I know I haven't had a post in a few days. I really wish I had some great story to go with as to why I don't, but I don't. Maybe because of weather and MLK day this week, my eldest has only been in school two days this week? Yeah, I'll go with that one. As you can see from my status bar, I've made some progress and have had some failures. The chunky cowl was completely scrapped. I did not like the way it looked without being knitted on over sized circular needles (something I need to invest in). However, I did get a new cowl finished that I have listed. I have recently learned how to link the pictures if I need to, so if there is anything here that winds up in the shop you can find out by clicking on the pictures.<br />
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As I type this now, another storm has reached us! My eldest does not have school today. I'm sure he'll be excited to know once he actually crawls out of bed. Ahh, memories of snow days. I would remember laying in bed all night too tired to look out the window at the storms progress. I would try to gauge how much snow we got by holding my breath when the snow plow truck drove by so I could hear the amount of snow it's pushing around better. Although I did this often, it was never an accurate calculation. Every time my parents came up and down the stairs seemed like they were taunting us with the inevitable question, "Do we have school or was it cancelled?". The anger when we would find out school will go on as normal that day. We would curse out of earshot with juvenile words pointed at the bus drivers, principal and superintendent (whoever we thought made the final decision). We would question their intelligence because even though we did not have drivers licenses, we knew we had made the more responsible decision. On the other hand, jubilation when we had gained an extra day to ourselves! We felt like we had gambled against the system and won.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Snowfall Very Early This Morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>An extra snow day meant a lot of things for me and my siblings as a kid. Of course the first is sleeping in. Just the fact that we could lie around in bed and actually wake up BEFORE we rolled out was great. Did you ever notice though, it's much easier to get out of bed early on a cancelled day than it is on a school day? I guarantee right now my eldest, Zeke, is laying in bed wondering each time I go upstairs to get something for the baby, if I'm working my way to waking him up. Today he will find out that is not the case. After we were up we would eat our breakfast and gear up to go play outside. We would meticulously bundle ourselves to ensure we would not get snow in our boots, up or sleeves, down our neck or get cold in any way. Even if this meant sifting through the cupboards and finding plastic bags (usually bread bags) to line our boots with. It was not because our boots were in poor condition but to guarantee once we got our snow fort built we wouldn't have to come back inside to warm up before we got a chance to play in it. We knew when we did come back inside there would be a snack of hot chocolate and peanut butter and fluff waiting for us. It doesn't sound like much but my mom is a great mom and knows that kind of stuff isn't good for a regular diet. If it was before Christmas, my mom would bring out a tub of felt sheets, glitter, rick rack, magnets, and other odds and ends for us to make Christmas ornaments while we had our snow day snacks. If it was after Christmas we would work on our craft items that we had gotten for Christmas. Like pot holder looms, woodburning kits, etc. On the really special snow days, by the evening a fresh batch of home made vanilla ice cream was waiting for dessert. Not too many things in this world can beat the taste of home made ice cream.<br />
