loves2knitandspin

Pink Handspun Hoodie

2009-11-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

This hoodie is made from my pink handspun yarn. I used two different rovings for my singles. One single was from a fine wool, pink with varied colored flecks. I had only a pound of this and not enough for a sweater, so I had a friend dye a pound of merino in a pastel pink and plied the two together. The affect was striking. It is light, soft and I love this yarn!

For the body I used a Knitting Pure and Simple jacket pattern. From there I didn't use any one particular pattern just ideas from several. I took ideas from Deby Lake's Neighbor Hoodie by adding a zipper band and zipper as well as the hood. Instead of 1x1 ribbing the pattern called for I went with 3 " of 3x3 ribbing. I definitely made this hoodie to fit my tastes. It is simple to look at but I love it!

In September Deby was here and put in the zipper for my Neighbor Hoodie Vest I knit. For this sweater I had to do it myself and was suprised at how very easy it is to install. It took less than an hour to hand sew it in. I even added a little beaded stitch marker as a zipper pull to match.

Braided Glory

2009-10-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

This wrap is adorable! It is called "Braided Glory" by Deby Lake.

I used Knit Picks needles size 8 and Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim Aran. I have always

said I am not really a shawl person, but I have changed my mind. Braided Glory is unique and I can't wait to wear it!!

Flat Feet Socks Finished

2009-10-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my Flat Feet Socks. I love the colors. I still need to to wash them in vinegar to set the dye and block them. I was suprised at how well the pair matched.

Lady Jane

2009-09-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

This vest was such a fun knit!!!! I really enjoyed it. It was such a unique design and after blocking is such a flattering styled vest. I knit this vest with 100% wool I had in my stash.

The pattern is "Lady Jane" and you can find it on Deby Lake's website. Which by the way, Deby came to town to visit me and was here all last week. It was so good to have her here, to sit and knit and visit with me. I dont' get to see her often because she lives 3 hours away. She really cracked the whip and got me to finish a few WIP's. :)

On the needles I still have my "Flat Feet" socks and only need to finish the foot of the second sock. I am about half done with my beaded wrap that I started quite a while ago. I am off of work recouperating from surgery and managed to get a lot done on it. I only have two more weeks of relaxation so I better get those needles a smokin!!!

Anthro-Inspired Scarflet

2009-09-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

I found this little scarflet pattern on Ravelry and thought it was so doggone cute. The name of the pattern is Anthro-Inspired Scarflet. I used size 8 Knit Picks needles and the yarn is di.Ve Autunno, 100% Merino. It sure is soft and looked great with my Pea Coat. It was a quick fix in the midst of all of my large projects.

Flat Feet Socks

2009-09-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

I bought this "Flat Feet" panel when I went to Stitches Midwest last year in Chicago. I finally got around to working on these socks. I have to say, I really love the hand dyed colors, they are working up beautifully. What I am not crazy about is the fact the curly yarn

makes my stitches uneven. The label says wash in vinegar and block after finishing so maybe it will straigten out the stitches. I am using my old faithful size 2 Harmony Knit Picks needles on these socks.

Sandy's Socks

2009-09-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

These socks are done on size 2 Knit Picks Harmony needles with Sockotta yarn. I have the sweetest little sister and she loved these colors so they went to her.

Runner

2009-09-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

This is a sampler runner I finished for niece Marie and husband Joe. Joe needed something for his bay window. The pattern is from "I Can't Believe I Am Lace Knitting" by Kay Meadors. I used size 7 needles and Catania 100% cotton yarn by Schachenmayr Nomotta. I really liked the texture and maybe someday I will make one for myself. :)

Neighbor Hoodie Vest

2009-07-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with my Neighbor Hoodie vest by Deby Lake. All I have left to do is add the zipper. It was such a fun quick knit and I really enjoyed it! I used a chunky yarn, Marble by James C. Brett which is an acrylic and size 10.5 Knit Picks needles.

On the needles I have a little wedding bag for my daughter who is getting married next month and my "Lady Jane" vest both were also designed by Deby. The wedding bag is a free download on her site. I have a pair of socks on the needles and a runner on the agenda for a friend of the family. I suppose it keeps knitting interesting with lots of different projects in the works.

Totally Fraternal

2009-05-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

These socks are totally fraternal. I normally like my socks to match as perfectly as possible. This time I just went with the flow. There was a knot in the yarn that changed the color repeats and they were quite large so I just thought I would leave it be. They are fun for a change. The yarn is Sockotta, the needles, size 2 Knit Picks.

On the needles I have the most adorable vest called "Lady Jane". A new pattern by my bestest friend, Deby Lake.

Spring Has Sprung

2009-05-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

The apple blossoms are in bloom, the grass is getting green and spring has sprung. This is my very favorite time of the year. I am outside every minute I can be working in the flower gardens watching everything come to life or enjoying knitting on the swing. My knitting time gets even less during the warmer months so I try to stay with easy, light projects.

These are my Socks That Rock. I bought my yarn at Stitches Midwest in Chicago last August. I had read so much about this yarn and had to try it. I loved it!! I used Silkie Socks that Rock in the colorway, Moody Blues. I used size 2 Knit Picks needles and just made a plain vanilla sock. The colors are so pretty and the socks are so soft. They will be waiting in my sock drawer until fall when I put my shoes back on again.

Best Friend Socks

2009-04-18T06:15:00.001-07:00

Last month was my best girlfriend, Deby's birthday and I sent her socks for our traditional birthday sock exchange. This month is my birthday and I got my birthday socks in the mail from her. I was so excited to open my package, I was like a kid at Christmas. Not only did Deby knit birthday socks, but she designed and named the pattern "Best Friend Socks" in honor of our birthday tradition. I was thrilled!! How cool is that!!! She sent me a copy of the pattern that she is offering free on Ravelry and soon on her website . She also sent me the neatest knitting journal to keep track of all my projects. Thank you Deby, I love my birthday package!!!

