What Do You Think?

Orifice Hooks – for those spinners out there. (I’m not saying you can’t have one if you don’t spin, just that you may have to think up your own uses for them!)  They measure about 5 inches long, the  hook itself is hand hardened and the top encloses a tumbled, polished Stone.  I’ve been thinking on these for a long time (since I always lose the one hook I have, I thought, hey, make yourself some more, dummy!)  They feel nice in your hand – warm and vibrant.  Bad photo, but someone needed to see them yesterday, and wouldn’t wait.  I’ve not finished designing them yet – I still have a lot of ideas floating around in my head on how to wrap the stones, some pretty curves etc.  But do let me know what you think!  I always appreciate feedback. 

The school year is winding down.   It’s always a more “anxious” time for me – waiting on hearing what job assignment is in the picture for me, waiting on if the frequency at which I hear from my youngest’s school increases, which it did.  Trying to keep everyone on the right track – tie up lose ends, finish up projects, get them in on time (time being the key word).  And not to mention that everyone I encounted in the course of my work day, is pretty much “done”.  I tend to just veg out whenever I can.  Probaby get a little quieter, but I’m still around.  Just waiting to make the transition from school to summer vacation and hoping it all goes smoothly.  So, in order to quell that anxiety inside me, what better to do than cast on for a new project?  Yeah, that’s what I thought, so I did.  I cast on for a “summer” Ariann out of TLC’s cotton plus in spruce.  I actually ended up making the size smaller than I did before – because the cotton, she is wider.  And I’m always hoping I will lose weight – and actually, I did start exercising again.  So there you go, a new project.  Or a new second-time-I’m-knitting-this project.  I did finish on of the Sailor’s Rib socks and it’s so short on me – ?  Which is ok.  But not what I expected. 

I’m still adding to my list for Maryland next saturday!  I’m driving myself and Laurie down, and I’ve already added the Fairgrounds into my Nav system in the car, but I’m nervous a tad.  I know we’ll get there, and I plan on having printed directions as a backup, but dudes?  I’ve never driven that far without the DH.  I just realized how much I depend on him to get me places.  Don’t get me wrong – I can drive anywhere with good directions and do.  I drive back to LI all the time – and if being in the car 5 hours for a 2 hour drive counts, well, I have driven longer than it takes to get down to MD!  But is that really the same?

And I’m definitely selling the Lendrum.  I’m picking up a new drive band for it at MD, and then she’s going up for sale.  It’s a single treadle, four bobbins, custom bag from The Bag Lady and Jumbo Plying head with 1 Jumbo bobbin, plus a lazy kate.  I’ve just got too many wheels, not enough time!!

Knitting Group today – and lunch with Jeanne before hand.  And motorvehicle before that – I better get moving!!!  Have a great day!!

Because I Am A Lemming

 Saw one of these on Jeanne’s Blog and because I am a Lemming and think she is a superstar, I have one too. 

I actually have not picked up my needles since thursday – I don’t know where the time’s gone, and why I’m not packing my knitting or knitting at lunch – must be the nice weather.  But I’m hoping to get on the sockage tonight. 

And realizing that MDS&W is less than two weeks away – and since the 400 pounds of wool and roving simply aren’t enough(?), I’m making a semi-list for purchases.  This way, I’m not running around, grabbing things like a woman high on wool fumes.  We also have a Cinco De Mayo Party that night to go to, just up the road a bit and I’m delusionally planning on going after we get home from the Fest of Wool.  Or at least stopping by for one itty, bitty harmless Margarhita.  I’ve noticed a lack of Maryland posts this year in bloglandia – is it just me, or am I not reading the really hot Festival posts? 

And the craziest news?  Well, really not that crazy at all in my opinion – Crazy Aunt Purl’s got a book coming out!!!   I’m looking forward to reading it – I enjoy Laurie’s blog so much and I’m glad to see she’s put her talent for writing out there. 

Here are few linkages for ya – Good Soapworks of Athens - I’ve been using this soap for about a month now and it’s just wonderful – I’m glad I order two bars and plan on ordering more.  Someday I intend on treating my self to one of these beautiful, handwoven Shawls by Scarfguy - he really has such an amazing eye for pattern and color.  And check out this cool shop – The Fearless Knitter - her California Sunset Rug is just Amazing.

Things That Go Growl in the Night

I negelected to mention in yesterday’s post about our exciting visitor in the early hours Saturday morning. 

 Frankly, this visitor is starting to piss me off.

