One Crazy Fiber Lady

ABC's

Trying something new that has been banging around inside my skull for a couple of days now as a post theme.  Really thinking about it, there are three big components of my life, ABC's if you will.    I present them to you:

A is for Animals

There are a couple of critters (other than the bipeds) who live in this house.  They are all doing fine.  Here is the choice photo of the week..

Even though I've had cat(s) now for decades, I continue to be surprised by the way they contort themselves.  Note that Sara's coat has FINALLY grown back in from that "grooming" last December.  Took a good long time for it to really achieve full puff.

B is for Babies (though not such babies)

The girl child continues to sleep in increasingly odd spots.  A few nights ago, I found her just inside my room sleeping on the hardwood floor.  Personally, I love how she wedged her Zoey doll into the door :)

She's also taken a liking to sock yarn.  I find her quite frequently digging through the sock yarn basket in my room, picking out a few skeins.  I left her one morning, as I went to work, with this collection in the kitchen.  Not sure where this addiction comes from ;)  She does have good taste in yarns though!

Boy is modeling a sweater that I knit years ago out of sock yarn.  I think it is an Ann Norling pattern, but I'd have to go digging in the old pattern notebook to confirm.  I made it for my sister's oldest, who is turning 11 in December.  It came back as a hand-me-down a short time ago.  Alex found it in his closet and has taken a liking to it.  Fits him well too!  And yes, I have a pair of socks in the same yarn....and if memory serves correctly, probably one of my first pairs also from a Norling basic sock pattern.

C is for Crafts

I've been doing some serious crafting, thanks to the daily train ride.  First up the knitting:

I knit a Drive-Thru for Kat in just about a week (10/1 to 10/7 for the knitting and I did the buttons on 10/12).  I made the 4yo size.  The yarn was a combo of Cascade 220 (the fuscia which is the same as last year's sweater) and Galway (black and white). 

The Galway is left over from Alex's Drive-Thru:

They'll probably be wearing these sweaters next Sunday at Rhinebeck.  I'll be wearing this:

I finally made it through the sewing parts of Minimalist.  I do want to give it a good soaking, probably should do that today.  I do like this sweater very much.  I knit it from Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran in the Casket colorway.  It was a fast knit that took me longer to assemble.  I have no pictures of it, but Ribby is also assembled.  It is just waiting for a zipper.  I was on a bit of a finishing quick towards the end of last week.  I should probably sew it in tonight and have a finished shot soon.

Also in the works is my swatch sleeve for Autumn Rose.  I'm loving this project.   I hit gauge right off the bat with it, which makes me quite happy.  It doesn't make for great train knitting (but that's what things like socks and Clapotis are for) but I've made progress the last two nights while watching the Red Sox play :)  Sara graciously agreed to model...

I've caught the Fair Isle bug and rediscovered that I like colorwork.  The Ingeborg kit might actually bubble to the top of the queue sooner now, and I picked up some yummy yarns at MY last week to knit Eunny's Argyle Vest.

There's also been a bit of spinning around here.  Have to, must justify further purchases at Rhinebeck next week!!!! 

First, I finally finished that cashmere/silk blend that I bought at MASW this year from Foxfire Fibers in Greylock.  I'm leaving it as singles and will probably knit the Shetland Triangle with it.

I have two bobbins of the wool blend roving that I bought at GSSB  to knit Kat a sweater done.  I've been spinning this stuff a rather fluffy long draw.

I also plied a bunch of bobbins that have been sitting around for a while, but no pictures of those at present.  I still need to skein em up and wash em. 

So yeah, its been busy around here, but it always is.  Its better that way.

Next weekend is Rhinebeck.  Woot.  The monkeys and I (along with a mother's helper) will be there on Sunday.  I'm a square again this year!

I think that covers most of what's been going on.  I'm sure there's something I'm forgetting though.  Oh yeah, including my third blogiversary which was this past thursday.  Happy Blogiversary to me :)  Whodathunk I'd still be at it three years later.  Surely not me!

Craft on!

Random Wednesday

While it might appear otherwise, I am indeed alive and well.  I'm seriously touched by recent comments inquiring as to how I am.  It has sadly been a long while since I posted, and I'm sorry about that.  Part of the reason has been that work involves a longer day as I'm now getting home at 7:15 instead of 6:15.  Dinner is now later, which I don't always get to share with the monkeys either.   I'm trying to adjust to the new schedule and hopefully will get into a real routine that will also include semi-regular posting shortly. 