Mom's Birthday Socks Finished

2009-04-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

I finally finished mom's birthday socks and she loved them.

The pattern is Stansfield 196 from "More Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch.
I used size 2 needles and did an Eye of the Partridge heel with garter stitch edge.

Black Wool

2009-03-29T04:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Spinning Guild in at Zeilingers and I worked on this black roving with bits of colored mohair running through it. The pictures don't do it justice. It is kind of hard to capture the deep black with the other colors. I have one pound of roving so I Imagine it will become a scarf and mittens in the future. So far I have about 300 yards plied.

Mom's Birthday Socks

2009-03-29T04:50:00.000-07:00

I started mom's birthday socks. I am using Aussie Wool in purple because mom is a Red Hatter. The pattern is Stansfield 196 from More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch on size 2 needles.

Hoodie

2009-03-22T05:45:00.001-07:00

I finished my hoodie yesterday. I love it! It is so soft and fits perfectly. The pattern is from Knitting Pure and Simple, top down construction. I used Knit Picks size 9 circulars and the yarn is Andean Silk from Knit Picks in Hollyberry.

Now for the next project. I will be casting on mom's birthday socks.

Birthday Socks

2009-03-07T04:26:00.000-08:00

Today is my best girlfriend, Deby's birthday. Happy Birthday girlfriend!!!! A few years ago we decided to exchange hand knit socks for our birthday every year. What a cool tradition that has turned out to be!

This year I used a pattern from "Sensational Knitted Socks" called "Ribbed Lace". The yarn is Araucania hand dyed on size 2 Knick Picks needles. They have an Eye of the Partridge heel. The ribbing is 1x1 through the back loop. I had never done this before and I really liked the results.

Hoodie

2009-03-07T04:16:00.001-08:00

For Christmas this year my DH did alot of investigating to come up with something he knew I would like. He searched through my patterns knowing I had said I want to make the Hoodie pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple. I love these patterns, simple and always fit. Always a good take along project. Anyhow he found my Knit Picks catalog and called a rep to find the nicest yarn for me. He chose Andean Silk in Hollyberry. The top picture captures the true color. This yarn is awesome!!! He did a great job in suprising me for Christmas!!!

Beaded Wrap

2009-02-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

This is a kit I bought while at Stitches Midwest last summer. It is a beaded wrap called, Jill and made of cotton with crystal beads. The kit is from Swallow Hill Creations.

The pattern is a variation of the Tilting Block and is very easy to knit. All the beads had to be pre-strung before beginning. The only problem I found is it takes quite a long time to keep pulling up each bead as needed. They have a tendancy to fall back down the strand.

I love the texture of this wrap and know it will be beautiful completed. Hopefully I will have it finished by August for my daughter's wedding.

Black Wool

2009-02-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

This is black top with colored mohair mixed throughout. I think it would make a wonderful pair of mittens and scarf. I can't wait to see it plied because the singles are already very pretty. This wool came from Zeilingers in Frankenmuth.

Blue Handspun

2009-02-08T05:07:00.000-08:00

I just finished spinning this yarn this morning. It is fine wool and a little bit of bunny mixed in. It is super soft in shades of blue. I ended up with approx. 1600 yards in a worsted weight. I should have enough for a super soft and warm sweater.

Red Sweater and Peach Scarf and Hat

2009-02-07T03:08:00.000-08:00

I am back! I haven't updated my blog since July. Wow! I don't know where the time went. I finally have a high speed internet that should make my life a whole lot easier and I will be able to post as soon as I finish new projects.

This is a scarf and hat I made for my daughter during the holidays. It is knit from my peach

handspun wool. It has shades of yellow in pink and it very pretty.

The hat pattern was a freebie on the Canadian Living website. I used the pattern from the hat to make the matching scarf.

The red sweater is a cotton pullover I finished last fall. It is made of TLC Cotton
and the pattern is a top down by Knitting Pure and Simple.

Peach Tree Socks

2008-07-24T15:22:00.002-07:00

This is a super fun and very pretty sock pattern designed by my friend, Deby. You can purchase this pattern called Peach Tree Socks on her site. I used size 2 needles on 64 stitches. The yarn is Happy Feet by Plymouth Yarn Co., color #10. The yarn is quite reasonable in price and I really like the texture. I am on the heel flap of the second sock and I can't wait to put my feet in these pretty and cushy socks.

Pink Socks

2008-07-08T05:57:00.001-07:00

I started these socks back in April. I threw the ball band away and couln't tell you what brand the yarn is. I can tell you it is wool. They are done on size 1 needles 72 stitches. I am a rather tight knitter and it made a nice firm fabric that I am sure will take alot of wear. I sure have missed knitting socks and I am impatient to finish these and start another pair.

On Vacation

2008-07-08T05:39:00.000-07:00

I would like you to meet Cameron. Isn't he just awesome!!!!!!

This week is the week I have been waiting for for months. DH and I are taking a full week of vacation to stay home and enjoy just being home. I have been working in my flower gardens and knitting alot! Boy it feels great to knit again!!!! I sure missed it.

I finally finished my new little grandson's baby blanket. I didn't think I would ever get it finished. It isn't all that big either. It is made of a dk acrylic baby yarn. I needed something durable for my daughter to throw in the laundry. I made an identical blanket in blue for my first grandson and she just loved it and wanted one for the new baby.

