Gina's Warm & Woolies

Tomten sweater

2012-02-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

Started a sweater for our youngest granddaughter's birthday gift. She'll be one on March 1st and I think this little jacket will be perfect for the upcoming spring weather. Using the tomten pattern from EZ. It's pretty straightforward and a quick knit as I'm using worsted weight wool for it. I'm thinking that I'm going to be working a lot of EZ's patterns in the near future. They're easy to follow, they make sense and my family will be wearing unique items that will keep them warm & cosy. :)

Colour break...

2012-01-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

I had to stop for a bit on sweater #2 as I had to wash the next batch of yarn. After sitting for years in the spinning oil, this yarn was quite dingy. So a couple of soapy washes and a hang out in a rainstorm and I've got 4 skeins ready to carry on.

But before I continue with the cabled sweater, I'll finish this little baby sweater I started while waiting for the yarn to dry. I'm using the Baby Surprise Jacket pattern from Elizabeth Zimmerman. I'm knitting it with J&S jumper weight shetland and it will end up fitting a newborn baby. Then I can do the pattern again using Briggs & Little Regal and I'll have a sweater to fit a year old. Perfect for a birthday gift for our granddaughter Reese on the 1st of March. The little sweater I'll put away and I'll be ready for the next baby shower. Hmmm....that's smacking of organization :) So unlike me, but I'm liking it.

Here's a pic of the progress on sweater #2. Still liking this pattern but am slowly tiring of knitting so much white.

And a quick hello to Teira ~ Enjoyed our visit today, gotta love smalltown living, the local grocery store becomes the meeting place of choice. Though I did almost go the "other" local grocery store. Glad I didn't now. :)
Happy knitting and have a good one!

Snow day...

2012-01-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

actually it's a freezing rain day. It started sometime in the night and continues to fall (it's now 8:40am) and is expected to continue for most of the morning. As a result all the buses in our tri-board have been cancelled and the munchkins have an unexpected day off! They're thrilled, of course. Along with my 3, I have only 3 extras, so it's not too bad. But they won't be able to go outside anytime soon. That freezing rain is like being hit with stinging needles! Ouch!

So, while I will need to provide food at various times throughout the day, they are all old enough to play without constant supervision. A bit of a break for me as I had expected all 3 of my littles today. :) I will be able to get some knitting done and for that I am grateful. I'm nearly to the armhole shaping on the back of sweater #2. I'm still enjoying the pattern, but already have about 3 or 4 more projects lined up in my head! Oh my - to be able to knit at warp speed sometimes. :)

Til later ~ happy knitting!

Back to routines...

2012-01-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

Friday was the last official day of Christmas break for the munchkins. :) They were ready for a return to routine. They had an enjoyable time off and the last day rewarded them with the only significant snowfall during the break. What a treat to be greeted with this:

I love a fresh snowfall. Everything seems so clean. Such as the chickenyard. We've been farming for almost 30 years and still haven't figured out how to get our barnyards to look like those in the children's picture books. lol Except of course, to not put critters in them!

And bunny was also enjoying the snow.

My middle munchkin spent about an hour shoveling the driveway, bless her heart. :) Not that it really needed to be shovelled, but it used up an enormous amount of energy that she had pent up inside.

Knitting continues on the sweater and I'll post an updated picture tomorrow.

Til then ~ happy knitting!

Sweater # 1 is done...

2012-01-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

mostly. :) I've sewn it together - a job that went amazingly easily & fast. And I've knit a shawl collar onto it. But I'm not happy with the collar. I don't think I've picked up enough stitches for it and it doesn't lay nicely. I'll probably tear it back and re-knit, but I'll let it simmer while I work on sweater #2. This one should go much faster than the first even though it's a larger size. The pattern is in my head and it makes sense to me this time. Funny the difference a year makes! lol

Have a good one!

Knitting on my holidays...

2011-12-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

Lots of uninterrupted time to get lots of knitting done. My favourite way to spend my time. :) Every so often I get up to take a break and do a little chore. Housework gets done that needs to be done, I get to stretch and my knitting proceeds at a good clip.

I've gotten to the raglan shaping on the second sleeve. Though I'll have to tear back the first sleeve to that point as I've discovered an oops in the cabling. Ugh! Oh well - better than being unhappy with the results.

And soaking in the sink is the next few skeins of yarn that I'll need for sweater #2. I'll be doing the same pattern again in a bit larger size. So it should knit up fairly quickly as I've got the pattern in my head.

This is the sight I enjoy as I sit on the couch and knit in my living room. Just a little quiet & peaceful beauty. :) Makes my heart & soul feel good.

Have a good one!

New lease on knitting...

2011-12-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

...the hustle & bustle of Christmas is over. It's the week between Christmas & New Year's. I always take this week off from the daycare to re-charge my batteries. The tree has had to come down as our dear kitty, Nick had almost half the ornaments on the floor or laying on the branches of the tree itself. Much easier to take it down, tidy the space and enjoy.

These last couple of years behind me now, it's been a bit of a go sometimes as I recover from the effects of the stroke and then to top it off, menopause threw me for a loop in many ways including more mental confusion. :) But the last couple of weeks have brought the feeling of peace and with it a renewed sense of desire for knitting. At last.