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As a mom I love snow days. Not because I don't have to wake up early. I'm always up early anyway. I like knowing Zeke is in bed, warm and comfortable. Catching up on good sleep. It's a nice slow paced morning. I can enjoy my coffee and catch up on the things I need to get done without cutting into the kiddo's time or keeping an eye out for the bus if Zeke is dragging his feet getting ready. Having all my kids home for the entire day and enjoying the extra playtime.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsAIxHegTSRJurp1onMbSghQSMGhQrIu66nU3J0id1XruFnt7ZWfEvEf_GhEhIUizupbGkTfZnYkdUjDxUQUMgjTVruooOZ5GrXJmUlDDKReCEk5BcKzEV-UakyQOoR9TuMGnTwoExG1v/s1600/Blog+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsAIxHegTSRJurp1onMbSghQSMGhQrIu66nU3J0id1XruFnt7ZWfEvEf_GhEhIUizupbGkTfZnYkdUjDxUQUMgjTVruooOZ5GrXJmUlDDKReCEk5BcKzEV-UakyQOoR9TuMGnTwoExG1v/s320/Blog+022.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My youngest, James, taking his early morning nap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, I myself, must start the day. I need to go through and make sure everyone has their boots, gloves, hats and snow pants are accessible. I also need to dig out the hot chocolate and fluff for later. A tradition I have carried on. Wishing everyone else out there a great Friday and a wonderful start for your weekend.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-42883133562548285552011-01-15T12:41:00.004-05:002011-01-16T15:33:07.415-05:00A Busy Set Of Days With A Promise Delivered!Okay, so despite my house becoming utter chaos, I was able to get the dyeing tutorial all ready for you this weekend as promised. For those of you who want to learn how to dye your animal fibers with Kool-Aid, food coloring and natural dyes...<a href="http://davenportgroves.blogspot.com/p/dying-woolanimal-fibers-from-kool-aid.html">click here</a>!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66014497/rockabilly-chic-hand-spun-yarn-2-ply?ref=em" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-710YpYsKStNHqOrUhvpb9vtzQM-tOa99jwzTux1kpGTWc_QVQXBpZoH9VFDUQRrbDsCBSaFmdtER8qpXlP5jBARB7Z8hYcD5m2agsIJsHZLfqrIwn_H3cNtPWrfMiJfDjfTUNGJ-HpcR/s320/Blog+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockabilly Chic leftovers for swatches...All done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Other than that, it was a busy set of days trying to get projects finished while balancing the time with the regular household duties and spending time with the kids. Lets face it, generally kids win. They need to. I can't complain, mine were perfect gents and I was able to get a lot accomplished (notice the status changes in my sidebar?). Today is a different story.</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handspun Alpaca :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The alpaca yarn is all spun and I am very proud of it. I wish you could feel how soft it is. I keep it laying around for motivation. I want to start on my wrap in the worst way possible but I set the rule that I cannot until I get my other projects finished. So, that in itself has been great motivation. I have my shop to set up to be featured on the 29th and want to get as much of my works up there that I haven't yet. I realize you can see what I have on my side bar but I also have a sealed bin that when I'm finished with something and it needs to be listed...it goes there. Essentially it's waiting for its own special little photo shoot but it's a lot of time and work involved so I try to get around as much as I can to make it more worth it.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It will be nice when I get a lot of this done. I plan on maybe spending a couple days (if I can help it) not working on anything and just playing with the kiddos. I have a list of phone calls I need to return (very sorry guys, I'm not ignoring you) and e-mails from friends to respond to. These are the days I live on coffee. That is until it makes my stomach knot or when I'm up so late and can't sleep I consider it a great friend. How sad is it I would have separation dreams when I was pregnant and nursing? In my dreams I would sit down to a HOT (even though I can drink coffee now doesn't mean it's hot by the time I can get to it) cup of coffee and drink cup after cup. It's the little things that always make me happy.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Well, time to leave you for a bit. I must place myself back in the real world this moment as I have a hungry child waiting for his lunch to be served. If I don't blog again before Monday, I'm wishing everyone a great weekend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-23362020659459842252011-01-13T00:15:00.000-05:002011-01-13T00:15:32.214-05:00Snow Days and Social Networking Sites<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, by today we did get our snow. My sister had to get back to her house right after I watched her kids to try to avoid the roads getting worse. Needless to say no dying of wool in kool-aid took place. However, I am dying a small batch as we speak. I am trying to take pictures accordingly and hope to have them posted by this weekend. Perhaps you are looking for a weekend project? I'll give you a rundown of the materials you will need on hand in case anyone reading this would like to partake this weekend.</div><br />