New Addition

2008-06-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't been knitting or spinning alot lately so I haven't had alot to post
about. I have developed a frozen shoulder. I had not heard of it before it happened until I began physical therapy. Apparently I injured my shoulder somehow and when it healed it healed with like a scar tissue that freezes the shoulder up and strains the muscles. Now the object is to break it up with therapy. It is so uncomfortable that I don't sleep well at night and my knitting and spinning have been on the back burner. After going to therapy for the last 6 weeks I am now feeling well enough to start knitting again for short periods of time. When I am still for very long it stiffens. It will heal in time, and boy I can't wait!!

So with that said, I have been plugging along rather slowly on the cutest little baby blanket for my unborn grandson who was due on June 29th. Well what a suprise when he decided to join us yesterday morning at 8:07 a.m. He is absolutely beautiful! I was thrilled to be in delivery with my daughter and welcome him into the world. I felt so bad his blanket wasn't ready for him. My daughter treasures the one I made for her first son. Oh well, he will get it, just a little late. I will post a picture of it as soon as I finish.

Cotton Pullover Finished

2008-05-18T04:04:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my cotton pullover from the "Knitting Pure and Simple" pattern. This was my first top down sweater and I really liked working on it. The fit was the best I've had with my sweaters and the yarn is such a soft cozy cotton. Too bad the weather is getting too warm because I can't wait to wear it.

Birthday Scarf

2008-05-18T03:53:00.001-07:00

I apologize to my friend Leah for taking so long to post a picture of my beautiful birthday gift.

She made me this multi-directional scarf from her own handspun. I really love his scarf. The colors are so pretty and her handspun is absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you Leah!!!!

My Birthday Socks

2008-04-12T06:50:00.001-07:00

These are my birthday exhange socks from my best girlfriend, Deby. Aren't they beautiful?? She made them with Tofutsies yarn and her current pattern of the month, Blackberry for Tofutsies. The beads are so cool looking like little berries. I saw the box when I pulled up from work laying in front of the garage door in the rain. I hurried to rip it open and was relieved to see they weren't wet. They were perfect and not just dry but so pretty! The next thing was to rip off my current socks and try them on! I love them!!!! Thank you Deby!

Plain Socks

2008-04-12T06:37:00.001-07:00

I really like these plain socks. They are made of Lana Grossa Meilenweit Mega Boots Stretch on size 3 needles. I hadn't done socks on 3's since I learned to knit socks 6 years ago. Boy they went fast, they are cozy and comfy and I think I just might have to make another pair soon for a quick knit fix!

Adorable Bib

2008-04-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't this little bib just adorable?? I recieved my weekly newsletter from Threadbear they had this link http://downcloverlaine.blogspot.com/ for these bibs. My daughter is due for our second grandson at the end of June and I thought "how perfect" I have already cast on for a second bib out of Sugar'n Cream kitchen cotton on size 6 needles.

Question on Tilted Duster

2008-04-08T05:14:00.000-07:00

This is a message to Gloria,
I wanted to thank you for your comment and answer your question. The only way I had to reply to you was by posting on my blog.

I absolutely loved working with Aussie wool and the pattern calls for a bulky weight yarn. I didn't have any problems getting gauge. I love the texture of the fabric and my Tilted Duster is so far my favorite sweater. Thank you for asking the question.

Susanna Socks

2008-03-23T07:15:00.001-07:00

These socks are called Susanna and were for my friend Leah for her birthday. They are from the Socken-Kreativ-Liste and designed by Stephanie van der Linden. I used Knit Picks sock yarn on size 2 Knit Picks dpn's.

Komet Socks

2008-03-16T07:45:00.001-07:00

I finished my purple Komet socks from the German sock knitting site. I love these unique socks and the purple is perfect to wear with my Tilted Duster

Cotton Pullover

2008-03-01T04:09:00.003-08:00

On the needles I have a simple raglan top down pullover by Knitting Pure and Simple. The cotton came from my friend Leah. It is the softest cotton I have ever felt. Knitted it looks like a cotton chenille. I have never done a top down construction before and it is a super easy knit. Mindless knitting for those occasions I want to knit and talk at the same time. I have been taking this sweater to work on at my local knit club.

Pink Cotton Candy Merino

2008-03-01T03:52:00.000-08:00

I bought a pound of wool/bunny mix and also some white merino at Zeilingers in Frankenmuth. I decided I wanted to stretch it a little more so I would ply the singles from each together. But I thought the white merino might be a little too white plied with the vibrant pinks. So my friend Leah dyed it a soft shade of pink. It looks like cotton candy!

When plied together it gave me softer varigated shades of pink. I am very happy with the color. It spun up about 10 wpi, worsted weight. This is the softest yarn and I hope to make a sweater with it someday. Notice I say someday??? The project list is longer than what I can knit in a lifetime.

Deby's Birthday Socks 2008

2008-03-01T03:31:00.000-08:00

Each year my best girlfriend Deby and I exchange socks for our birthday. It came about because we have so much knitting to do for our families for Christmas that we would not knit for each other then, but on our birthdays we would knit each other a pair of socks.

The socks I chose this year came from the German Sockknitters group on Yahoo. They are called Komet by Stephanie van der Linden. They turned out beautifully and I think Deby loved her socks. I liked them so well that I have cast on for a purple pair for myself to match my Tilted Duster. Deby's were the green pair. I had to laugh, a lady that goes to my local knit club commented that the pattern had cables AND lace, "total nirvana!"

Horse Shoe Scarf

2008-02-24T15:52:00.001-08:00

I finished my Horse Shoe cabled scarf this week. The yarn is Silky Flamme. It is a bulky weight Wool/Alpaca/Silk. It has the appearance of handspun and after using 4 skeins I wondered why I didn't use some of my own handspun from my stash. But it turned out very pretty and I like it alot.