One of the projects that hit the wayside was a pair of sweaters for a friend of a mutual friend. After the passing of dear friend, Stefania Sveinbjarnadottir , this lady purchased some of the yarns that Stef had carefully stored for many years. This yarn is from one of the first flocks as it is not Icelandic but more of a down type yarn. Sitting for so many years in the spinning oil, it had turned a beige colour. But a soak in hot soapy water returned the yarn to it's creamy white state. And with this yarn I will knit a pair of Irish type sweaters in return for enough of Stef's yarn to do one for myself. I will treasure this sweater (when done) as I miss Stef greatly and still think of her often.

Have a good one!

Finishing up the requests...

2011-12-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

Finished up some of the commissioned knitting this weekend. All the ends were woven in, items were washed & laid out to dry and the skein of yarn was dyed with kool-aid for another pair of fingerless mitts. Hung the wet skein outside to dry yesterday, checked on it a little while later and it had mini icicles hanging off it. I finished drying it on the register and it's ready to knit today. Still smells like lime too!

Have a good one!

Ready for Christmas...

2011-12-12T06:01:00.000-08:00

This year instead of the usual cardboard & chocolate countdown calenders (x3), I bought a fabric countdown calender from friend Susan Farber. We tucked mini candycanes into each pocket to enjoy throughout December. Much easier to hang on the wall than trying to find a spot to keep the 3 cardboard ones. Prettier too! :)

Pretty snowman light up the evening in the dining room window. And below, a view of them during daylight hours.
Our tree. This year she's back in her place of honour in front of the picture window. It can be enjoyed by us and neighbours as they drive by. Last year I moved it downstairs into the rec room but we never seem to be able to find time to enjoy it down there. So in spite of 2 three yr olds and a one year old, it's back upstairs. And so far the wee ones have left it alone. They sure enjoy the lights as the days darken.

A pile of gifts loaded up on a couple of old sleds. And a colourful glass-block snowman surveys the scene. This was a gift to me last year from my daughters in-laws. We've been friends for years.

My nativity scene is well out of reach of little hands on a shelf above the computer.

The small living room window and antique ironing board hold a display of snowman & Father Christmas' from Finland & Holland (sinterklaas). These are in honour of my birthright (my father was born in Holland) and an "exchange niece" from Finland one year.

Snowmen riding a Christmas train.

Have a good one!

Winter wonderland...

2011-11-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

While we went to bed knowing that the weather forecast was calling for freezing rain to fall during the early hours of the night, this was the scene that delighted all the munchkins of this home. Both ours & the daycare kidlets inhaled their breakfasts and were out the door by 7:30! As you can see, nearly every square inch of snow has been loved by the kiddies. :) I love this time of year.

And of course, snow makes many think of Christmas. My munchkins are no more immune than others and the decorating has begun! This is our youngest and this tree has been used here in our family for years. Before it lived here it belonged to my Mom and I can remember it being used in my childhood home.

And this grand beauty is in the room of our middle munchkin. Somewhere along the way the base has been lost but she quite happily just leaned it into the corner. No problem!

The cold snowy weather has our beloved Nick thinking that home, sweet, home is the perfect place for him. Each time he goes to the door to be let out, he sniffs the air and decides he needs to eat a little more. While he spent most of the summer outdoors, as the weather turns wintry he will likely spend most of his time indoors.

And of course, the knitting continues. The onset of wintry weather makes me yearn even more for thick warm woolens! The downside of this yearning is that I cannot knit nearly fast enough to suit me! Ah well. One stitch at a time. This is #2 of Frank's socks. As you can see, I've turned the heel and am knitting the foot (size 10!!). It'll be a bit before the toe shaping can commence. :)

And these cute snowmen are the start of my winter decorating. I love these cheery fellows with candles for their hats. And the best part of using snowmen for my Christmas decor is that they can remain on display after the season. I always hated the putting away of Christmas decorations as the house seemed so bare & cold. Now with snowies & candles, our home remains cozy all winter long.

Have a good one!

Back to knitting...

2011-11-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

...getting ready for the Christmas craft shows and also for Christmas. With so many children on my list, I like to knit mittens for them as gifts. So I need to get an early start. :)

This is some of my wool/mohair sock yarn that I've hand-dyed. I'll start a pair of socks today as they are easy to work on while watching the kidlets. They'll go into the sale the first week of December in Tamworth.

These socks are a special order for a friend. One sock is finished, but this friend has two feet, so I need to get moving on #2. :) These are knit from his custom-milled sock yarn of wool & mohair and he did the dyeing as well.

Another special order, these fingerless mitts are also in need of #2. I'm using a blend of baby alpaca, silk & cashmere that I've hand-dyed. Easy enough to work on but I do need to keep track of increases for the thumb gussets and therefore not quite brainless enough to work on while the kiddies play.

And this project I started yesterday. A pair of mittens using J & S shetland wool. Using just natural colours for these and they will also go on the table for the sale. Definitely not kiddie watching knitting. lol

Have a good one!

More hallowe'en pics....

2011-11-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

My handiwork....cheated - the house was pre-constructed - I just had to add the decorations. I think I did alright. :)

Our three ladies....all ghouled up for the evening.

Papa Bear taking the girls around our village.

And so good-bye to Hallowe'en and hello to Christmas. :) Yes, before the evening was over, there were Christmas commercials on the TV.

Have a good one!

Hallowe'ee...