In the meanwhile, here's a random Wednesday update as to what has happened over the last THREE (can it really be that long?) weeks:

1.  The twins were on vacation for ages.  Their last day at the old school was August 24th.  They've been home, making my mother nuts since.  I did provide her a bit of relief that last week of August when I had one of the girls from school come over for two days.  They finally started up again today at the new place (Tutor Time) and were almost eager to go this morning.  They took to it like old pros.  Alex asked of he could go back tomorrow.  I'll take that as a good sign, especially since they only go M/W/F :)

2.  We spent Labor Day weekend on the boat.  The weather was gorgeous and sadly, for most of it, I had camnesia.  I did manage to remember the thing for Alex's first fish.  We fished off the back of the boat while tied up at our regular slip at the marina.  He caught this little baby using grilled chicken as bait.  It's not a huge fish, but darn good for his first time out.  The little dickens reeled it in himself!  I managed a few catches too including a small pike, a crab and even a catfish.  It was a very relaxing weekend!

3.  I finished spinning up the second bobbin of that BFL on my Schacht last week.  I pulled out the Fricke eSpinner Friday night and plied it all.  I had forgotten how wonderful that sucker is for plying.  It took me over an hour to ply it all.  Contrary to standard practice, I skeined it and then even washed it immediately.  I set it out to dry in the sun on Saturday.  I'm pleased with the colors and am eager to see how it knits up.  I haven't measured either the length or the wpi of this skein, but it is all of 4.5oz.  Will be plenty for socks.

4.  Knitting continues.  I have finished not one nor two but three pairs of socks since I last posted.  First up was the Monkeys:

Not sure when I started, or even finished these.  I just know they were done when I started the next pair on Aug 15th.  Notice the lack of monkey-ness on the foot.  I went with the plain knit and opted for a smaller needle than the pattern calls for.  The socks fit my little feet perfectly.

With the leftover Lorna's in Bittersweet, I knit a pair of socks for Miss Kat.  I did hers toe-up over 44st and used a rib lace pattern on the cuff.  I increased the stitch count the round after the short row heel to accommodate the pattern.  Miss-miss is very happy with her new socks and immediately tucked them in the nearest bag.  I don't know if I mentioned this before, but the chick is a serious bag lady.  Everything is in bags!  Anyway... I'm very pleased with the socks and will prolly make her (and her bro) a few more pairs.  These were started on 8/18 and finished on 8/24 (my former wedding anniversary but that's for another post :)

Finally there was a third pair started/finished.  More basic vanilla stockinette socks in STR Silkie Little Bunny Foo Foo colorway.  I believe I got this yarn in a swap with Dorre, for what, I don't actually remember :)  Couldn't be more standard.  US1's, toe-up, short row heel.  blah blah blah.  Started:  8/15 Finished:  8/29.  The preschooler socks snuck in before I managed to finish both socks.

The crochet sock blankie progresses but that, like a few other projects, completely lacks updated photos.  I'm just shy of the armpits on the Tangled Yoke Cardigan.  I've acquired the yarn (but haven't cast on yet) for the Hemlock blanket.  It's rather high in the queue and I might just tackle it this weekend.  We'll see.  I also finally dug out the much neglected Ribby that I started so very long ago.  A hidden note in the sidebar indicates that I cast on for it on 4/5/06.  I worked on it off and on, mostly off obviously, but last touched it last winter as a break from Celtic Dreams.  Seeing Deb progress on hers made me remember this bad old thing hanging about and I finally dug it out from the back of the closet where it has been hiding since I moved into my new room last February.  I'm ashamed to admit how far along I was when it went into hiding.  Earl here helped me show you:

I had completed not only the back and both sleeves, but also the right front and had done the lower ribbing on the right.  One evening in front of the TV and I had it to the armpit.  One more night and it was done.  I've ordered (and even received) a zipper for it, now I just need to do the fiddly things.  But first it needs a blocking.  {snicker} maybe this weekend.

That should do it for now.  Hopefully more very soon including further catch-up.  Miss you!

Craft on!

Beginnings

First the important stuff, the job is going very well.  It is nice to be wanted for a change.  At my orientation I heard that they'd been looking for someone for a long time.  I'm really honored that they think its me.  I just hope I can live up to that kind of expectation.  I haven't done any programming yet, but spent the last two days getting my desktop computer ready.  It took over 7 hours today building the website.  Which, by the way, is a pretty nifty product.  The day is longer and I'll be on a later train home, making the evening shorter.  But honestly, for rewarding work in a healthy environment is worth the extra hour. 

After getting the twins down this evening, seeing as it is Tuesday, I pulled out the Schacht and that lovely BFL.  I could only manage one more length and have two left.  Here's a picture of where it stands now. I seriously have trouble seeing the difference between this and Sunday's, but didn't notice that until I'd uploaded the file to the computer.

I'm going to spare a picture of the second Monkey sock.  Honestly, it looks the same as the first sock, only not finished yet.  I turned the heel this morning and had half the foot done by the time I got off the train this evening.   That baby is going down tomorrow.

I will show the progress on the Granny Square Sock Yarn Leftover Blankie that is turning out to be ever so popular!

I've worked my way through 6 different yarns now and am onto the 7th.  I have the remote in for scale and yes, my stitch holder is one of Kat's barrettes.  She hasn't seemed to mind the non-traditional use for it yet, though I did expect her to.