Finished Tilted Duster

2008-02-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my Tilted Duster. I love, love, love this sweater. It is Oasis Aussie Wool in bulky weight and super warm. The pattern is from the fall issue of Interweave knits. I wore it to work on friday with lots of nice compliments. The only changes I would make in the future if I were to make this sweater again would be to add more to the sleeves. The picture in the magazine shows a tight sleeve but I personally would like it a little more loose. The other change I would make would be to make the collar not quite as high as the 5" the pattern called for. It goes up the back of my head a little too far but it really wasn't uncomfortable.

Test Knitting

2008-01-27T14:57:00.001-08:00

In December I did a little bit of test knitting for my girlfriend, Deby. She gave me the o.k. to put these on my blog. I still have to finish the mate on the purple/blue pair.

Spinning Fiber

2008-01-27T14:32:00.000-08:00

I got this polypay from my friend Leah. She also dyed this fiber and the colors are really cool. Teal, blues, yellows. It is light and lofty with some nubs which I think will give it a cool texture for a cardigan someday. I got a little over 2.5 lbs.

Leah dyed this merino for me on saturday this soft girly shade of pink. I plan on plying it with some singles I had already spun in shades of pink.

Coopworth

2008-01-27T14:22:00.000-08:00

I had a very nice fibery weekend. I got alot of spinning done on this Coopworth. It looks to be a worsted weight. I really like the light lofty look. It has such a nice creamy color. I had a total of two lbs and only less than a half pound left to spin. I am not sure what it will become

Un-Spun Hat

2008-01-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

Isn't this little hat adorable? The pattern is free in the Knit Picks catalog and the yarn was left over from my Un-Spun sweater. That is all the pictures I have for now. I made 3 scarves that are already gone to their recipients as well as 3 pairs of felted clogs and 2 fancy face cloths. I wish I would have taken pictures before they left.

Finished Falling Water Lace Scarf

2008-01-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my Falling Water Lace Scarf from my handspun. I really enjoyed this pattern and although I had too much twist in my yarn, I enjoyed knitting it just the same. I guess it is something about using something you made yourself. Anyhow it is super soft with a very nice halo. I thought the striping came out cool too, something I originally didn't expect.

Finished Falling Water Lace Scarf

2008-01-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

I'm Back

2008-01-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

I thought I should post a note to say I haven't forgot about my blog.
I had been so busy during the holidays making Christmas presents and I didn't take the time to take pictures or post my projects. I worked right up until Christmas eve morning finishing them. I also did a little test knitting for Deby and I can't post those pictures yet either.

I am currently working on my Falling Water Lace Scarf and should be done with that soon. I am also finishing the second socks to the test knit socks. I haven't done any more with my Tilted Duster in a while and I need to dig that back out.

My favorite thing about blogs are looking at pictures of all the knitting projects people have going. I am hoping to do the same and get pictures up very soon. Until then, knit on!

Ribbed Lace Socks

2007-11-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

I finally recieved my invitation to Ravelry on November 1st. It took a whole month which isn't really as long as I expected since there was 16,000 ahead of me. It is pretty cool and I have spent several hours this morning trying to get pictures up and trying to also recall old project information. I have dial up internet at home so it is a long process. But it seems worth it. I am using the name loves2knit if you want to look me up.

I started another pair of socks from one of my favorite books "Sensational Knittted Socks by Charlene Schurch. It is called Ribbed Lace and I am using Ranco sock yarn by Araucania. I didn't realize until I got it home that it is not a superwash. Boy I sure hope I remember to put these aside and not throw them in the washer.

Falling Water Lace Scarf

2007-11-03T13:42:00.001-07:00

I started this lace scarf thursday. It is called Falling Water Lace Scarf by Bonnie Sennot. I am using my own handspun that is super soft but I didn't realize until I started knitting how unevenly I spun it. I am not sure how the pictures show up but the color is different with lavender, gold, yellow and orangy tones. It was in a laps form and hand dyed by Leah I would guess it to be anywhere from fingering to dk weight with even bits of worsted. Now that's variety! :) So far I really like this scarf because it is so soft with unique color.

Best Wishes Socks

2007-10-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with the second sock of this pair. I lost the ball band and started these a while ago so I don't remember the colorway and if I remember right it is Trekking XXL. I love the color but haven't been happy with the texture of the yarn. I have used Trekking before and loved the results. This particular ball has been super uneven. Getting quite thin in spots. The pattern is Best Wishes by Jeannie Townsend The pattern is quite easy and very pretty. I hope to have these finished this weekend. I only have one more pattern repeat and finish the toe.

The problem is I have the little grandson this weekend. He likes Nana's attention!

Pink/Purple Garter Rib Socks

2007-10-27T06:32:00.001-07:00

These are the 2 socks on 2 circs I started a few weeks ago. I have to confess though. I ran into a problem at the gusset and I didn't read my instructions properly. I was in a big hurry on my (1/2) hour lunch at work. I ended up taking the socks off and putting them back on DPN's. So they were half done 2 at a time. :) Next time I know how to do it. The yarn is Knit Picks Dancing, and the pattern is the Garter Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks Book. I love the feel of the yarn. The sock fits perfectly, snug but not too tight and the yarn has a spring that I hadn't felt in cotton sock yarn before. I really love these socks!

Completed Un-Spun Sweater

2007-10-13T05:34:00.005-07:00

I finished up my Un-Spun sweater this week and I really like it alot!!! It is soft, light and the colors are awesome in person! The pattern called for 1x1 ribbing for 4 1/2 inches and folding back and sewing to the inside. I am not crazy about that style so I just knit the neck in 1x1 rib for 3 inches into a mock neck style. I like it alot better. I wanted to wear it to work on friday (jeans day) but it still wasn't quite cold enough for wool. Bummer. I have enough left to make something else but I am not sure what. I have been tossing the idea around to make a bag to match the sweater or even some kind of scarf since when I wear my coat the neck will show and a matching scarf might look nice.

