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Showing posts from 2010

Chrismas Table Runner

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I wanted to make something nice for my mother in law. She is such a wonderful person, giving, and caring. I thought a table runner for the Christmas gathering would be right up her alley. I hope that she will actually use it verses the "it's too special." I prefer things to be used. I don't make things for display only. I'm way to practical for that. I used a few different colors of crochet thread and a 12.5 dent. It's 16.5 inches by 56 inches with the fringe. I didn't care for the way the edges looked, so we added a nice trim to it. Of course the trim cost more than the rest of the project materials. Go figure we would pick the most expensive trim. All and all, it turned out pretty good. Sorry for the bad photos, but this was during the opening of gifts with eleven children all on the floor tearing wrapping off their gifts.

Merry Christmas

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Christmas 2010 001 Originally uploaded by knittingkim From our home to your's. Enjoy the holidays.

Spin In

The December spin in was hosted by the lovely Annieone. Thank you so much for being such a gracious host by opening your home to us dedicated fiberists. It was so much fun just hanging out and spinning with like minded people. There is nothing better that learning new things and exchanging ideas, and praises. Still spinning what was on the wheel today, so no pics, just some words. Keeping spinning!

A Warmer for Your Cup?

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Yep, still in the holiday knitting chaos. This is the last of the knitted items for my pals at work. I found this wonderful, easy pattern on Ravelry last week. I started these on Saturday. The first one was way too big for the cup size that I had, so on to modifying. Also, an easy fix for the pattern. I modified the pattern's stitch count from 80 to 64, and it worked out wonderfully. I knit 3 more by the end of Sunday, finished another on Monday, today I finished the last one. Then, I had to sew on the buttons, add the i-cord band, and steam them into place. Check! All in all, I made 10 gifts for work. I still have a scarf, a table runner, and 3-4 other gifts to finish before I can call it done. How many more days?!? Gotta get movin'!

Wheelinsticks gets to Stamping

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Last Sunday, the lovely and talented Deborah put together a class for stamping. First, Deborah is absolutely wonderful and talented in her own right. Last Sunday, we hung out together with Kara, Rachel, and few others to learn and take gift tags with a knitting theme.It's been awhile since I did stamping of any kind. This was amazing fun. We made five tags, a note card, and a regular sized card. I loved how it turned out. I can't believe it took three hours because the time literally flew out the door! Thanks again Deborah for amazing day.

Dyeabolical scarf

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Dyeabolical scarf 1 Originally uploaded by knittingkim I finished it. I love how the colors played off of each other. This scarf is so soft and warm. I have been wearing it nearly everyday! I still have enough yarn to make mittens over winter break.

Playing with Singles

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I love spinning singles. There's nothing quicker than sitting down for a couple of hours with a bag of long wool, my wheel, and some coffee. Low twist singles are an art in itself. I start with the biggest whorl I have, 5:1 and the tension set higher so it pulls in quickly. The biggest trick is getting the twist right. Some wools are very willing to except a short draw while others require a different method. Here, the greens and yellows is Mashum. I struggled at first with this ome because I separated the fibers too much. I ended up spinning from the fold and using a short backward draw. This one is Rhomney. I love spinning Rhomney. Some fleece are softer than others. This one is a little rougher, but usable for gloves or hat. I spun this one with a short forward draw. Both turned out lovely after a good smacking. That's the other bit of the trick. When singles come off the knotty, they look like a wad of tangles. They need a good soak in warm water and smack them against the

Meet Sis

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So at the agility trial over Thanksgiving Day weekend. Pepper met up with his sister, literally! Meet Riley, on the left. Riley was taken into a foster home the same day I took Pepper home. Riley parents adopted her about a month later. What are the chances of meeting up with a litter mate? They look so alike in some ways and completely different in others. Lots of the same mannerism and temperament. Pepper received second place on his first run, and Riley received first on her second run. Yeah to the mixed breeds!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Here in St. Louis, there is a little of the white stuff. Looks so pretty watching it from the windows. I hope everyone has a lovely time hanging out with family and friends for Thanksgiving.

Another Hat? Really!

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Yeah, it's still about knitting for the holidays. I think this is the last knitted garment for hubby's side of the family. I still have another weaving project to do, but overall I think I'm in good shape there. Anyhow, this one is for my brother in law. No real pattern, just simple. I could knit a hat in a dark alley at this point. Anyhow, just sharing this because Victoria is in the dog house again.