2011-11-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

...has come & gone. With three young ladies in this home it's a big deal. Pumpkins need to be carved, seeds roasted, decorations in place and costumes bought or designed. The neighbour helped with costumes this year - a great help. Papa Bear is in charge of carving - has been for the last 25 years! And I do the decorating & roasting.

My new favourite yarn...

2011-10-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

Jamieson & Smith Shetland Jumper Weight! Saw this pattern on Kate Davies blog "Needled"and loved it. And, I had the yarn in my stash! It was meant to be. So I bought & downloaded the pattern through Ravelry and started knitting on Friday evening. Did some more knitting on Saturday & Sunday evenings and then finished the hat up this morning. Took in the ends, put it in the sink for a soak and voila!; here it is drying!

Knitting this pattern, and I suspect any Fair Isle pattern, is addictive. Knitting with this yarn is addictive. I have still quite a few balls of natural colours and have started a pair of fingerless mitts - pics tomorrow. I'm thinking it will be a bit before I come up for air and get back to the other projects I have on the go. Of course, I'll run out of this yarn after a few pairs of fingerless mitts and while waiting for more to come in the mail, I'll have the time to finish the UFO's. lol

Have a good one!

Scenes from Thanksgiving...

2011-10-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

much to be thankful for. :) Lots of family time and good food. The picture above shows a good number of family members and friends. These would be paternal family members mostly. My mother is here, though my Dad is in Nova Scotia.

This is the pond in front of my aunt & uncle's home. You can look out on this from a screened porch and it would be the perfect place to wind down after a busy day.

The Sunday & Monday of the holiday weekend was spent re-shingling the roof on the house that our daughter owns. :) A crew of six made short work of this. A good thing as the temps on both those days were well above normal and made for hot work.

I managed to get quite a bit of dyeing done as I was getting ready to sell at this year's Fall Fibre Affair. This was my first time at this event as a vendor and was pleased at the response to my dyeing. Inspires me to continue my work.

And lastly, the colours & beauty that make fall one of my favourite seasons.

Have a good one!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Thanksgiving! I love the holidays and getting together with a large extended family. We do a potluck and it takes the pressure off anyone having to provide the whole meal. We'll be getting together tomorrow at the home of my aunt & uncle, north of Madoc. It'll be the first that I've seen their new home and I'm also looking forward to the drive. The colour show should be spectacular!

Knitting on the needles now... a pair of socks. I'm using a 3 ply gotland that I spun using one of my spindles. It's knitting at 6 sts/inch on 2.25mm needles. I'm hoping that this will help them wear like iron! I did the legs in a 2x2 rib, starting with 2.75 needles and then halfway down I switched to 2.5mm and then finally switching to the 2.25's at the start of the heel flap. These are a special order from a friend for her brother. Hope I get them done in time for her to hand deliver, otherwise it'll be via Canada Post. :)

Update evening of Oct 7 - socks are finished and will be ready for friend to deliver personally to her brother. Whew! Now on to the next project. I'm thinking socks - again. This time, a pair for a friend. I'll use his millspun sock yarn and knit a pair for a 6 ft man!!

And recently off the needles...

2011-09-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

a couple pairs of fingerless mitts. One pair still needs the rib around the thumb, but that'll only take a few minutes as I only need to rib 4 rounds. Takes longer to put in the ends. These are both knit of washable sock yarns as well. These yarns are both from Fleece Artist - just love her colours!

The mittens are knit with two strands of "Imagination" from KnitPicks. This yarn is merino wool, superfine alpaca and nylon blended together. It comes in a lot of yummy colours; this one is called Damsel.

All these will be on my table at the Frontenac Farmer's Market this weekend.

On the needles now...

2011-09-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

a pair of fingerless mitts (or texting mitts as one customer called them). This pair is a special order from a woman who dresses in period costume for different events and she thought they would be perfect to add for cold weather wear. Plain black and knit of a superwash wool/nylon sock yarn. I'll be done these later today and I'm hoping to start a pair of two-colour socks. Still need to pick a pattern and colours but am planning on using some of my hand-dyed wool/mohair sock yarn that I had custom spun at Wellington Fibers.

Bell Rock celebrates...

2011-09-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

150 years! I think most of the population of Bell Rock was out for the big day! We number close to 100 but we celebrate big! The mayors from both South & Central Frontenacs were on hand as well as a town crier. :)

Horse drawn buggy and wagon kept many busy, old-time kid's games were enjoyed by young & old, vendors dotted the lovely green behind our home (including yours truly). Many of the vendors were demonstrators as well and we showed off some skills that were common to the mid 1800's.

There have been a few books written about Bell Rock or by authors from Bell Rock. This quite impressive list includes Stan Dragland, Michael Ondaatje, Matt Cohen, John Moss and we include Helen Humphries among our population.

Historical tours were given over the course of the afternoon and an historical display of artifacts was laid out for viewing at the Old Schoolhouse. This old building was once the school for both parents of our Papa Bear.

The day wound down with prizes given out to the kids that created stories of fiction (or maybe fact) of how bell Rock got it's name. Our Destiny came in third and we're very proud of her.

A pulled pork dinner was enjoyed by 100 diners at the Old School and they finished off the evening with a campfire (or so I'm told) By this time our wee family had hit the sheets and were in dreamland shortly after the sun went down. :)

Dyeing Fun...