 We usually sleep with our bedroom door shut, but for some reason, DH left it open.  Good thing.  Bailee, dog of the devil, sleeps right in the warshroom, which is immediately outside our bedroom.  At about 12:15am, she starts to growl.  This doesn’t immediately wake me, though I know it should.  But DH just says “what’s she growling at!” and I’m all like, still sleepy and I don’t really care (bad attitude, I know, but DH is there and he will protect me)  Next thing I hear DH say is BEAR!!!  I’m jumping out of bed, running from the warshroom door to the bathroom window to the side bedroom window, trying to catch a glimpse – and I do – of Bear ASS.  But then, because DH illuminated the side yarn, the bear makes a turn and heads directly up the hill………….towards the duck and chickens!  NOOOOOO. 

Duck and Chickens were quiet as mice.  Not a peep. And they are fine. We made lots of noise and the bear took off.  Of course all this was from the safely of the kitchen back door -we’re not stupid.  But I’m going to say – I’m a little sick a tired of these bearly visits.  Used to be, everyone else on the road saw the bear and I didn’t.  I think I liked it that way.  He tore down the EMPTY bird feeders again – and not only that – he tossed my solar light into the fish pond – guess he was pissed off.  Well, you Bastid Bear – I’m getting tired of you.  Nature Smature.  I’ve had enough.  Remember when I called Fish and Game on you and then repented because I didn’t want to see you trapped?  Remember that????  Well, lemme tell you, you’re way too close to my house, my duck and my chickens!!!  For Pete’s sake, you hang out and sit on my deck steps!!!!  Surprisingly, you leave my garbage cans alone – I guess we don’t have the good garbage.  But you are really starting to make me nervous – I really wish you’d stay away.  Yes, you’re a majestic, powerful creature.  Yes, you can be fascinating to watch. Yes, you have a right to your woods.  Yes. Yes. Yes.  But can you please just put a little more distance between you and our house?  Seriously – I could have reached out the back door and pet ya if I was so inclined!

Just a pretty.  Not in the shop.  Don’t really even know what to call it.  Sometimes I just “create” without a desitination in mind.  My friend, Leslie, wants me to solder, but I thought I’d give a try at assembly without heat and fire – which are not exactly friends of mine. 

Yesterday was such a gorgeous day, DH and I went for a ride in the new ride (he drove, I’m nice) and he scored a great Scale at an antique store.  I’m happy for him, he’s been looking for quiet awhile at these types of scales.  Me, I just went along for the ride, the possiblilty of a yarn shop and a great Sandwhich.  Everyone was out yesterday – and today, we are going to get our motor’s running and head out on the Harley – Have a Great Day everyone!  And knit a stitch or two for me, I neglected to pick my needles up yesterday, but I’ve got a date with the deck and a spinning wheel later, post-ride!

Nugold Fibula with Jasper Bead.  Newly Fibulated. 

Proof that I have done something this week.  Although, I do feel that the week went on forever, and I didn’t get anything accomplished.  I seemed to hit roadblocks no matter what way I turned – and I know it’s small stuff compared to the bigger happenings in the world. 

Even knitting on Icarus is s.l.o.w.  I mean – I whipped right through one repeat last weekend and now it’s taken me nearly all week to get through chart 3.  Figures – when you want something done, and done NOW it’s just not going to happen. 

Fun stuff – Laurie’s Birthday celebration and Jeanne’s saucing extravaganza last night !  What fun – we met to celebrate with Laurie, have dinner and basically just laugh ourselves silly.  Nothing like a good, relaxing time with the knitty peeps.  Thanks chickies!!!

Now, I know you know I have a shop on etsy.  But, like anyone else who’s running one, I don’t always get the time to tool around and see what’s out there.  Lately I’ve been really having a great time and I really want to share with you.  Today’s search on handpainted yarns had me restraining myself.  Go take a look at Ashabee’s Creations - wow!  And SpazSpun – some beautiful Merino and silk combinations.  Looking for a little Hand Painted Cashmere?  Try All Spun Up! And one of my personal Favorites, Ruby Sapphire Yarns - I have one of her sock yarns and one of her laceweights in my stash and they are just wonderful.  So, take a look around.  Do a few searches – find those talented artists that may not be the one’s on the tips of everyone’s tongues yet.  There are so many wonderful, talented artists on etsy, you just have to take a bit of time and discover what’s out there. 

It’s a sad, tragic time.  I know many of you have said it far better than I ever could.  My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims at VT and their families right now. 

Winner!

Well, I’ve had my random number puller (DS2) pull a name out of the bowl (fancy contest bowl that it is) and I have a winner!  Karen!  (I don’t know her blog, or if she has a blog, but Karen, if you do, email me and I’ll link you).  She guessed the new car would be a Prius Hybrid.  The good thing is she didn’t have to be right, she just had to guess! 