Another Hat

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Yep, I like making hats. They are quick to do, and just plain fun. This is a free Ravelry pattern that should have buttons where the garter stitch ridges are, but I don't think I will be adding them. The hat is one of my handspuns that my SIL fell in love with, so guess who is getting it for Christmas! Good thing because it doesn't fit my peanut head.

A Dog and some weaving

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Since Buster has commandeered the craft table, he now has to stay for photos. Here is just a few bookmarks I made for Christmas. Mainly just practicing on the loom. Easy, peasy, and useful for a few people that I work with. See he make sure he is still in the close up!

Stormy Victoria

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Victoria 1 Originally uploaded by knittingkim I feel like I have had this puppy on the needles forever! I guess if I was really working it exclusively, it might be closer to the finish line. I decided that it's cold, and I need this sweater to be wearable soon. I have the back completed and started on the left front last night. It's moving like molasses, but so pretty. Hope you extra hour is spent on something fun.

DD boyfriend's hat

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DD boyfriend's hat Originally uploaded by knittingkim Imagine another hat! I think it might be too big. I guess we'll see.

Happy Halloween

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Oh the web I spin my pretties......... hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!

Crafty Update

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It feels like forever before I manage to finish anything. Time just seems to be slipping by at the speed of light. I have managed to do some spinning recently. First up is a fiber that DD's boyfriend picked out. He wants a hat. Hey, I can do hats. The fiber is by the amazing fiber artist, Dyeabolical Fibers. The colorway is Navy in a super wash merino. The color is fantastic. Also, I just love spinning Rachel's fibers. The colors are great, and the fiber is nice and smooth to spin. Next, is a first spin for Border Leicester. Interesting, it reminds me of a rougher Rhomney. This n-plied about worsted weight. I have another colorway that has a lot of greens in it that I think I may spin up and use the 2 for some stranded color work mittens. On the knitting front, I love me some Moss stitch. Great for TV knitting or when I want something that is on the brainless side. The downfall of Moss stitch is that it takes a long time to do. I still have another 5 inches left on this section

Oh That's Just Not Right

Time: 6:30 am Husband gets up. Dogs trying to get me out of bed since they want to eat, and husband is not the target. Me avoiding said dogs until....... .......... Buster pukes all over me! Again, world's dumbest dog strikes again.

Harvest Day

This morning,I went to the farmer's market over in Tower Grove with Kara. What a lovely day it turned out to be. The wind was breezy, but warm, which made for a nice day in the park. I love going to the market. I like watching all the people. There are all sorts, people with kids, people with thier pet, people with their other half, just by themselves. The market wasn't too crowded which was nice for the shoppers. I think the sales were good though because it seemed like people came to buy. I had a breakfast taco with farm fresh eggs. I love farm raised eggs and meat. It just taste better. Oh that the green beans are just as sweet as they could be. After 2 hours, it was time to head home and enjoy the goodies of visiting the stands and seeing good freinds.

If Your ever on Jupiter....

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Nelson Originally uploaded by knittingkim Well maybe not so much. The hat and mitts are going to my nephew for Christmas. He's about 7 now. The yarn was spun by me and the colorway was Storms of Jupiter. I think the hat looks kinda close.

Dear Mom

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Okay, I know this is your nice, new craft room, and I should be in here. I have a bit of a problem...... umm... yeah, I don't understand how to get off you craft table. Your favorite son, Buster Yeah. I know he is all kinds of stupid. I looked in there, and there he is laying in the middle of the table, and has no flippin' idea how to get down.

Birthday Plaids

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This is by far my best and most favorite scarf I have woven to date. This one was very special because it was made for one of my nearest and dearest friends, Mindy. Mindy loves bright colors like pink. She also has a hard time with sensitivity to different types of yarns. Hopefully she can wear this, and not itch. Iknow she loves it already. The color looks fantastic on her as well. The plaid wasn't really a plan more of, wow that's really cool looking. The craft room is nearly completed. I just have a few things left to work on. Hopefully in the next week or so it will be complete. Til' later.

Wednesday Weaving Update

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Woven Scarf #3 Originally uploaded by knittingkim Here's the scarf I finished last week. The edges are getting better. I really like the drape I am getting with 7.5 dent with a light worsted. Now to try using wool instead of the cheap stuff.