2011-08-30T03:39:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend is the local annual Garlic Festival. I'll have a booth in the vendor's section and decided I better get busy getting things ready to fill it up. I had some sock yarn spun last at Wellington Fibers in Elora ON. A 3 ply 80%wool/20%mohair. Lots and lots of white, perfect for dyeing!So out came the dyepot and the day was spent dyeing in amongst the rest of my day. Lovely, lovely fall colours. Just wish I could knit them all up to have ready to show off. But they'll go into the booth as pretty yarn, ready to catch the eye of passing knitters.
Today we're off to one of my favourite places; Upper Canada Village. I could live in this place. Even though it's only a fictional village, it still exudes that quieter & peaceful feeling that we have lost with the progress of the modern world. Mind you, I love the computer & washing machine & such but I love the sound of the quiet when the hydro does go off. One doesn't realize the constant hum of electric appliances until it has been stopped.

We try to keep the cost of our outings down, so a picnic is a must! And not just a boring one. Lots of cooking & mixing to provide a fun & yummy lunch that more than makes up for the kidlets not getting their fast food fix. :)And while shopping for ingredients & a container to pack one of the items, I came across this beauty. A glass covered cake stand. I've always wanted one and it seems that now is the time. No more toothpicks stuck in the top to hold up the foil. But a beautiful classic look that will grace our counter. My hubby is hoping it graces a lot of cakes!

And a wonderful end to a very full day. While washing up the supper dishes, the neighbours stopped in with some bounty from their garden. Some summer squashes & tomatoes. Mmmm...and a trade of one of our oversize zucchini was made with visions of zucchini bread in their heads. :)

Off to 1867,

Have a good one!

Fall is in the air...

2011-08-28T08:39:00.001-07:00

We're getting breezes, likely from Irene, and it's bringing in cool air. You can feel fall coming, a sense of calm is starting to take over from the almost frantic pace of summer. I love this time of year! The apples on the trees are turning red, squashes & pumpkins are showing up at the market and one feels the need to gather sustenance for the coming winter. Moving activities inside, getting ready for the first woodfire of the season and changing our diet over to classic comfort foods. We'll start tonight with a maple glazed ham, scalloped potatoes & squash & veggie side.

And while I know that more warm weather is still to come in this summer season, I relish the cool days that we are blessed with.

Last night we had a campfire - the first of many that we enjoy this time of year.

Watching the flames and enjoying the show of stars that filled the sky is the perfect way to end the day.
My knitting is of the warm and comforting sort now. Plain mitts and thick cushy sweaters are keeping my needles busy. I've got a lot of spinning lined up as well and it seems that there are never enough hours in the day to do all that I want.

Time to get lunch on
Have a good one!

More colour fun....

2011-08-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

Dyed up the rest of the baby alpaca/silk/cashmere blend that I had. I just love how each skein looks. :) So many combinations that I could try - so many that I didn't get to as well. I've re-skeined and tagged them all in readiness for the market on Saturday. They are a fingering weight and would be perfect for a little scarf or shawlette to keep the air conditioning off your shoulders. Going to try to get a shawlette knit up to show off this pretty yarn but have to finish the fingerless mitts that I've started.

Have a good one!

Playing with colour....

2011-08-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

I love dyeing - wool, that is. :) Did two skeins the other day and have re-skeined them in readiness for the market. I just love how they turned out and I've got more skeins cooling right now and my head is full to bursting with ideas. This lot of yarn is a blend of baby alpaca, silk & cashmere. It's yummy soft in a fingering weight and would make lovely scarves & shawls. I'm hoping to get a sample of something knit with this and I want to see how it looks myself.

I won't be in the Farmer's Market section this weekend as the Verona Festival runs Aug 5, 6 & 7th and you'll find me among the Artisan's section. I'll be there from 11 - 4 with my spinning wheel. This is always a great day and so many people stop to just watch and ask questions. I enjoy chatting with everyone and I get to end my day with supper and an evening of live music & song.

Next on the needles...

2011-07-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

more socks! It's about all I can bear to have on my lap in this heat, but I must knit. :) This pair is being knit with one of the handpainted sock yarns from KnitPicks. "Imagination" is a merino wool/superfine alpaca/nylon blend. This colour is "Seven Dwarves". How fun is that? Again, I'll just be knitting a plain rib leg and will continue the ribbing down the top of the foot. I think this makes the best fit and I can do these without thinking. Look for them at the market soon!

Christmas in July...

2011-07-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

I received a wonderful package in yesterday's mail. An internet friend is paring down her awesome stash for personal reasons. She has been slowly selling off her yarns, needles, fibers & videos. I've purchased quite a bit off her and this is the latest! Lots of Fleece Artist & Hand Maiden yarns! Yummy, yummy, yummy! Can't wait to get started on knitting these up. Not sure if they'll make it to my table at the market - this is the plan or if I'll keep them selfishly for myself. :) The video is one of Deb Menz's and I had just been looking at it. Think I'll put it on today - it's a holiday for me and I can't think of a better way to spend it than knitting and watching a spinning video!

New for the Farmer's Market...

2011-07-19T04:34:00.000-07:00

I've got some new goodies ready for my booth at the Frontenac Farmer's Market (I'll be returning there on July 30)

Some hand-dyed sock yarns of 75%superwash wool/25%nylon. I've also knit up a pair of socks using this yarn and they are so soft. I love dyeing and am planning to do more in the near future.