Tilted Duster

2007-10-13T05:23:00.001-07:00

I love this cardigan!!!! I saw it on the Interweave Knits website before the magazine came out and I knew I had to make this! It is called Tilted Duster by Norah Gaughn and is in the Fall 2007 issue of Interweave Knits. As you can see I am using my new purple bulky Aussie Wool. I can only imagine how long it will take me to complete this project since I still have two pairs of socks on the needles, including my new 2 socks on 2 circs method I learned. Which by the way is about 5 1/2 inches down the cuff now. I also am still working on my Alpaca vest which I made some progress on this week. I have 17 inches completed and I need to do 20 before I start the shoulder shaping on the back.

Wool Stash

2007-10-13T05:11:00.003-07:00

This is the yarn I bought at the Northern Michigan Lamb and Wool Festival two weekends ago. The purple is a bulky, the green and pink are worsted weight Aussie Wool from Oasis Yarn Co. My best girlfriend, Deby is currrently designing for Oasis. I really like the texture and color choices they offer. The purple sock yarn on the far left is a superwash merino. The varigated yarn I bought from Leah. It is a hand dyed Napa Sock Yarn, wool/nylon that looks to be more of a dk weight. I love the colors.

2 Socks on 2 Circs

2007-10-06T05:48:00.000-07:00

I had such a wonderful time last weekend!!! First of all mom and I drove up to West Branch for the Michigan Lamb and Wool Festival. It was a blast! But what made it better yet is my best girlfriend, Deby met us there and then drove back to my house to stay the night. It was so nice to spend some time with her. I have missed her since she moved up north. We had fun shopping, chatting and of course knitting.

I didn't end up buying any rovings but I bought enough yarn to make 3 sweaters. I can't wait to get started on those but I have other projects on the needles that need to be finished first.

One of those projects is something very new to me. I learned socks on double pointed needles and really didn't mind them. Deby taught me the 2 socks on 2 circs method. She left me a pair of Hiya Hiya (I hope that is spelled right) circular needles and away I went. It was funny though. She got me going on them and she wasn't down the driveway 10 minutes and I had my socks knitted together. Boy that was a little dissapointing, but I ripped back, started again and this is my progress this week. The yarn is Knit Picks Dancing. The pattern is Garter Rib from my all time favorite sock book. "Sensational Knitted Socks"

Progress on Un-Spun

2007-10-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

I am making a little progress on my Un-Spun sweater. I am working on sleeve #2. I then attatch them to the body and work the shoulders and neckline. I found the pattern not very detailed and I never had made a sweater constructed like this before. Thank heavens for smart girlfriends. While Deby was here visiting she helped me figure it out. I sure would like to get this sweater finished. It is so soft and I absolutely love the colors!!!

Alpaca Vest

2007-10-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

This is some handspun Alpaca I spun quite a while ago. I had a little over 1000 yards of very bulky yarn and it is soooooooooo soft. I originally made a poncho out of it. But I found the poncho to be restricting but super warm like wearing my blankie everywhere I went. :) Because fashions come and go I decided to rip back that poncho and use the yarn for something I thought I might wear more. Especially since it was so warm. I found this free vest pattern on the Bernat site and the gauge is perfect.

Chevron Waistcoat Complete

2007-09-23T06:28:00.002-07:00

I finished the Chevron Wasitcoat Vest a few days ago. I have just had a hard time getting the picture up on the blog. I tried friday night and again saturday morning so this morning I thought I would take another picture and give it a try once again. I love this vest. Thanks Leah for the great idea of making these. Leah, her mom and I all made the same vest out of our left over handspun yarns. I cheated and had to add a couple commercial yarns :) They are all very pretty and each unique. It sure was a fun knit except for the job of working in all the ends. 9 colors that changed every 2 or 4 rows. I wish the photo would bring out the richness of the colors.

Spinning Cotton Candy

2007-09-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

O.K., so it isn't cotton candy but it sure looks like it. That's what one of the ladies said on Saturday at the Frankenmuth Guild. I had only been there twice last spring and didn't go all summer. Fall is here, I have a little more time on the weekends and I am ready to go again. The ladies were all very nice. I enjoyed the beautiful country drive there and so all and all it was just a perfect day for me!

Anyhow the roving is a wool/bunny mix and super soft. I plan on plying it with a white coopsworth to end up with 2 lbs and hopefully enough for a very feminine and soft sweater. I am trying to get a worsted weight but I am having a hard time with consistency.

Un-Spun Sweater

2007-09-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

This is something a little diffferent for me. I am knitting a sweater basically from an unspun wool pencil roving from a company called Fingerlakes Woolen Mill Of course it logical they call it Un-Spun. One of the girls at knit club at our LYS literally tripped over the bag of roving on the floor. She picked it up and I absolutely loved the feminine pastels and inquired as to what it was. I thought heck, why not give it a try. The pencil roving is very fragile so it is kind of hard to keep an even tension, but the fabric is so super soft and suprisingly strong after knitted. The pattern I am using is a simple Yoke Pullover that came with the kit, knit in the round my size 10.5 Denise needles. They call the roving "cheeses", I thought that was funny.

I finished my Chevron Waistcoat vest this week. I will post a picture later in the week when I get buttons sewn on.