Well our backyard did transform quite a bit and I was surprised <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tent, it's much taller than myself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>to see that school only called for a delay instead of closing all together. My eleven year old stayed home complaining of a stomach ace ;). We pulled out a play tent they got for Christmas and set it up so they could play with it. My eleven year old, Zeke, did a great job at putting his little brothers toys inside. I feel this is mostly for Zeke's benefit to ensure he would be tag along free for an uncertain amount of time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qvdv9y7K-O4kt0s1pQoypXVF2XdZut3Ik7ca6R7PI6noFbGbiMka1qWfPTJ4WRAGBA-6AD-CuvCNwYT1349MD1IZuvveuHsGhBU3Ye62XfMU_iS0awdkwoPXgyLhncSc5vsyCbB7iVJv/s1600/Blog+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qvdv9y7K-O4kt0s1pQoypXVF2XdZut3Ik7ca6R7PI6noFbGbiMka1qWfPTJ4WRAGBA-6AD-CuvCNwYT1349MD1IZuvveuHsGhBU3Ye62XfMU_iS0awdkwoPXgyLhncSc5vsyCbB7iVJv/s320/Blog+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our backyard Wednesday afternoon</td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Back to the dying. I will try to get all this out and not be redundant when I actually post the how-to. Any wool/animal fiber can be dyed with Kool-Aid and it will take just as well as commercial dye. If you follow the correct use and care for wool it should never fade. However, if you do plan on felting your project, like any commercial dye some fading will take place. That's why I recommend felting it BEFORE you dye so there's no surprises at the end. Unless you like surprises (I'm getting too old for surprises). Okay, on to your materials list..</div><br />
1) Your material you want dyed (wool fiber, roving, top, yarn or already knitted/crocheted project) *Please make sure it is NOT superwash and at least an 80% or higher wool/animal fiber content in a natural off white or white color<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2) Kool-Aid and/or food coloring. I will use a pack of Kool-Aid for every two ounces of fiber</div><br />
3) Vinegar <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4) Stainless Steel Pot</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5) Your stove top</div><br />
6) Maybe a little helper friend. It will be hot on the stove so use caution<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A microwave oven can be used as well but I'm not familiar with that method as I prefer stove top</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That's it! </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwXojuelkQtVn1jPOEeFFgK0CzO0-xlZFZTC-YhyphenhyphenNB9LG0o5NW9NCf1ttM0r-2PJhkLlhyphenhyphen2QRetRrkSmuJGNtC7TGatD2LuPU2y12nVF5KiD9wsa7tnW3YE3OiL7gSLj2az4m2sXa8Hik/s1600/Blog+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwXojuelkQtVn1jPOEeFFgK0CzO0-xlZFZTC-YhyphenhyphenNB9LG0o5NW9NCf1ttM0r-2PJhkLlhyphenhyphen2QRetRrkSmuJGNtC7TGatD2LuPU2y12nVF5KiD9wsa7tnW3YE3OiL7gSLj2az4m2sXa8Hik/s320/Blog+005.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chunky Crochet Woven Cowl To Be Posted On Etsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As far as my other projects go, I really didn't get as far as I would have liked. I am now two plying the alpaca yarn. My knitted project got a little further. I can't seem to get much knitting done when my laptop is on. I like to read drama on facebook...I mean read important news articles. In all honesty I'm not on facebook much. I used to enjoy it until I read an article (I have no clue where I found it, maybe on facebook) on how we're raising a generation of whiners. They were citing social networking sites as the biggest culprit making whining for attention the norm. I snickered at the thought at first. Later that evening I logged on to return some messages and glanced over peoples status's and sure enough it was mostly whining. Now that I'm aware of that I find it more annoying than enjoyable. If it weren't for the fact that I have a lot of great family and friends I wouldn't be able to keep in touch with as easy it would be gone. Wow, now it sounds like I'm whining!