Experimentation...

2011-06-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

in the veggie garden. My garden plot is not too big. Yet. And the tomatoes always seem to take over the small space. Even using cherry tomato plants. So this year I'm trying something new for me. I've put down some patio stones on a piece of lawn (that I'd like the sod gone from anyways) and I bought some black pots and soil. Tomatoes love the heat, right? I've put a plant into each pot along with a cage. These poor plants have been patiently waiting on my front stoop for a few weeks. As they are not too big yet, I had room to plant a few radish seeds around the edge of the pots. Did this with a pepper plant as well. The rest of the peppers will go into the garden plot. Now we'll see how my experiment goes. Hoping that we'll have a nice crop of tomatoes. The kids love eating them just like candy and I love them in salads or roasted for my pizza. :) We'll follow them along this summer and document my success or otherwise.

An unexpected...

2011-06-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

day off today. Always a treat, much as I love the little ones, it's nice to have a day to myself. :) Going to enjoy it to the fullest, knitting & spinning. I may sneak a load or two of laundry in as there is a nice wind blowing again today and the clothes will dry quickly.

Knitting project of the day is a pair of socks for friend Frank. I'm using the millspun sock yarn that Frank had done earlier this year. These socks will be on display at his booth at the Frontenac Farmer's Market. Should have at least one of them done for the weekend, but will try very hard to get the pair done quickly.

Trying to incorporate daily spinning into my routine and today I think I'll manage it. Still working on the large bag of white roving. Seems like it is never ending. :) Using my Forrester spindle to make a nice 2 ply yarn. I'll dye them as soon as I have a project amount of yarn ready.

Got a book at the library last night. Designs using one skein of sock wool. There are a lot of nice ideas in here - though some are not for me. :) My favourite ideas are using sock yarns for baby wear. Nice colours, small projects and machine washable for moms. :) I've got quite a bit of sock yarn in my stash and would like to start using it up. I'm thinking of starting with a nice bootie pattern and work up a few pairs in different colours. Of course, I need to get back to Frank's socks. lol

Off to pop a load into the washer & pick up my knitting.

Have a good one!

Tired of Waiting...

2011-05-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

for the weather to get nicer. I'm going ahead with fleece washing today. This is the half fleece from Frank's. It's a romney in a beautiful grey and I'm starting out with 2000g. It'll be interesting to see how much I end up with after washing.

Then I'm planning on finishing the bobbin on the wheel. Still working on the bag of roving from one of Carolyn Turner's fleeces. It was from a sheep named STAR and I make sure her name is on all the skeins that I spin from it. I managed to get 4 skeins done this week and will be throwing them into the dyepot today. Sky Blue is the colour of the week. :) I'm hoping that the sun comes back out, but if not, then I'll put them on a rack under shelter to dry along with the fleece.

In between the important work of washing fleece, spinning yarn & dyeing yarn, I'll tackle the mountain of laundry here. Wet soccer clothes, wet track & field clothes as well as the regular stuff makes for a very big & soggy pile! I've been hoping to get the clothesline into use but at this point it seems that the only cycle it has is rinse, rinse, rinse.

I might even get in some knitting today - got a lot of projects to finish before I can feel good about starting some new things.

Have a good one!

Tonight...

2011-05-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

the rain contined to fall. It's so depressing. But muddle on we must. Practices for our two youngest were cancelled but the soccer game for the oldest went ahead as planned. They gave it their best and were ahead at the break, which is when the ref decided to call the game. One very soggy young lady was more than pleased to get home into comfy pj's and her warm bed. Papa Bear had put a fire on a little earlier and the house is warm & toasty. Ahhhhh....!

Earlier today I headed back over to Frank's to pick up my chicks. A few of us went together on an order from Murray McMurray Hatchery. I had chosen 2 dozen hens & 2 roosters. (White Wyandottes) Of course, right now, they are all little bundles of fluff & down. The little peepers kept the 2 year old entertained for the ride home.

Yesterday...

2011-05-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

a group of us joined Frank Misek at his farm in Wilton for a skirting day. Many hands made light work of the fleeces that were piled up. Lots of drooling and ooohing & aaahing over beautiful wool! Frank is a very conscientious shepherd and his fleeces reflect that. After we were finished with the skirting, Frank provided a yummy lunch for us. Homemade soup, fritatta with asparagus, bread and a to-die-for rhubarb dessert. I came home with only 1 1/2 fleeces but I'm dreaming of a few more. Once the rain stops ( about next year at this rate!) I can start washing & carding and then I'll head back over for more. Restraint, restraint, restraint! lol I wanted to take pictures there but when I got my camera out, the battery was dead. :) But head on over to South Frontenac Fibres for great pics & a wonderful write-up of the day. And she's already washing her fleece!! Good on you Teira! :)

Have a great one!

It's been a while.....

2011-05-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

We've been through maple syrup season here and are now enjoying the signs of spring. We've had a few battles with water in the basement but have won those. Driving along the back roads, one can now see the trilliums blooming as well as the trout lilies. And quite a few homes have daffodils! What a cheery sight! I don't have them here but I do have tulips and my lovely bleeding heart has started her show. She's a glorious lady that comes back faithfully year after year.