I think I'm going to call it an early night.

Craft on!

Week End

Thanks to everyone for all their Last Day wishes.  It was so nice for it to be over!  I got another reminder during those last few hours of why I was leaving as the goofus director used his speakerphone to join a conference call that everyone else was on using their handsets and generated an echo as they spot.  It was lovely and now it is over.  Tomorrow morning I have orientation at the new gig.  I'm really looking forward to starting there.  I just have to remember to get on a different PATH train :)

The family spent a better part of the weekend on the boat.  We headed up after lunch on Saturday, relaxed for a bit and then went out for dinner.  I got a little loopy on margaritas.  MMMM.  I haven't had one in a LONG time and it was nice to have a good one.  On the rocks please, not that slushy version, and yes for ice.  Yum.

Today we took the boat out for a ride and afterward, we did some work with a few preschool skills books that I picked up at B&N last week.  We worked on Letters, Numbers and Same/Different.   She did amazingly well with the Same/Different.  Alex wasn't able to get the puzzle, but Kat scooted over and got it right off the bat.  He got frustrated and disappeared into the cabin with dad while Kat and I continued to work.

I never realized how smart she is.  She's really quiet and lets Alex lead.  He's mechanically bright, able to figure out how things work, like the child-proof tap on the water cooler that he got to work last year.  Kat only got it a few months ago, but he's been able to do it for almost a year.  I was pleasantly surprised.  We're definitely going to be working with these books more.

I hesitate to admit, what with the already overflowing sock yarn stash that I showed last week, but I've acquired more.  I can't pass up a sale nor not order from a new yarn pusher :)  I tripped on another yarn pusher:  Woolgirl.

From left to right:

• Lazy Perry Ranch in Periwinkle
• Mama Llama Bamboo Sock in Grand
• Union Center WhatNot Sock in Kitty's Eyes
• Woolarina Handpaint in Summer Harvest

I'd highly recommend WoolGirl.  Shipping was superfast and there was a really cute little sheepy stitch marker and a pack of woolwash (Soak) with my order.  I'm definitely ordering from there again.  There might have also been an order placed with Pick Up Sticks last week too but I ain't saying. 

Finally, since today is Sunday, there was spinning going on here.  I started on the second half of the BFL from Painted Skeins.  Unlike the first half, I've split this half in 1/5th's lengthwise.   I've made sure to keep them in the same orientation  so that I start each with the same end.  Should make for an interesting effect when plied together.  I finished two of the five lengths.  Unlike the first bobbin, you can actually see the various colors peaking through as there was less of each wound on.

I'm looking forward to finishing this up as I want to try something else.  I picked up the book, Spinning for Softness and Speed, and I really want to try it.  I saw it mentioned on someone's blog recently and ordered it off eBay.  I've read the first couple of chapters and am itchin' to try it.  I didn't want to do it in the middle of any of the current projects so I need to finish one.  Looks like the Schacht will be the first wheel freed up, now to find the right wool.  I think the processed CVM mellowing in the basement might be a good choice.

I think I'm going to turn in early.  I want to be fresh for the first day tomorrow. 

Craft on!

Around and Around

No soap opera moments here today.  At least I don't think so at the moment.  I have an early morning appointment tomorrow at a nursery/daycare center (Tutor Time - if anyone has experience with the chain please do chime in!) and another Friday afternoon.  I should be able to finish this project off before starting the new job Monday.  Have I mentioned that I START A NEW JOB on Monday? :)  Thank goodness. 

I've been sitting idle at work since last Tuesday when I deployed the last project I'd been working on.  Figures I get an email from someone a half hour ago regarding something that had been in discussion as a wish list item in APRIL.  They've finally compiled what they want, what format did I want it in.  Um. None ;)  I copied my original email, along with a reminder that Friday is my last day.  She'll have it to me by EOD.  What?  I thought the freakin thing was compiled already.  Geez.  I hope "Brand Creative" has signed off on this wonderful addition to the intranet.  This kind of project I don't even want to do.  HR wants a page linking to outside vendors.  oh yeah.  You need a developer to do simple html. No wonder they can't keep anyone here for more than a year. 

Okay, enough griping... this shitty job is almost done.  Since yesterday was Tuesday, I spun!  Amazing how fast bobbins fill up when you spin regularly!  Totally unreal!  So anyway, while watching yesterday's episodes of Ryan's Hope, I finished the second bobbin of the hand dyed merino on the Gem.

Still playing TV catch-up as I didn't get home from the Parent Meeting on Monday until rather late, I watched Hell's Kitchen while working on the Schacht.  I finished the first bobbin of the BFL and am ready to start splitting up the second half for some interesting stripey fun.

I didn't do much knitting yesterday.  The humidity was really unbearable.  Even worse today, especially after that torrential downpour this morning that totally futzed up the commute.  I took this picture yesterday morning using the TM dashboard location...