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc0T7rZllROnpQgDpdW0Hg5piE-_pul6PtJ-ynmV9GPTn32LT8_Wjov4HrbKzHoOOHpwJa4OteV96KYW9SFh1Sf_Pt6BID1Rv9pmmeHZKL3-LXT2xRgftysVX6KMebXTYkNAAV61zP0WS/s1600/Blog+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc0T7rZllROnpQgDpdW0Hg5piE-_pul6PtJ-ynmV9GPTn32LT8_Wjov4HrbKzHoOOHpwJa4OteV96KYW9SFh1Sf_Pt6BID1Rv9pmmeHZKL3-LXT2xRgftysVX6KMebXTYkNAAV61zP0WS/s320/Blog+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cotton Colored Merino Hand spun yarn will be on Etsy but needs to be "set" yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Hoping to get more items listed on Etsy by this weekend. I have a cotton colored hank of hand spun merino and a cowl that has been about 95% done for about a month now. I just can't get myself to finish in the ends. I hate finishing ends. Speaking of ends, it is very late and the kiddo's will be up very early. I think it's time to put my whiny behind to bed. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-23665579284020898982011-01-11T15:51:00.002-05:002011-01-12T13:35:10.302-05:00Ahhh...NaptimeThe boys are in nap and today has proven to be uneventful thus far. Virtually no cleaning has been done. The knitted cowl I was working on was taken completely back apart. I wanted a slight twist in its style, like a mobius, but it was over twisted. Ugh. I did get the cowl going again and I'm at about the same stage as I was this morning when I tore it all apart. Now it looks really good.<br />
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Other than that, I did get some spinning in. I am very anxious to knit the finished project. So far it's starting to look very promising:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-if7xQM5WpG5inpskle5uYjRsLkVykhj44Mq-8pWCDlGaBT5EJ4-For4083khcgruYIFRtSchmgEj4L6DMZPJZb3PYuW6Sp3IkA33MFHwr437Vk6FylKx4rguCK0fOhzZTi4qqV_HR_u/s1600/Blog+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-if7xQM5WpG5inpskle5uYjRsLkVykhj44Mq-8pWCDlGaBT5EJ4-For4083khcgruYIFRtSchmgEj4L6DMZPJZb3PYuW6Sp3IkA33MFHwr437Vk6FylKx4rguCK0fOhzZTi4qqV_HR_u/s320/Blog+001.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rest of what needs spun, a bag of wonderful cream colored alpaca!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjPDaPsBpugVTKNivunF0jfx9ZtbclyHFb4SQMVfQ3etlfADgM3o7ghANyRNmCCVJcwYdFJKM6Dsu2kMZbaUqMh3yYHwWmumbsR41_VlZDvtYAQ60OodK7E1qxmws84O_jdllhYsQmWil/s1600/Blog+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjPDaPsBpugVTKNivunF0jfx9ZtbclyHFb4SQMVfQ3etlfADgM3o7ghANyRNmCCVJcwYdFJKM6Dsu2kMZbaUqMh3yYHwWmumbsR41_VlZDvtYAQ60OodK7E1qxmws84O_jdllhYsQmWil/s320/Blog+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The progress of spinning it raw on my wheel Looking Good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've gone back and forth for leaving it a single ply or a double ply. I would love to make a knitted wrap out of it so I think I may go with a double ply to give it a thick lovely drape. I'm trying not to rush it and take my time. I've had a couple shipments of other fibers come in since this has been on my wheel that I am itching to try out as well. Luckily, I have not invested in extra bobbins for my wheel. Otherwise, I fear my spinning wheel would be surrounded by unfinished bobbins. <br />
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The weather has been cold so it's been tough to stay motivated to do anything, or at least the things I should be doing instead of what I want to do. I have my nephews coming over tonight and word has it we're finally going to be some snow tonight! Not that I am a fan of snow but when you live in NE Pennsylvania and there's been virtually no snow and it's been so cold, it can get frustrating. If it does start snowing tonight, I think some hot chocolate may be in order for the boys tonight. Looking forward to the company of my sister. I've taught her how to crochet before but lately she has really picked up on it. I am so excited to have a fellow "hooker" ha ha! If the boys and time allow, I may teach her how to dye yarns using kool-aid and food coloring. If all goes well, I will get some pictures along the way to pass on a how-to tutorial in the very near future.<br />