The new car is a Ford Edge - it’s just amazing and I love it!  And it’s smaller than what I was driving, so better fuel economy – just in time for the gas prices to go up!  Yeesh.  We had some nasty weather, really not great for taking any sort of photo, so they’ll have to wait.  But I highly recommend this car.

And did you see the wonderful blog post that Kathy did about my pins?  Thank you, Grumperina – it’s an honor to be on your pages!

There has been knitting – I picked Icarus up and I’m about 40 rows away from bordering it.  I think I should get this one off the needles as I’m contemplating Peacock Feathers or The Hanging Garden Stole.  Now, I have the kit for Peacock Feathers – so this would be the easiest to start and one I’ve been really looking forward to doing.  But I’m really loving the Stole.  What to do, what to do!  One thing I definitely will do – whatever I’m working on, I will make sure I embed exactly where I left off if I have to put it aside for awhile- and not on a sticky note.  Don’t ask.  Suffice it to say – my Icarus may be slightly different than everybody else’s. 

Well, that’s it for now folks – short and hopefully sweet.  Have a peaceful week.

A Pair Of Pairs

Ta-Da!!!  Not only did I finish the brown toe up socks, but my Monkeys are done, too!!!  I’m very happy with both pairs.  The Brown Trekking Pronatura’s, while a little tough on the hands, weren’t too bad to knit.  I’ll see how they fair in the warshing.  I curious to see how the bamboo wears.  The Monkeys – well, what can I say.  The pattern is just Stellar, and we all know who wrote it by now, so I won’t re-link you.  The yarn is to die for – Sophie’s Toes.  I have two more colorways of her’s that are destined to be more socks – for me!!!

And because my sock needles are now empty, bereft of knitting, lonely, dejected, cold, and missing the yarn…………….

I hoisted some Regia Silk out and cast on for a pair out of More Sensational Knitted Socks - using the Sailors Ribbing –  excellent book, the second I have from Charlene Schurch.  Packed with patterns, and info – it is, by the way, where I found the picot cast off for the brown socks that solved my too-tight dilemma.  I don’t think I would ever part with a single sock pattern book I have – I refer to them so much, even though I feel I’ve really come far as a sock knitter.  I actually can knit a pair without a pattern – which is something that I find most impressive about me, since I need directions for EVERYTHING.  Really.  If you know me, you know that. 

Other than the socks, and some laundry I don’t have much to really show for my days off – I think that’s ok with me though.  Just vegging out, relaxing and regrouping are just what I seemed to need.  I may squeak in some spinning just to say I did what I set out to do – but my allergies have settled down, and unless I can locate the mask I used to wear for dying yarn – I may just excuse myself for now! 

No new’s on the car – so the contest is still open for entries – remember – just guess what car I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for.  You don’t have to be right.  But I did just give you another hint.  Yeesh. 

Think Spring?

Sterling Silver Leaf Shawl Pin with Aventurine - this pin reminds me of the little green leaves we should be seeing this time of year. 

I so love my days off – I’ve actually completed a pair of socks!!!  The brown Trekking socks are done – not only are they done, I ripped out the first cast off row and reknit it with the picot bind off.  They are both sitting pretty on my dresser right now.  Photo’s will follow, but after Monkey is done – I have a post in mind and one photo would ruin it right now. 

We celebrated the holiday on Saturday, so DS1 could get back to school yesterday – it was nice.  Easter is a low key holiday for us for the most part.  My FIL passed away, Easter Sunday awhile ago,  and while we don’t ignore the holiday, it is a kind of “reminder”.  Also, when your children are older, it is a little less frantic with the sugar highs and such!!!  Anyway, I don’t have to go back to work until Wednesday, so I fully intend on enjoying the next two days.  Oh – shelves were moved into the “studio” yesterday, so I plan on devoting at least 15 minutes each day to moving stuff upstairs – following the Flylady method of decluttering, of course!  You should check her out – lot’s of great tips for getting orgainized and I wouldn’t dream of setting up a new spot without “decluttering” first!

Have you seen this Shawl?  Anne does such beautiful designing – I couldn’t resist this.  She does have quite the pattern catalog, so you should definitly take a look around at Knitspot.

I should be showering right now, and heading into the studio to spin some of that doghaired concoction that is making my allergies scream – I promised two skeins and then the rest is going back – this stuff is along the lines of angora and I’m pretty much having the same reaction to it.  Just to set the record straight – I don’t do dog hair as a general rule.  I have nothing against it, except what it does to me allergy wise.  This is definitely a favor for a friend. 

And anyone know someone who’s looking for a Lendrum Single Treadle Spinning Wheel?  I’ll be having one to sell shortly – with the bag and lazy Kate etc.  I think there is even a plying head somewhere…..drop me a comment if you’d like more info!

Spring has Fizzled?