.. I've since finished the sock on the way in this morning and (everyone) immediately cast on for the second!  You can see that I went plain footed on this modified monkey sock.

I also managed to get a picture last night of the Striped Baby Sweater in that yummy Smooshy yarn...

It is such a cute little knit.  I'll have you know that I've been working in the ends as I go.  With the three active yarns for each row, the ends were making me nuts so I just had to get rid of them.  The colors in this picture are just a little bit off.  The orange isn't quite that orange, more a peach, and the others aren't quite so blue.  Maybe I can get a dashboard shot for true color representation :)

Craft on!

Weekend Update

Saturday I was treated to another birthday celebration.  Deb had the twins and me over to her house where she made us lunch, served a very yummy home made Grandma cake and provided entertainment.  She has an excellent recap as well as fab pictures!  She gave me two skeins of Koigu KPPPM for my birthday in a beautiful colorway.  Thanks Deb for everything! 

I brought my little gem with me over to her house and spun some of the hand painted merino that I bought in MD this year.  It is the peachy color stuff at the back of the pile here.  I got to look at these pictures more often as I totally forget what I have!  Kat has requested a sweater out of it, and with 1.5lbs, I can probably oblige her.  Doing the quick fold-back-on-self method of measuring, it will probably result in a 14wpi cushy merino yarn.  I wasn't able to get a good picture last night, but am close to finishing a second bobbin.  I put in about an hour on the second bobbin last night as Sundays are for spinning (along with Tuesdays).

On the Schacht, I've been working on the first bobbin of hand dyed BFL from Painted Skeins in the Stone Fruit Sunrise color.  I bought this fiber right after the last issue of Spin Off inspired me to approach hand dyed in a different way than is normal for me.  The Spunky Tulips I spun as per my old approach:  divide the roving into half and then just spin each half, ply together.  I love the yarn, but the results were a bit odd.  I'm split this BFL in half and am spinning it as is.  The other half will probably be split in thirds.  It is almost spinning itself.

I'm showing a bit of consistency in the colors that are drawing me in right now.  No longer the pink/brown/cream of the Neapolitan that held me in its grip for so long, but now the orange/yellow/pink/purples have me. 

Witness the Lorna's Monkey Sock in Bittersweet has those exact colors as well. I can also count two other sock yarns currently in the yarn basket that have the same colors too.  I'm going to have me some brightly colored socks!  I hit the heel on this sock this morning and one stop before mine on the PATH, I pulled the needle on the flap.  I took it back to the last circular round and have decided to reduce stitch count and do a plain foot.  I'm not a huge fan of patterns on the foot (cabled socks notwithstanding) and thanks to my good friend Ms. Right Ankle, I wear closed shoes a lot.  The texture both annoys the foot and is lost inside the sneaker.  It just makes more sense to do a plain foot.

Speaking of the sock yarns, I noticed that my basket is overflowing...

This basket is almost entirely sock yarn.  There may be a couple of skeins of lace weight in there for fun (including that yummy cashmere purchased at MASW), but really, it is almost entirely sock weight.  It should also be noted that this is not by far all the sock yarn.  There is a chest at the end of my bed that also contains a goodly amount of the stuff and honestly, that floor full that I flashed during the packing to move last year is still in a box in the basement.  There are probably a few skeins not in any of the aforementioned locations as well, and no way includes the box in my closet of leftovers that can either grow to be socks for the twins or get reused somehow in a scrappy blanket.

See that cone of yarn behind the CD and next to the basket?  That coffee with cream color?  That is a cone of 1/36NM cash/silk from Colourmart that is now the lead contender for the WRS.  I swatched it Friday night and really love it.  I'll have to get a good picture of it (camera batteries were dead and I honestly forgot about it last night when rounding up other shots) but having shown both the Lacis and the Colourmart swatches to first Deb and then Mom, we all agree that the cash/silk is the one.  I'm ready.  I'm ready. 

I really am getting closer to ready to cast on for that shawl.  MS3 is no longer one of my loves.  I'm really at a loss as to what to do with it.  I finished Clue 4 in plenty of time for 5.  The theme was revealed on Friday, as I'm sure you all know by now.  It is Swan Lake.  A beautiful theme, but the remaining part of the stole is going to form a wing.  A wing?  Ugh.  I decided to sit back and let others knit this so I can see what it looks like.  Having now seen it, I can't say as I like it.  Sure there's two more clues after this one and who knows what the edging is going to look like, but I really don't like it so far.  There is a stated alternative to knit clues 1-4 again and graft in the middle.   Except I'm not that enamoured with the rest of it and really don't want to knit it again.  I'm torn now between ripping the thing out entirely or creating my own ending for it.  At least it has all be very fast to knit so if I do rip, I don't feel as if I've wasted a lot of time.  Blech.