Purple Donegal Tweed Sweater

2007-09-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

I finally finished this sweater that I started back in January. I had it tucked away in my craft room waiting for me to take interest again. It was done on size 6 needles with Donegal Tweed DK by Sirdar which is now discontinued. I was holding my breath I had enough to finish the sweater because I couldn't find anymore of this yarn. I probably finished with a mere 10 yards left over. I have more of this yarn in navy for another sweater but with a couple of extra balls. The pattern is by Sirdar and is simple to do. This is my first cardigan and I really like it. Just a stockinette stitch with seed stitch turned back cuffs and trim. The buttons don't show up too well in the picture but they are perfect. I found them at JoAnn's and they are wood with the exact shade of purple faded to a lighter purple in the center.

Finished Silk/Wool Yarn

2007-09-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of the most recent yarn off my wheel. It has been sitting there for quite a while since I have been doing more knitting this summer. There was 10 oz of this wool/silk roving and I spun it quite fine. I would consider this a fingering - dk weight. I love the colors, which were dyed by Leah of Yarn or a Tale. This yarn is so soft. I would love to make socks from it but not sure of the durability. A lace scarf would also be very pretty.

Chevron Waistcoat

2007-07-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know if vests are currently in style or not, but I am making one anyhow. This pattern is from Knitter's Magazine, summer 2007, and called Cevron Waistcoat. It is a top down on size 9 needles. I thought I would clean out all my oddball skeins of handspun for this. It turned out to be more difficult than I thought it would be. For starters the model was knit with a handpainted main color therefore you can't see a definite striping pattern. My handspuns all tended to be more solid so the stripes really stand out alot more. I had a hard time finding enough balls that matched too. It calls for several super bulky, bulky and worsted weight to end up with a total of 9 colors. I ended up plying together two handspuns one in off white llama, the other just a wool mix to get a tweed effect for my main color. I also threw in a couple of acrylics to get different texture. Patons Divine and a boucle. Somehow the look I have come up with seems to have a southwestern flavor. I am kind of liking it so far, we shall see........

Baby Fern Socks

2007-07-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

I really like my new socks! The pattern is Baby Fern from the new book, "More Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch. I Used 72 stitches and size 1 needles. I don't know why I have never done it before but I used a 1x1 ribbing and really like it. It looks so neat to me. The yarn is Lorna's Laces color #24 Happy Valley.

Tidal Wave Socks

2007-06-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

This pretty pattern called Tidal Wave was designed by my girlfriend Deby Lake for SWTC. You can get this as a free pattern on the SWTC web site. Deby has several very nice patterns out and I love knitting them. This is done with Tofutsies color #731. The pattern has made the color design stripe kind of like a candy cane. I used size 2 dpn's and took the design down the foot. I am ready to decrease for the toe on sockie #1. It is such a light summery sock. I am really liking the knitting as well as stopping just to feel the fabric. Great job Deby!!!!

Garter Rib Socks

2007-06-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have been working on these socks for the past 3 weeks. With spring here and plenty of yard work, knitting and spinning time are at a minimum. But, I work it in every minute I can. Even if it is my half hour lunch at work. The yarn I used is Sockotta. These socks are called "Garter Rib" from "Sensational Knitted Socks" book. It was my very favorite sock book untl I got "More Sensational Knittted Socks" by Charlene Schurch. Now I think it is a tie. They are both my favorites!!!

As you can see, I only need to finish off the toe decreases on the second sock and I will finally have them finishsed.

Pencil Roving

2007-06-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

This pencil roving is so pretty. It is pastel in color with bits of lavender, pink, yellow and off white and is a very very soft kid/Merino blend. I purchased it at Leah's shop If you are ever near Millington, Michigan you should stop in and see her shop. I am spinning this fiber to approx. a fingering weight. It should make a beautiful scarf.

Peach wool/mohair

2007-05-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

This is peach and yellow wool/mohair blend that I have had in my stash for over a year. The colors are bright and springy. I only have about 1200 yards in a dk weight. I am not sure what it will become but it will be there for me this winter when I do most of my knitting. This picture was taken before I washed and dried my skeins. I washed up beautiful!

Rug Yarn

2007-05-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

I have some burgandy/green llama roving that I am spinning into a chunky yarn and hopefully it will make a nice woven rug. I am not very good at spinning chunky, I tend to spin a finer yarn such as lace to fingering weight. The colors are perfect for my house and the llama should wear nicely. It might take some time until the project is complete but I have a good start on it with two skeins of about 150 yds each plied. The colors on my monitor are not true. They are much deeper and richer jewel tones.

Ribbon Tank Top

2007-05-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

I have a brightly colored ribbon tank top on the needles. My best friend, Deby sent me the ribbon yarn and I saw a tank top when I looked at it. I love the bright colors!!!

I have been so busy lately (spring and yard work!) that I haven't been on the computer alot to post pictures of my projects. Below are the various items I have been working on.

Weaving

2007-05-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

These three dish towels are the first ever off of my new loom. They aren't perfect but I love them just the same. I am anxious to find the time to warp again and start making some rugs. I have some beautiful llama roving that would make the perfect rug in my house. Now to get spinning!

More Cloths

2007-05-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

More new dishcloths and a face cloth.

Felted Clogs

2007-05-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

I finished these this morning for a friend.

My New Toy

2007-04-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should change the name of my blog to loves 2 knits, spin, and now weave! I finally got a new (used) loom to learn to weave on. I have been so excited about this I can hardly stand it. I bought it from a gal but didn't have time to get it home and set up for a whole week. Then last weekend she came over and worked with me for hours setting up and warping this loom. Boy is she a sweetheart to take so much time to help me!!!! Then it took another week for me to get downstairs and start actually weaving on it. She warped it to make three dish towels so I wouldn't have to re-warp (is that a word?)it very soon.

I know seasoned weavers will think it elementary but I am bouncing off the walls with excitement over my new dish towel. Heck, it is a piece of art to me. :) I know I have so much to learn but it will be enjoyable knowing it is another method for me to use up some handspun. Another fiber addiction in the making!!!!!!