Chill in the Air Brings on the Need to Cook

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Yeah, I do cook, but nothing I really have ever felt the need to blog about, but just had to share. Hubby and I were up and out of the house by 7:30 Saturday. Yes, it is the crack of morn' however, there was lots of the every day weekend stuff to do. Oil changes on both cars, groceries, ya know the usual. Anyhoo, I read about some awesome sugar cookies that were on the Pioneer Woman's blog the other day, and they sounded yummy. I also had a taste for ham and bean soup with corn bread. You would swear I was raised in the south because southern cooking is my kind of food. Now the problem is bean soup take ALL day to cook. Yep, on by 11:00 and we didn't eat til 8:00 at night. Like I said its an all day event. Of course the cookies were an event all on there own. Holy crap! 2 sticks of butter, 1 cup canola oil, 1 cup of regular sugar and a cup of powdered sugar. Heart attack city, but OMG were they fantastic! Cooking is a lonely job when it comes to do up the dishes.

Fan neckwarmer

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Fan neckwarmer Originally uploaded by knittingkim I love how this turned out. The colors just flow together so nicely. I"m lucky that my co-heart has no idea that I can show this to you all. It's a Christmas prezzie all done!

Alpaca lace

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Alpaca lace Originally uploaded by knittingkim I am continuing to practice spinning thin. This was a batt that I purchased at the Illinois Fiber Festival back in the spring. The white is some tencel that was added to the batt. I only had 2.4 ounces of this lovely batt, however, I did get a nice amount of fiber out of it. 168 yards altogether. Not as much as I would have liked, but I think if I use it for some fingerless mittens or a cowl; I should have plenty.

Strange Folk

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Strange Folk hull Originally uploaded by knittingkim Strange folk was great! There were a ton of people milling around. The weather was perfect for hanging out with freinds and shopping. I love the paper mache' fox. The colors will look great in the craft room. Dyeabolical fibers was a must stop, of course. Color wizard, Rachel, had the most awesome section of fiber, batts, and yarns. I got a colorful fall combo of 5/2 cotton. I can't wait to get it on the loom and makes some tea towels. Peeking out in the back is a bar of rose scented soap. I love handmade soaps. All in all it was a great day!

Electic Jelly

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Electic Jelly Originally uploaded by knittingkim Real lace weight. I knew this would need to be something very thin since I only had 3 oz to play with. I laced my wheel across the bobbin using both hooks. This helps lower the tension so there is more time to draft the fiber out. It turned out heavenly. I have 385 yards, now I need some ideas of what to do with it. Suggestions please!!

Looking Toward the Weekend

It's been a long busy week. I have been sick, sleepy, and crabby. Needless to say it makes for a long week. To top things off, it's been standardized testing to boot. Which translates to me reading tests the whole way through. On the upswing, I finished everybody's tests. Now to playing with fiber, dogs, reading, and hangin' with hubby and my peeps. Hope your weekend is well.

2nd scarf

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2nd scarf Originally uploaded by knittingkim The weaving is getting better. It is way prettier in person, but I think it turned out nice. It could have been a little longer.

Selfish Citron

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Selfish Citron Originally uploaded by knittingkim I love how this turned out. The colors are just fantastic together. I spun this lovely 18 count Merino nearly a year ago. I spilt the fiber into skinny sections and just spun it randomly. It was fun to watch the colors change since I wasn't sure wehat would be next.

Noro Hat

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Noro Hat Originally uploaded by knittingkim Just a quickie. I love knitting hats. They are quick and mindless. In the background is the start of the craft room. Still need a few things like paint, a chair, some shelving units, etc. Of course, I am in no real hurry as I have moved my stuff in the room already. Its just nice having it all in one spot.

Mad fish

Mad fish Originally uploaded by knittingkim His pissed because I cleaned the tank. He reminds me of a teenager!

Clearing the Crafts

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I have been looking and looking at new things to start, but startitus has the best of me. What does one do with startius, well, finish what one has and then panic like the dickens because what's next can't be decided. Hmmm... Here's the socks that I took on vacation at my favorite river resort. Noro is fun to knit with. The socks are a lot softer now that there has been a christening of water and Eculan. I should have went through with my experiment. My hypothesis was if I knit one top down and the other toe-up would they match? I chickened out, so they are both toe-up, however, I believe it might have worked. Maybe next pair. I bought a loom a few months ago when the bug bit me. Fabric bugs are the worst! This is my first scarf all myself. It's tiny, but it will have a home with DD best friend's little girl. Tiny fits a not even one year old. I love cables a ton. This is a pretty little hat that my friend, Kara, tested knit.I fell in love with the pattern and just