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I must now turn off the laptop and get some cleaning done. I would like to close this post with a current picture of our backyard. There is little snow to be seen. This is the most we've gotten so far this year. By this time tomorrow I will hopefully have more to show you. Keeping my fingers crossed that school will be cancelled for tomorrow! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know my grapevines need pruned and the wheelbarrow should have been put away</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144761625587148649.post-36705485731300015202011-01-10T16:57:00.000-05:002011-01-11T13:59:50.980-05:00Another Day, A New Idea...<i style="font-family: inherit;">Any of those who know me personally know, I've recently become a SAHM within the past year. During this time I've been trying to find the perfect routine for myself, newborn, 18 month old and 11 year old son. As well as a husband working swing shifts, a dog and an older house and now I've gotten myself a handful of responsibilities. I love them all! My other passions aside from my family are my "hobbies" which mostly consists of anything to do with fiber (knitting, crocheting, felting, spinning and dying) as well as many others. I wanted to mostly create this blog to motivate me and share my trials and errors of my hobbies as well as mommy-hood. I want to share the ups and downs of being a SAHM while hoping to maybe pass on some hobbies and how-to's to others looking for a way to spend time (not like there's much of that to go around) while their kiddo's are occupied. Please bear with me, I am new to blogging and time is limited so I can't make any promises and there may be a nice huge lapse between posts from time to time.</i><br />
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<i>I also have an Etsy shop. It's something that makes me feel like I'm still contributing to society while changing diapers in my living room. If you get a chance, please check it out: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/davenportgroves">http://www.etsy.com/shop/davenportgroves</a> . I am very excited to share my projects in the works and completed outcome. </i><br />
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<i>Unfortunately, at this point, my laptop is sitting on a shelf awaiting a new charge cord. Right now I am working on an old dinosaur back-up who's memory is full so I can't upload pictures into it. I would hate to leave this post without a few pictures of current projects but you'll have to bear with me. I have four going at the moment. A crocheted woven cowl, a knitted chunky cowl, and a crocheted shawl will more than likely be winding up in my Etsy shop. The other is a bag of alpaca fiber I am spinning...this I will be hoarding to myself. It came from my Aunt's alpaca farm and it means a lot to me but I will be happy to share it's progress.</i><br />
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<i>If you haven't done so, please take the chance to subscribe. I will try to promise you won't regret it! You can tag along on this blog ride from the beginning right on through and hopefully share a lot of laughs with me along the way. Comments greatly appreciated!</i><br />
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<i>In the meantime, I will sign off with a picture (in my dinosaur laptop album) of my old, stinky, cantankerous dog, Ollie. He's not enjoying this January weather and maybe knowing his mug is out on my blog will make him feel better.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHGadfBamVZ8oRy29-V8uPqdZo1HJJE6MdRVpTh0GazyCQXntG7RniAe8g0QlVRGmKBk78mG9nuJ66csEy707IV4d6rwB_FXt3LOEiGcVICcL_P0qpqdpUEMbtwUIQ4eCgTNhnQZatHvz/s1600/l_9e647c84a6de11983db7e6993003b098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHGadfBamVZ8oRy29-V8uPqdZo1HJJE6MdRVpTh0GazyCQXntG7RniAe8g0QlVRGmKBk78mG9nuJ66csEy707IV4d6rwB_FXt3LOEiGcVICcL_P0qpqdpUEMbtwUIQ4eCgTNhnQZatHvz/s320/l_9e647c84a6de11983db7e6993003b098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Enjoy the rest of your evening!</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750324750101037045noreply@blogger.com0