Nugold Flower Fibula.  New!  At the Shop!  In light of the SNOW showers we’re getting now, hurry up and go get yours – I’ll be making more – something has got to chase the snow away and let Spring in!  Yeesh.

I have a few days off now, and I’d like to say I have great ambition – like say, moving all the rest of my stuff to the new studio, making more Pins and markers, knitting the rest of CPH.  But I think I either have a bad case of the allergies, or a damn cold.  Bleech.  Why do my holiday breaks seem to be taken up with illnesses this year?  Anyway, I pick DS#1 up today, do some sort of cleaning thing and maybe food shopping thing.  Don’t know if we’re are doing the holiday dinner tomorrow or Sunday because DS has to get back to school.  Monday – could be delivery day of the new vehicle.  And just take a guess, oh faithful readers – you don’t have to be RIGHT, you just have to venture a guess!  Tuesday I’ve got plans with a great friend – and Wednesday the fun is over and it’s back to work, work, work.  Met the knitty peeps last night for dinner and some booking and knitting.  Always a nice pick me up!  And I’m going to try to post something new in the shop a few times a week – ha!  We’ll see how that goes.  I’m thinking on doing a spring craft show – I’ve done shows before, but never with the jewelry – so it’s a little scary, but I think I’d like to test the waters.  Have a great weekend!!

This Does Not A Pair Make and… A Contest

But it proves that I’ve been working on something!  The brown sock is Trekking Pronatura (with Bamboo) with a simple lace edging ala Wendy(scroll down a bit).  The Green – well it’s got to be Monkey, made with Sophies Toes sock yarn – just wonderful stuff.  I will turn both of these singletons into pairs, but I got distracted so easily into making Monkey.  And….the brown one has to have the cast off ripped and redone – to something a little less tight.  Probably a sewn cast off.  But something I don’t have to break into a sweat to get the sock on would be good.  Honestly.  What was I thinking.

Silver Swarovski Markers in the shop.

 Whew.  What a week.  So much to say, so much to gibber about.  So I’ll randomate.  First, I saw a really interesting news report on Anonymous internet slandering – caught my attention because, well, it kinda happened to me.  And though it wasn’t as bad as what the people in the newscast were going through – my reputation was trashed a bit, slung around by people that don’t know me, that, to the naked eye, seem nice enough.  But hey, anonymous isn’t really anonymous when you know who they really are – and that is my point I guess.  Why say something about or to someone under what they think is the protection of “anonymous”?  Does it make them feel brave?  Does it give them the gumption they otherwise wouldn’t have?  Or does it seem to give them a free card to be nasty to someone they don’t even know?  I think – it really says more about the kind of person THEY are, then the kind of person the comment is directed at.  Unfortunately for the people on the newscast, they didn’t have any recourse.  I guess it struck me because the word, written or otherwise can be such a powerful force in other peoples lives and have such an effect – sometimes I don’t think we realize the extent of our words.   

Let’s see, what else?  Oooh!  Remember this person?  Well, oops, they did it again.  Now I took my time about what to do  – thought it out.  And you know what?  I just went to the powers that be.  And they, those dandy powers – well, they have my back is all I’m going to say – and I’m forever grateful.  It’s nice to have a job that someone knows what you’re supposed to be doing and keeps most of the extraneous bullshit out of the mix.  Add on to that the three days of migraines and all the accompany-ing things – well, I’m very, very glad last week is over. 

Here’s the good news – the taxes – they are done!!  And they’re good!  And we are so happy – I’m getting a new car!!!!!  When?  Don’t know – but it’s on “order” so to speak.  I’m very excited, even on the edge of my seat, waiting for the one I want to get delivered.  Can you guess what it is? (there is a hint in that last sentence….)   Send me your guess at chrissy-g at comcast dot NET (and if you know already because I told you, ahem, you can’t really play) and I’ll pick a name out of the “hat” on delivery day for a set of stitchmarkers!!!  Yippee – a spur of the moment contest!!!

And we had a ride day saturday – took a long family ride out in Pennsy – and came upon a really intriguing, sad ghost town called Centralia – have you ever heard?  Well, apparently this town that was, is sitting on a burning coal vein – yes.  That’s right.  Over 40 years ago – the coal underground caught on fire and the town was almost entirely vacated – now we saw one house adjacent to some smoking ground by a cemetary – and all the vent pipes around.  But it was so sad and eery.  There were quite a few people walking around – which I frankly wouldn’t do since there are signs everywhere warning people that the ground could “collapse”.  Blocks of where houses used to be. The old RT 61, blocked off because the road is heaved, splitting apart with big fissures.  Very, Very sobering.  

CPH is still sitting beside me here in the basket, waiting for some sleeve knitting elf to get to work.  Feel free to visit my knitting basket!