Back to the Grind

First week of students completed. Overall the school year is off to a good start. I like to be busy and the busier I am the happier I am. Hmm.... yeah I do love the break in the summer, but going back gives me a new purpose and changes my outlook on life. The days flew by. I swear every year just goes faster. My day starts earlier this year as well. I am trying to eat before I go to work, so I eat more than just a granola bar. To tell the truth, I just decided that a bar that I am trying to chow down just isn't the same as a bowl of oats. I love oatmeal, and feel like I am eating better if I sit down and eat. If I have everything ready the night before, I can sleep until 5:25 and be out of the house by 6:20. This is the very minimum amount of time I can actually get everything done to be at work by 6:45ish. Kids are in the classroom door at 7:05, so there is very little time to get things together. Believe me it's early. So far okay though. My goal is to make every effort to ha

Pioneer

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" " I finally finished it. I love how it looks. The colors are wonderful and the fabric has a nice drape to it. I ended up knitting most of it on US5's. Spun up to a sport-weight. I used approximately 900-1000 yards. Oh and thanks to Kara, my photo expert! Not only did Kara take the pics, but she also told me how to work the new flicker page. Thanks Kara!!!

cherry

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cherry Originally uploaded by knittingkim Dyed with Jacard dye. This is more of a deeper red than the pinky color that it shows. All teased and fluffy.

Cormo

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Cormo Originally uploaded by knittingkim Just needs the locks separated.

Fleece-a-thon

Okay, time to work on my organizational skills. Fleece, yeah, I know it's my downfall. Truly I love taking a fleece and turning it into something wearable. Some of my Rav friends and I are having a fleece-a-thon. What it is, is scouring and preparing a fleece or said number of fleeces to be prepared for spinning. Fortunately my rabbit hole is mole size. I have 3. Some of my friend have upwards to about 14 fleeces. Holy shit! There is no way I want that many dirty fleeces anywhere near my house more or less near my stash. Dirty fleece equals fiber eating moths. Ahem, off the soap box. Anyway... I have 3 as I said, a pound of clean fleece that needed dyeing, teasing, and carding. I nearly finished. I only have drum carding to do which can wait. 4 pounds of semi clean white cormo. I bought this fleece a year ago. Scoured it, but it still had some tips that were nearly black compared to the bright white. Scoured some more on Sunday. Half of it is still not dry. Geesh! This one is going

Why yes I do still knit

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I know it has been forever since I have been knitting. Spinning sort of takes over for the month of July, which is fine. I love spinning a lot, and it's fun to play with a fiber from start to finish. Speaking of start to finish, I have been working on a little Tee-top from my hand spun. It is turning out wonderful. I started with 8 ounces of 2 different colorways and plied them together. The colors have all of the autumn highlights that look great on me. I spun a sport weight that is not as consistent as I wish it was. Of course I spun it a year ago, and I have improved greatly since them. Anyhoo, I have about 1/2 the top finished. The pattern is Pioneer. I nice simple knit that shows off the colors of hand painted fibers. I should have no problems finishing it before I start back to work which is coming very quickly. Oui` too soon.

TdF 2010 Wrap Up

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Here is what I completed during the tour. I feel like I ran right along side them most of the days. It's amazing how good spinning looks after several days of being at the wheel. These are some of the best yarns I have made. All different weights, methods, colors, and of course yardage. Here's the run down. Top to bottom, left to right in the picture. 4 skeins of Rhomney = 655 3-ply worst weight (long draw) 1 skein Dyeabolical = 255 3-ply sport weight (worsted) 1 skein Lupine = 278 3-ply DK weight (long draw) 1 skein Field of Screams = 211 2-ply bulky (short forward draw) 1 skein Rubber Grapes = 261 2-ply Dk weight (short backward draw) 1 skein Blue Moon = 290 2-ply worsted weight (short forward draw) 1 skein Pomegranate = 371 2-ply fingering weight (long draw supported) 1 skein Monkey Farts = 351 2-ply sport weight (short backward draw) total = 2671 yards / 6 miles 2.78 pounds Woo woo!

Lat Yarn for the Tour

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3-ply DK weight after it plumped up. 278 yards. This is Lupine by Mountain Colors. Kara gave it to me as a birthday gift a couple of years ago. This really turned out pretty.

Tour Update

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Another fun spin. Here is the singles that took me a couple of days to do. The colorway is called Monkey Farts after our team name. Which only makes it more fun to spin since I giggle when I get to a "stain". Today I plied this into a lovely 2-ply 350 yards at about 16 WIP since it has some alpaca in there. Tomorrow is a rest day, and I am off to see Cats with dear daughter for my birthday thanks to my exceptionally wonderful hubby.