Heart Lacey Facecloth

2007-04-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

This is my heart face cloth. I love the lacey victorian style of these cloths from the Heirloom Knitter book by Barbara Scoville. She calls for a worsted weight cotton on size 6 needles. I have been using size 6 needles with a finer fingering - dk weight cotton.

Peach Handspun

2007-03-31T06:56:00.000-07:00

I bought this peach/yellow roving a while ago at a Spinner's Flock meeting down in Chelsea. I loved the bright colors. I finally dug it out of the stash and started spinning. I believe I have about 2 lbs of this so it might take a bit to get it done. As for projects I am not sure what I would like to do with this. Whatever I do I imagine I will end up with a quite a bit of yardage.

Plied Jim's Special

2007-03-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

I finished plying Jim's special. It looks pretty cool. I think next winter it will make a fine pair of mittens for my husband and a matching hat. Yes I said mittens for the husband. He put a pair of my handspun mittens on late in the winter when he couldn't find a pair of his gloves. He loved them and couldn't believe how warm they were. So if mittens are what he wants, mittens are what he gets. :)

Jim's Special

2007-03-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

I had fiber group on saturday at Leah's "Yarn or a Tale". I always have so much fun there. This is what I spun while there. The roving is called Jim's special and is a hodgpodge of all kinds of fibers. I love it, it is turning out to be a slubby fat, thin yarn. I can't wait to make another bobbin and ply it. Not sure what it will be knitted into.

Not So Fancy Cloths

2007-03-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

I decided that it was time to get new dishcoths. I hadn't made any in a long while and they were all well worn. This is what I got accomplished this weekend. All the patterns are free

on the net. I would like to make 3 or 4 more.

Fancy Facecloth

2007-03-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is the second fancy facecloth I made for mom's birthday. I can't wait to make some for my bathrooms. They are so delicate and pretty. Yesterday I gave her her birthday goodies and she was thrilled. She hung her new facecloths in her bathroom before we left.

Leaf and Vine

2007-03-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

I finished up the Leaf and Vine face cloth last night. Sewing on the lace was a little time consuming but I enjoyed it. I need to work at finishing the ending corner the next time though. I wasn't real thrilled where it was stitched together. If you are interested in the pattern book you can find it here My LYS carries these patterns so you might be able to find it at yours as well. I can't wait to get volume 2. Knit club is monday so I am sure I will have it when I leave. I am making another fancy face cloth. After that I guess I will get at those much needed dishcloths. I would rather be making socks, but for a knitter my dishcloth supply is really pityful.

Victorian Facecloths

2007-03-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

Another gift for mom's birthday is some victorian style facecloths that I thought I would display with some nice soaps. The pattern book is "The Heirloom Knitter Presents Heavenly Cotton Facecloths" by Barbara Scoville done with a fingering weight yarn ( Catania) and calls for size 6 needles. Wouldn't you know I could only find a pair of size 5's. But it seems to be working out well. The first one I am making is called Leaf and Vine and is fairly easy. The only part I may not like is the lace edging is done seperately and then attatched. Margie had one on display at Elaine's Yarns and it is gorgeous!!!

Sister Scarves

2007-03-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a scarf I am just finishing up for my mom's birthday on St. Patty's day. I kitchenered it together yesterday only to find I had done it with one right side and one wrong side. Talk about a pain picking it all back out again!! So I finally got it done right and all that is left to do is to block it. It is called the Sister Scarves and it is a free pattern designed for Breast Cancer awareness. I thought it looked delicate and feminine and kind of like my mom. I used Kroy sock yarn and size 8 needles. I only used two balls to complete the scarf.

Arches & Columns Lace Scarf

2007-02-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

I just finished another scarf from my purple handspun yarn. The pattern is called Arches & Columns Kid Merino Lace Scarf and it is free at Crystal Palace Yarns They have some very nice free patterns on their site.

I used the same handspun purple yarn, some fun fur, and striped it with another handspun I had in my stash for a pair of coordinating mittens. I love these mittens. They are so vibrant and lively! I need to get the second finished tonight so I can get busy on a birthday gifty for my mom. I will post that one very soon.

Deby's Birthday Socks

2007-02-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

My best girlfriend, Deby has a birthday coming up. Last year we decided that we would exchange hand made, hand knit socks for our birthdays. We were so busy knitting for our families during the holidays that we thought it would be nice to knit a special gift for each other on our birthday. Then we revised our idea again, only to make it a hand knit pair of socks. We both love to knit socks as well as wear them.

I chose Austermann Step for the yarn and fell in love with the texture as well as the colors. In fact I bought a ball for her birthday gifty and one for a gifty for me. The pattern is Welt Fantastic from my favorite book "Sensational Knitted Socks"

P.S. Happy birthday girlfriend, I promise not to tell how old. :O

Look What Mom Made for Me!

2007-02-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

Mom has been knitting alot and her favorites are scarves and felted bags. She is having a great time with the creativity in making her bags. Her lastest bag was a gift for me and I will treasure it! Now I need to get on the stick and get a scarf and mitts made to match.

Thanks Mom!!!

New Scarf

2007-02-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

I started this scarf last night. It is really a quick knit and I will be done with it shortly. The yarn I got at A Yarn or a Tale and it is a handspun single ply by Darlene and the pattern is a feather and fan pattern. I would say this a bulky weight yarn and I used a size 10.5 needles. I loved the jewel toned colors. There isn't enough for a long scarf which is a bummer because it is so cool. This will be short but I will love it anyhow.