Either way, it is in timeout and I'm going to move forward on Tina, 7 repeats of the 9.5 are now done and finally cast on for WRS.  Though... there's always a though isn't there?... I'm tempted to use a slightly heavier cobweb (snicker - J&S 1-ply) and knit the Bridal Shawl as a warm up for WRS.  Decisions decision.

I did get over the inertia of which piece of lace to knit by casting on a baby sweater for my new niece.  It is the Simple Stripes Baby Sweater in the Dream in Color yarns. I've finished the first two stripes.  Sweet little sweater.  I'll probably use some of the leftover to knit her the Saartje's Bootees(pdf).  Those things are sooooo cute.

I'm tired today.  Kat crawled into my bed sometime during the night after I turned in and proceeded to have an accident.  Ugh.  1:14AM and I feel wet.  She's standing on the bed crying.  I get her changed, grab my pillow and head to her room.  She curls up in the usually spot on the floor and I took her bed.  Glad I got her a nice bed :)  Not quite as cushy as my pillow-top dream, but comfy enough.  Oh well.

Dad took Alex for a haircut on Thursday.  Got another summer buzz cut (timely too as the weather has been beastly hot).  I love this cut on him!

Deb is right, they don't look like toddlers anymore.  I blinked.

FOUR MORE DAYS!

Craft on!!

Sock On!

We don't need no stinkin' sock machines.. certainly not in the land of the crazy.  As predicted, I finished off the first sock Tuesday night on the way home.  Now all together... "immediately cast on for the second one".  Good job!  I didn't get very far before I had to pack it away to get off the train and managed to only do the first round.

Yesterday I took the day off.  I had to get my car serviced and didn't want to do it over the weekend.  Add in that I've got NOTHING to do at work now and really, why should I?  I've already written all the documentation necessary to turn this job over to the next sucker fool Intranet Developer.  So I took the day off.  Two hours sitting in the Firestone waiting room got me from the toe to halfway through the short row heel.  Then another 45 minutes at Panera, escaping from the housekeeper took me to about 1.5" short of the cuff ribbing.  Last night as I was getting ready to settle down for some serious TV watching, I realized that the sock wasn't going to be enough knitting for the entire commute today and rather than finish it up and schlep along the supplies for the next, I finished it up during the Top Chef rerun.  (I finished Clue 4 of MS3 earlier in the afternoon before hiding at Panera.) 

So from start to finish, the second sock took one day, or really 4.5 hours or so.  As a recap, this is my basic sock formula, toe up, short row heel, 2x2 rib cuff.  I really can do these almost in my sleep.  Thanks to the yarn gauge, I got by with 52 total stitches on US1.  For all intents and purposes the pair was started Monday morning.  Sweet.  I should rename them the Evelyn Wood Speedknitting Socks.

Should I mention that I've started the next pair already?

(Dashboard Shot - patent pending)

I cast this one last night during Top Chef.  As a change from the basic socks, I'm going with a little pattern for these.  Monkey socks, take 2.   The yarn is the new Aussi Sock that I bought last week at Seaport Yarn after my first interview with the new employer.  Boy I love saying that!!!  BTW, got the official offer letter yesterday, signed it and faxed it back to them.  We're good to go :)  Anyway, the yarn is new for them and going for a bah-gain of $14 for the skein.  I picked up two skeins:  Faded Valentine and Sahara Desert.  This is the Faded Valentine.  Its got my current fad colors of pink/cream/brown but they are awfully muted.  I can't say as I'm loving the colors right now, especially after the last couple of boldly colored socks, but the yarn is very nice to work with.  I'll keep going with it, unless of course so new yarn waggles its ball band at me at MY tonight :)

Since Tuesday is for spinning, I spun Tuesday night.  I pulled out my dream wheel - the Russo - and got to work with the Foxfire Fiber Cashmere/Silk that I bought at MASW this year.  It hasn't always been a total pleasure to spin, it has sections that clump terribly, but it is pretty and I'm sure I can make something out of it.

I'm hoping to get enough in singles to knit the Shetland Triangle from Wrap Style. 

That's really about it for today.  I think I'll take advantage of the lack of work and catch up on the 720 posts I haven't read yet in Bloglines!  Y'all have been really busy!  I'm glad I'll be able to read all that instead of just resetting at 0 :)

Craft on!

There Be Wheels Here

It was a whirl of a weekend.  I'm a bit late in posting this as the wonderful women who were here on Saturday all beat me to it, but I'll give it a go.  I hosted a very talented group, informally the Jersey Spinners.  Deb, Kim (and Liam), Ina, and Jessica came over and together the similarly afflicted enjoyed a gorgeous Saturday by spinning on the patio.  There was great food and even better company. 

Not the best of shots, the other ladies have far better posts and pictures than I including bobbin shots of what each of us was up to.  I did capture the intrepid spindler supreme, Ina using my Lendrum.  Not surprisingly, she took to it rather well.