DH went hunting on Saturday morning and was rewarded with a turkey for his efforts. We enjoyed this for dinner on Sunday evening. DD & her fiance joined us and a lovely meal was enjoyed by all. Turkey with all the trimmings! Started our day with breakfast with them and my girls as well.

While relaxing in front of the TV on Saturday we were lucky enough to see a double rainbow. We could see both ends of the rainbow and it seemed to frame our barn across the road. What a sight!

Started back to the Frontenac Farmer's Market on Saturday morning. This was the day that the market moved outside at the Lion's Hall. Blessed with sun but the breeze was quite brisk and my bouquet of daffodils from my girls blew over a couple of times.

Next thing on my agenda is to update my etsy shop. I've been spinning again and have some dyed rovings that I'll put up and see how they do. :)

Have a good one!

Fibre Update...

2011-02-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Been busy here on the fibre front. Our bus driver left this week for a new job within the schools. So I knit her a pair of fingerless mitts for the kids in the daycare to say thanks with. I used some of the millspun that I had done a few years back. It was hand-dyed with Wiltons. I think she'll enjoy using these when out on the schoolyard for yard duty.

I've been spindle spinning again. I love using the spindle and it's much easier to use while I'm watching over the children as they play. No wheel for little fingers to get pinched in, it's easy to quickly set it down when I'm needed and the kids like to help sometimes and lift it up to me after I've spun a length of singles. I find that in the course of the afternoon that I end up spinning a good amount and have been relaxed while I'm doing it.
This is a Forrester spindle and the fibre is likely a border leicester or border leicester cross. I bought this fleece from a local shepherd and had the fleece sent for processing into roving. I think that this year I'll be ready to do the processing myself. (Will save money too that I can use on more fleece. :) ) I'm planning on a 2 ply with this fibre and it will go towards mitts or hats for my family.

I've also been commissioned to knit some socks for a friend and her daughter. This is the first pair of likely three. Just simple basic socks that they can wear in their shoes.

My girls need more mitts and I "shopped the stash" today. I think I'll just do up quick single colour mitts in a sportweight and then knit liners of sock wool. That way, they'll actually get to use them before winter is over. At least, that's the plan.

Have a good one!

Warm hands...

2011-02-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Finished my mittens and they tuck into my fulled Icelandic Lopi mittens perfectly. Even with a cold wind blowing, my hands were toasty warm. I can see that this will be a repeat project. Quick & easy, but warm to boot. Hardly seems worth the time & effort if the end result doesn't keep us warm. With time short on my hands these days, I'm thinking that just might be a good motto for me.

Today I'm working on a pair of fingerless mittens. I'm using some of my millspun wool that I dyed. One colour is food colour & the other is a weak acid dye. These will be a gift for our school bus driver. She's leaving tomorrow for a job inside the schools. I'd like the kids to be able to give her something to say thanks with. She's been a great driver for the last couple of years and really cares about the kids. I'll put a picture up after I finish knitting them. Which means that I need to get off the computer and get busy knitting! :)

Have a good one!

Sun!

2011-02-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining! What a wonderful sight. It's been gloomy for a couple of days and it's got many in a funk. Doesn't help that we're just plain tuckered. With all the snowfall, Papa Bear has put in quite a few early mornings or late evenings on the plow crew. I love the snow but sure need some sleep. :)

Our girls play indoor soccer at the school on Monday evenings. A fun way to get some exercise as the other kids are all friends from school. It also means 2 1/2 hrs of sitting on the stage for me. Pure knitting time! Last night I finished most of one mitten for me. My mittens that I wear now have a hole in the right thumb. Both pairs! Not good advertisement for a knitter, nor warm for the snowy weather. I'm using some millspun Shetland for these. I had a couple of fleeces turned into yarn at the http://www.wiltonroad.com/mill/index.html a few years back and still have the yarn maturing in my stash. It's wonderful to work with - it feels so silky. I'll be using this stuff up quite quickly! It's working up at 7sts/inch on 2.25mm needles and I'm getting a nice fabric. Think I'll try the next project on 2mm and see what I get.

Yesterday's mail brought some new stitch markers. Papa Bear & I have talked about starting our own hives someday and I thought these would be a nice reminder. These are made by Sarah and you can find her here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ladydanio .

Have two of my munchkins home from school today. It's that time of year when kids are passing germs around & around at school. Look forward to a day that's warm enough to open up the windows here and air the house out! Today I'll knit and think of something yummy to cook for supper. :)

Have a good one!

Hmmmmm....

2011-02-07T03:10:00.000-08:00

Did you ever see something that just looked wrong? Sitting at the breakfast table, this is what caught my eye. My "blue" window (a tidy, uncluttered spot amongst the rest of the house). It's here that I had my blue & white snowmen & blue candle holder. Yesterday I moved this bamboo plant here as my kitty, Nick, wouldn't leave it alone in its previous spot. Now it looks as if the snowmen are vacationing underneath the palm trees! A great way for them to lose some Christmas fat! lol

It's snowed quite a bit here in the last week. Kids even had a snow day. This means that Papa Bear has been very busy plowing , both here & for the school board. I'm loving it and the kids are too! Of course, most folks just think I'm plain crazy, but hey, we live in Canada. :)

I've also managed to get quite a bit of knitting finished these last couple of days. My stranded mittens are almost done, just need to finish the last few rows of the fingertips and do the thumbs. I put them aside for a bit to work on the two comissioned sweaters. Both front & back are done to the armholes now. I was thinking that I would also get both sleeves finished to the armholes and then put it all on one needle and finish the raglan yoke as one piece. But I've decided that the weight of the entire sweater is too much for my hands. They are just now getting strong enough to knit worsted weight wool in the continental style and I'm worried about causing too much stress on them.