Welt Fantastic Socks

2007-02-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

It is back to work for me! I just finished my first week back to work after a 5 week lay off. The following pictures are the tail end of some of the projects I completed while off. I imagine now my posts won't be quite as frequent since I am back to squeezing in my knitting and spinnig between working at work and working at home.

These are the Welt Fantastic socks from the book "Sensational Knitted Socks" that I love so much. They are made of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock and Girly Stripe is the colorway. I am almost finished with sock #2. I plan to do just that as soon as I finish posting this. I love these. They are so colorful and happy looking!!!

Confetti Yarn Finished

2007-02-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Talk about happy to get this done! I love this yarn!! I ended up with about 2200 yards of a beautiful and soft yarn. It is about a DK weight yarn and will be a nice sweater.

Purple Yarn

2007-02-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

This is a fine wool combed top I got when I bought my spinning wheel a couple of years ago. There was about 1/2 lb. and I ended up with almost 600 yards. I am going to use this to make a scarf to match a felted bag my mom is making for me. The purple on my monitor doesn't look as pretty and vibrant as it does in real life.

Plied Yarn

2007-01-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

I plied about 450 yards of the yarn I had on my last post. It is sooooo soft and I love the look. It is similar to my superwash that I made my Cotton Candy socks out of but the differences is in the colors. This has little strings running through it that stick out in spots and give it a little texture. I am trying to get as much done as I can before I go back to work. I am supposed to call today to see if I go back on monday. I have enjoyed my 4 weeks of knitting and spinning, but it is time for me to go to work.

Confetti Yarn

2007-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am taking full advantage of my fourth week of lay off from work. When I do go back to work there won't be as many posts to my blog, thats for sure. Besides knitting I am going to try and get some spinning time in this week. This is a confetti yarn I am spinning from some tops that was given to me. I am not sure but it feels like Merino. It is so soft. I can't wait to ply this and see what I come up with. It is white with bits of color and strings running through it. On the bobbin some of the little strings are sticking out making for a cool novelty yarn. I am not sure when I ply it if these strings will lay down more or not. We shall see.

New Socks

2007-01-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

I started a new pair of socks this weekend. I love these so far. They are made from Lorna's Laces, Girly Stripes color. Bright pink and purple. I am using size one needles and a pattern called Welt Fantastic from the book "Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch. I love this book. You can take any pattern and adjust it to your needles and yarn weight.

Finished Cotton Candy Socks

2007-01-13T07:08:00.000-08:00

Being laid off has it's advantages. I am getting ready to go into my fourth week off work. They are telling me I will go back a week from Monday. In the meantime it has given me a great opportunity to catch up on alot of old projects and begin some new ones. This is a pair of socks I started last fall called Cotton Candy Socks. Somehow they got put on the back burner. The yarn is a superwash handspun. I didn't spin it as fine as I should have and the socks are way thicker than I wanted, but I love the pattern so much that I really don't care. The pattern is designed by my best friend Deby and you can purchase at her site.

I am still working on the purple sweater, but not alot and I am getting ready to cast on another pair of socks. This time Lorna's Laces in pink/purple combo. I haven't decided for sure which pattern but I know I will use one of the chevron patterns from Sensational Knitted Socks book. Love that book!!!!

Until next time, KNIT ON!

Blocked Lace Scarf

2007-01-10T05:45:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures of my lace scarf. I blocked it and I am so happy with the results.

Hazelnut Merino

2007-01-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

I found out thursday that I am laid off from work another week at least, possibly two. This can be a very good thing! Lots of knitting and spinning time.

So here is what I did yesterday all day. I spun and plied 6 0z. of superwash Merino wool. I ended up with about 500 yards so it is close to a fingering weight. I think another pair of lace socks would work great with this yarn. The color is hazlenut and would go with my Dockers that I wear to work. That is if I ever get to go back to work. :) I got this in a laps form which a mill end product. I have to say though, the laps I get are such a nice quality and spin up beautifully. I got his one at Leah's shop in Millington. I just recently learned of laps and I would recommend if you haven't tried spinning it yet, you should, it is very nice!!!

Donegal Tweed Sweater

2007-01-02T05:51:00.000-08:00

Here is another project I have been working on. It is a DK weight sweater made from Donegal Tweed. It is a super simple stockinette stitch and a great project to work on while riding in the car.

Lace Scarf

2007-01-02T05:27:00.000-08:00

I have been laid off work since the thursday before Christmas and I go back to work on Jan. 08. I was ecstatic to have time off to do some knitting and spinning.
As of yet I haven't got any spinning done but I will this week. I have however been knitting up a storm. I am working on a lace scarf from a free online pattern from Crystal Palace Yarns. Here is the link: Lace Scarf The yarn is the hanspun wool/kid mohair that I got for a Christmas present. This stuff is awesome. It looked like a cloud of cotton and spun up beautifully!

Edgar

2006-12-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

I used my nightmare handspun to knit the Edgar scarf from Knitty.com. I love it!
This is where you can find the pattern: www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall05/PATTedgar
I had so much fun making this scarf. It was quick and easy.

Spinning a Cloud of Cotton

2006-12-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

This yarn is awesome and it was like spinning a cloud of cotton! It was so wonderfully soft and spun like butter. Thank you Leah! What you might not know is I loved it so much I went home and worked until I finished getting it all spun. I think it might make a beautiful scarf!

Purple Socks

2006-12-28T06:35:00.000-08:00

I just love these purple socks. It is a basic sock pattern and the yarn is Regia Cotton Surf Colors. What is special about these socks is I found the half finished project in a tote bag in my craft room. I can't imagine how long they sat there because I barely remember even starting these socks. When I found them it was like a little treasure. And the best part was I didn't get second sock syndrome! One was already made so all I had to do was make the second! I had to go out and buy a purple sweater just so I could wear these little beauties!