After they sadly left, I was alone in the house.  To give me a break, my folks took the twins to the boat for an overnight Saturday morning as the Jersey Spinners were arriving.  I made a quick/light dinner and went back to the wheel (Schacht) and finished up the second bobbin completing the first four ounces of the June Spunky Fiber offering.  I love BFL and her work is just superb. The color is Tulips.  In a very rare occurrence mood, I actually plied the two bobbins together and even skeined the darn thing up....that night.

The ball of roving is a second 4 oz of the same colorway/fiber.  I'm going to spin that one differently having read the article in the latest issue of Spin-Off on spinning self striping yarns.  I can't wait to give it a go.  I "quickly" counted up the loops and calculated 411 yards from the 4oz and broke out the swift.  Yes, it was now a center pull ball.

I was good, restrained myself from casting on then and there as I only had the ribbing on the second STR Red Rock Canyon sock to complete.  And I did.

These are my vanilla sock recipe with the turkish cast on, toe-up, PG-R no wrap short row heel with a 2x2 rib and a sewn bind off.  I'm quite taken with that bind off as it really is perfect in this application!  The yarn was the lightweight and I used US1 DPNs over 52 sts.  Standard socks all the way.

Letting no moss grow on my DPNs, I quickly cast on the newly spun Tulips yarn.  I finished the first sock on the train home from work yesterday and even got the toe done on the second.  No second sockitis here!  They're definitely fraternal socks....

The gauge is identical to that of the STR Lightweight and as such the pattern is a clone of the Red Rock socks I just finished.  The colors are fun and the yarn is just yummy.  I really can't remember the last time I actually knit my handspun!  Shame really.  I seem to stash it like all the rest and get totally distracted by the store bought stuff (of which there is more but that is for another post - though my Ravelry queue would be a good indicator).  It is definitely a nice reminder that I should be using my handspun more often.

Saturday wasn't the only day for spinning.  Oh no.  Sunday was the monthly meeting of the guild that I joined way-way back when I first learned to spin.  They meet the first Sunday of the month at a colonial era house in Fishkill, NY.  It is an hour drive for me, but in good weather, it can very scenic.  While I used to go every month, once the twins started moving along (not to mention the months I was VERY pregnant) I stopped going.  I think the last time I made it to a meeting was last fall.  I brought my little Gem and spun some of the dyed merino I bought at MDSW this year with me.  Part of the group spun outside on the lawn under a huge tree (no pictures... camnesia again!) while the rest worked a wet-felting workshop.  It was nice to get to go back. I left the meeting and met up with the rest of the family at the boat, which is conveniently located between the guild location and the house.  Nice.

One other activity this weekend has been the start of the Mystery Stole 3 (sorry getting too tired for the linky love).  I cast on Friday morning shortly after the clue was released.  I'm using Zephyr in Steel on a Addi Lace US4.  I'm now on row 80 of 100.  I should be able to finish the rest of the rows before the next clue pops out on Friday.

Sorry for the lousy picture. 

Now for the job update thing.  I didn't get the offer from the law firm in time to go back after my vacation to then give notice.  Oh well.  It seems the firm has a twice annual hiring freeze at the end of the 2nd and 4th quarters so that the numbers guy can review things.  And wouldn't you know it, the 2nd quarter just ended.  The gentleman at the firm who would be my boss called me yesterday to assure me that yes, all is well.  They are definitely interested and will be making an offer.  There's just this process that needs to be followed.  I should have the formal offer early next week!  Yay!  Works out somewhat better in a way too.  My buddy got two offers on Tuesday and since he's out until next Tuesday on some PTO (paid time off), we can probably give notice ON THE SAME DAY.  MUAHAHAHAHA.  I don't need to tell you that we both report to the same jerk, do I?! :)  Hee hee hee hee.  anyway, I wanted to give an update to where we are right now.

Today was very quiet.   We had a real do nothing day in the house with the weather being cool and overcast.  I did a little knitting on MS3, as well as futzed around with a crochet hook.  I'm ready to go relax with some knitting and a cup of tea before bed.   But before I go, I have to show the view from my bedroom door these days.

Kat, for some odd reason, last week decided that she didn't want to sleep alone in her room.  While she's always had this odd preference for the floor which I think I've mentioned before, she's taken to HER floor.  Now she moved to the hallway right outside my door.  How odd is that?  I can't even begin to fathom the force that has her sleeping there.  Any clues?

Birthday Meme

Jessica posted hers and offered up the tagging to those interested.  As my birthday is around the corner, I figured it would be a good time to go for it.

Here are the rules: You go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (only the month and day). Then you write down 3 events, 2 births, 1 holiday, and then you tag 5 friends (though I'll follow her lead and not actually tag anyone.  Consider yourself tagged if you so choose).