Here's pic of Nick "trying" to knit. He's a constant presence while I'm knitting. Saving me from that tail of yarn that's threatening me to wrestling those sharp & pointy things that are hiding in the knitting! Quite fun, as so far he has not managed to unknit anything or totally unwind a ball of wool. And my needles are all still without chew marks. Touch wood!

Have a good one!

snowy day...

2011-01-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

The forecast called for flurries. So far, there is about 6 - 8" of the white stuff on the ground. :) Shovelling had to be done and still needs to be done. I did the stoop and patio as I had a little one coming today. The rest of the driveway will wait until Papa Bear gets home. Seems silly to shovel while it is still snowing; and like most men, he likes to get out the machinery and move the snow with more power. :)

Got a picture of the Briggs & Little socks for my Dad. These are a late Christmas gift, but I don't think he'll mind. I'll wait until tomorrow to go to the post office, though. His birthday is the end of January and I think I'll do a pair of mitts from B&L for him. My parents and Papa Bear's parents don't need more "stuff", so I'm trying to do gifts of items that they'll use. Handknits seem very appropriate.

Still struggling to make spinning a part of my regular routine - they're so much that I'm trying to do (knitting requests, decluttering, & trying to get ready to paint walls & such, as well as running a home daycare & raising three munchkins, chickens & couple-time for Papa & I). This is what I have done so far on bobbin # 1 of 2011. It's almost done.

Frank (a friend & shepherd) asked me to knit up some of his millspun lambswool into mittens for three youngsters. They are the children of an acquaintance and he'd like to send them as a gift. So I'm trying to get them done quickly. Started with the largest pair and working just the hands of each first; I'll go back and do all the thumbs at the same time. If I stick to it, they should be finished before the end of the week.

I'm also working on filling up a bin or two with handknits. These will be for craft shows or farmer's market booth. Still need to decide what I want to do. Meanwhile, I'll just keep on doing up things as I find time for. This sock is knit using the pattern from B&L for fine socks. Using the durasport yarn which contains some nylon. It's knit up a bit stiff and scratchy, but I'm hoping that after washing, it will soften up. Can't imagine anyone wanting to wear them at this point. :)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

Back to the routines! The hustle & bustle of the holidays is over, hubby is back to work, munchkins are back to school, my little ones in the daycare are back here and everything is normalizing. Just the way I like it.

I've got a few things on the needles right now but am working mostly on just a few.
I finished the heavy socks of Briggs & Little Heritage for my Dad. These are a late gift but I don't think he'll mind. I gave them a wash in Eucalan and they are now drying on the rack. Once dry, I'll take a picture of them and get it up here.

Trying to get the sweaters done that are promised to someone else. I'm using the pattern out of the Patons "Forever Favourites" - Harmony Pullover. I've memorized the 8 row pattern and can knit while sitting in the evenings with hubby while we watch TV.

I've also started a pair of socks to put in the box for craft shows. These are being knit with green durasport from Briggs & Little. It's a single ply yarn of wool with 20%nylon. I'm using B&L's pattern for Fine Socks and I'm knitting the small child size. I've got a couple of skeins (different colours) of this yarn and will knit up as many pairs as possible to add to the count.

Trying to get back into a routine of daily spinning as well. I brought the wheel back out and a bag of roving from a locally bought fleece. I'll spin this bag into my plain 2 ply yarn to add to my craft show stash. I've got quite a few baggies of this type of fleece, dyed up into different colours (100g lots) that I will also spin into 2 ply yarn. These will also be great for mittens & hats.

And a friend dropped off this yarn today. He had them millspun from some of his lamb's fleeces. He also dyed the yarn and has requested some mitts for the children of some friends. I'll probably swatch for them tonight (that new project syndrome!) and try to get them done as quickly as possible so that the children can use them this winter.

Time to get supper on and collect the eggs while it is cooking. Then a quiet evening with my knitting and maybe an episode of the Walton's.

Take care & have a good one :)

Multi-tasking...

2010-12-31T10:29:00.001-08:00

just can't keep it to one project at a time. :) It seems when an idea strikes me, it just has to be followed.
Got the Christmas knitting all done in time this year except for one pair of socks. These will be for my Dad in Nova Scotia. I'll finish the other sock in the next couple of days and then ship them down.

These are done with the anniversary wool from Briggs & Little a couple of years ago. They'll be nice & thick for wearing in his boots. I love using the yarns from B&L - and we don't seem to mind that bit of coarseness in our woollens. I'll wash them first in the washing machine and it will soften them up a bit as well as full them slightly.

Also on the needles is one of the fisherman knit sweaters that have been promised to a friend. After a couple of false starts, I'm on my way with the first. Doing the sweater in pieces makes it both easier on my hands and for carrying my knitting around. I don't mind seaming and the knitting seems to be going faster.

My youngest asked for a pair of warm mitts for a friend at school. I'm trying to get these done before they go back on Monday. Knit with leftover B&L - not sure if it's Regal or Heritage. I'm getting a firm 5 sts/inch on 3mm which makes me think it's the Heritage. Worn over a pair of fingering weight liners will keep her hands toasty even during a snowball fight!