July 22nd

Events

• 1793 - Alexander Mackenzie reaches the Pacific Ocean becoming the first Euro-American to complete a transcontinental crossing north of Mexico.
• 1933 - Wiley Post becomes first person to fly solo around the world traveling 15,596 miles in 7 days, 18 hours and 45 minutes.
• 1934 - Outside Chicago's Biograph Theatre, "Public Enemy No. 1" John Dillinger is mortally wounded by FBI agents.

Births

• 1890 - Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, American Kennedy family matriarch (d. 1995)
• 1940 - Alex Trebek, Canadian-born game show host

Holiday

• Pi Approximation Day

Finally, I found this while surfing and got curious ...

I know there was more, but my scattered brain has lost the tendrils of thought.  Must have been that evening at Chuck E. Cheese's last week for a kid birthday.  More than likely it is wool fumes :)

Craft on!

Similarly Afflicted

I love fiber festivals.   There's the whole stash acquisition aspect of them that is just downright enjoyable.  I don't have an opportunity outside of these events to fondle the fiber that I buy.  All other purchases are over the net and can be a chancy thing.  But when you get right down to it, it isn't the fiber that has me driving (and towing two monkeys along) because between you and me, I really don't need more stuff. 

It is the opportunity to be among the similarly afflicted that has me itching to go.  My daily life, with the exception of the weekly SnB gals, doesn't involve those that are just ga-ga for fiber.  So when Cate invited us up for the festival weekend, I jumped, dragging the monkeys along for the ride.

Friday we drove up, leaving here somewhere around 1.  I'd hoped to leave earlier, but you know how things work when children are involved.  My PT ran a little longer as I took the optional ice packs as the workout stretched in ways I'm not used to and I was a bit tender.  Figured it couldn't hurt, especially since it is my gas pedal foot.  Anyway, we got to Cate's house at 4pm.  Amazingly we avoided the bulk of the traffic and the journey took only 3 hours.  The kids made themselves at home. 

For dinner Friday, we met up with some extraordinary women.  Having tried one restaurant to find a 1 hour wait, we moved to another.  A lovely place in a town I can't remember.  There the twins and I dined with Cate, Kathy, Cheryl, Marcy, Teresa, Lisa and her daughter Rebecca.  After which everyone returned to Cate's house for a little wine, wool and gabbing.  With that many bloggers in one place you'd think there would be a photo of it, but alas, it seems everyone was suffering from camnesia.  I certainly fought with the condition during the course of the weekend! 

The twins both decided that they wanted to sleep with mommy for a change, so the three of us wound up in a single twin bed.  Was an interesting night to say the least.   We stayed up far too late but it was so worth it.

Saturday was the festival!  Kristen arrived at the house sometime after the twins and I had gone to sleep.  A leisurely breakfast, some living room rearranging for the blegger and twin wrangling later, we went to the fairgrounds.  I oddly remembered I had the camera for the first time..

Here is the angel Kristen with Kat and Alex.  She is so good with kids.  Honestly, I wish I was that good!  She even took them for a walk to see the animals so I could do some shopping.  How sweet is that? 

Here is Cate spinning on a Hitchhiker.  What you don't see in this picture is the young girl and her parents standing next to me.  Cate was teaching the girl how to spin and shortly after this shot, had the girl at the wheel trying it herself.  I spotted the family later in the day carrying one the cute Hitchhiker wheels.  Good job Cate!  Spread the spinning!

Here's Cheryl and Cate who tried this cute little flax repro wheel that a vendor was selling.  I didn't catch the vendor's name but they were right next to Journey Wheel.  The twins were starting to melt down by this point so after a little more socializing, I put them in the car and drove off to ....

While I've ordered from them, I've never been to the actual store.  Now that was an experience!  One problem, during the drive from the fairgrounds to the store, this is what happened to the kids...

Don't they look so cute asleep.  Don't be fooled!  They're still MONSTERS :)  Anyway, I pulled out the stroller, piled the two sleeping bodies into it and went shopping.  Alex woke up enough that I had to stay moving within the store or he got a little antsy.  Not bad, really.  He saved me some money.  Kat made the transfer well and slept for the entire stay.  I was totally surprised by her position in the back seat of the stroller though when i went back out to the car...

Her right foot is in the basket under the stroller, her tush is on the foot rest, the left foot is on the side rail and she has her head down on the seat.  Oh boy that looks comfy!  Not.  I'm still amazed at the positions children can sleep in.  My body hurts just looking at this.

Saturday night was the much publicized and extremely fun blegger at Cate's house!  Lots and lots of folk came to gab, drink, and enjoy the wool fumes.  So many faces and blogs that I just can't remember nor keep up.  Please drop a comment if you were there!  It was another late night.  Kat fell asleep in my lap on the living room floor at some point.  Alex continued to charm the ladies.  He did show off his ability to accessorize by turning up in princess shoes, a beaded necklace, bracelet, ring and coordinating purse.   The kid is cute. 

Unfortunately, the late nights and short naps caught up with my little man.  He had the nastiest meltdown shortly after breakfast, whining, crying, screaming intermixed with "excuse me" and "please mommy" as he went through a variety of things that he wanted all of which made him no happier.  During this almost 2 hour tantrum, I rounded up our things, tried to neaten up the mess my shorties made, packed the bags, dressed and loaded the car.  Kat very nicely shut down while Alex was tantruming.  Thank goodness that when one of them goes that ballistic, it doesn't chain reaction into the second one.  I finally got them in the car, got the dvd player started with Spongebob and the car in gear when Alex's cry turned to why he wasn't wearing shoes.  (He wouldn't let me put them on him before).  I had to stop for gas before the interstate, but as soon as we were moving on the highway both went to sleep and stayed asleep until after I pulled into the driveway!  I had a blissfully silent 2hr40min drive home.  A little time in the pool, an early dinner, some unpacking and all went to bed early that night!

Memorial day was a quiet one at home.  The folks didn't get home from the boat until after dinner time.  The weather was spotty at best with some periods of rain.  We spent a great deal of it inside.  The kids took a 2 hour nap and I got to spend some time with the wheels.  I started playing with the Greylock from Foxfire on the Vermont wheel.  Then I moved to further acquaint myself with the new Schacht.  I followed a number of recommendations, thank you!, and replaced the knot on the driveband with a sewn join.  MUCH BETTER. 

By dinner time I had finished the two remaining singles for the three ply sock yarn.  After the monkeys went to bed, I plied...

Neat-o!  Unusual for me, I even skeined it up last night.  Oh and counted loops. It came out to be 197yards/72g.  Slightly heavier than my normal sock yarn.  I could probably eke out a pair for my small feet from this skein.  I'll just split it with the help of the scale. 

All in all, tantrum/meltdowns aside, it was a fabulous weekend spent in the company of wonderful people.  Thank you all!

Craft on!

 

Mail Call Redux

I just love me a good mail day.  After several days with nuthin' but junk mail, I got me a good one!  I know I had an excellent mail call not too terribly long ago and I haven't exactly have nothing since.  But this was one of those really good days..

 

On the left is my new bobbin winder that Juno suggested,  the new Schacht ST Matchless wheel (more on her later - squee), bathing suit separates from Land's End and that bottom box is that gorgeous black corrie fleece that I shared with Marcia returning from a stay at Spinderellas for processing.  I have to admit, the last two boxes are still as you see them here, completely un-opened.  I'll get to them eventually.

Kat was the first to really play with the Schacht.  She had no issues treadling a DT wheel (namely the Lendrum Saxony which resided in her room until moving on to its new home) but had some difficultly keeping this ST going in the same direction.  She did insist on some YARN to play with so I fished the leader out and she treadled, keeping a good hold.  Maybe its time to teach her to spin.  I think the Lendrum upright might just be perfect for her.  Alex insisted on a turn too.  Gotta love those kids.

After they went to bed, I got my chance.  After futzing around with some romney roving to get the feeling of the wheel, I pulled out the Ashland Merino that I bought after seeing the glorious yarn that Marcia spun.

I just took about an arm length's bit of each color which amounted to about 75g, split it into 1/3's and then set about working on the first bobbin.  By the end of Lost last night (don't even get me started on the  show) I finished the first bobbin.

Yum!  Love the new wheel.  The accent of Black Walnut is just gorgeous.  She spun really well though I need to see what I can do about the "thump" that happens when the drive band knot hits the whorl/bobbin.  It was annoying, but not enough to stop spinning!

I'm just about done with the second of the Toe-Up Knee socks.  I have another row or two to do on the cuff and I can bind off.  Call it done today.  Better yet, I did both socks out of one skein of the Silkie.  Woot.  Though it does leave me with an entire second skein of the Rockin' Sock Club yarn.  Not sure what I'm going to do with it yet.  I have a couple of contenders for next project and a daughter who keeps asking for a "shawl with pockets like I saw on your 'puter".  I'm translating that to a picture of a poncho with a pocket that she saw on someone's blog.  I found a pattern on the net and will look for some yarn tonight at MY and modify the pattern a smidge to include a pocket on the front.  This is the poncho the kid saw (I ran it past her this morning)..

Not sure when I'll post again, I have off tomorrow because the CEO simply announced that the office was closed.  I scheduled my PT for 9:30 and with the kids in school for the morning, I'll have time to do some errands, packing and then hit the road for MASS!  If you see the monkeys and me at Cummington, please say hi!  And it looks like we'll be staying for the Blegger after all!  Woot!  We'll head home after breakfast on Sunday and then hopefully spend the rest of the weekend at home.  The folks will be on the boat.  Anyone up for a little Memorial Day Spin-in on my patio? :)

Happy Memorial Day to those observing.  I hope you have a lovely holiday weekend!  To everyone else, I wish you too a great weekend.

Craft on.