I've also started some spinning. I haven't spun for quite some time now. Too busy with the knitting and I've missed it. I'm hoping to get in 1/2hr each day. Not much but will get me back into the rhythm. I'm spinning some fine white shetland from
Flannelberry Fibre
Spinning this on one of my Forrester spindles.

Back to my spinning & knitting,
Have a good one!

countdown til Christmas...

2010-12-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

December started off with snow - enough to build the first snowman of the year! A very soft snowman that fell shortly after his picture was taken but the girls had fun building him. The same evening we had a stray kitty show up - a cute little thing that cried and cried for attention. We fed her for the next couple of days and tried to find out from where she came, but no luck. So we've adopted her and call her Noella, the Christmas kitty. :) She's about 6 months old and therefore very busy. Undecorating the Christmas tree, getting into the kitty food, untying laces and chasing toes under the quilts. But she's very lovable and a welcome addition to our family.

Busy with my Christmas knitting these days - I'm hoping to knit a pair of basic mittens for each of the kids on my list. They are something that's easy to do, fast, and kids always need more mittens. I'll post pictures of them as I finish to inspire me to keep at it. Also working on a special order to do a couple of pairs of socks for my nephew. I'm using the KnitPicks kettle dyed fingering weight to do these and liking how they turn out. Will start the second pair soon as the first pair just needs the toe shaping and they are done.

Did a show on Sunday in Tamworth - lots of people through but not in a real buying mood. I did sell 4 skeins of hand-dyed yarn and the last pair of wee mitts that I had knit up. Right now I'll focus on getting the gifts done and then will get down to starting a new inventory for next year.

the knitting continues...

2010-11-29T05:45:00.000-08:00

for the family. I've finished a hat for each of the girls now.

All of these hats are knit with fingering weight yarns - a variety of sock yarns & KnitPicks palette. Each of the stitch patterns is from "The Swedish Mitten Book". I love using this little book to knit up mittens and now I'm incorporating the patterns into other items. Even knit of fingering weight, these mitts all are thick enough to keep hands warm. Can't wait to try some of these patterns in socks for me. :)

It's a cool day her but the sun is shining. So we'll get out for a walk before I start some baking ( I hope!)

Have a good one!

sweater in progress...

2010-11-09T02:50:00.000-08:00

I started one of the Aran sweaters on the weekend. I'm using 2 ply millspun for the first one. Hopefully moving to a 3 ply and larger needle will create a large enough size for the second one. I'll worry about that when I get there.
Decided that I wanted 3" of k2p2 rib for the waist and it seemed to take a long time to get it done. Working with yarn in my right hand as the worsted weight yarn causes discomfort when I knit with it in the continental style.

I also washed up some more of the yarn on Sunday. The spinning oil from many years ago was still on the yarn and it was very gummy feeling when I took it out of the bag. But a couple of soaks in hot soapy water and the yarn whitened up and lost that tackiness.

Have a good one!

cold weather is coming...

2010-11-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

and so I decided that I better get going on some mittens and hats for my munchkins. I'm doing a pair for my youngest right now. I'm using some handspun singles of Spinderella thrums. I love her unique rovings (no-one else will have mittens like these) and I've also been wanting to experiment with knitting with singles. It's knitting at 8sts/inch and is not biasing at all. A much faster way to make yarn and I'm partial to the look of singles yarns.

It was very frosty when we awoke today and even now at 9:00 in the morning with the sun shining, it is still very frosty out. We even had snow on Sunday! At times the flakes were coming down hard & fast. I love it!

Have a good one!

odds & sods....

2010-10-29T03:52:00.000-07:00

It's still dark as night while I sit here at 7am. It's getting harder and harder to convince the girls that they want to get up and get ready for school on these mornings. Time change is next weekend and that will help. But dark mornings and evenings are perfect for snuggling in a chair with my knitting.
I'm almost finished with the mitts for my little cousin, Corbin. I want to give them to his mom tomorrow.

Tomorrow we're having a shower for my cousin from BC. Her little guy is 1 1/2 but since they live so far away, we've not seen him except for pictures. His mom & dad are here in Ontario with him and we'll take advantage of the chance to get together with the family here. I'm hoping to finish a little pair of mitts for him to take with them.
I've also started sampling on a sweater that I need to knit for a friend of a friend. I'm using some millspun that my friend had done from her first flock (before she got into the Icelandic line - she was the first importer of Icelandic sheep to Canada). We lost her a couple of years ago and now her memory will live on in the form of sweaters for another friend and myself. I'm using "Knitting in the Old Way" as my guide and will be doing fisherman type sweaters. They'll be raglan-sleeved and some will have a shawl collar. I'll post the pics as I go along.

Have a good one!

finished!...

2010-10-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

my Pi shawl! Well, I still need to block it and put in the ends. I'll do that this weekend and then I can start using it. :) Working on some wee mitts for my cousins - instant gratification after a big project. Then I have a couple of sweaters to get started on for a friend of a friend. I'll be using some millspun from the friend's flock and doing a couple of fisherman's type sweaters. Friend has passed away and these sweaters will be full of memories. And the best part, is there is enough yarn to do one for me too!

Have a good one!

almost done...

2010-10-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

my Pi shawl. I'm doing the border now. An 8 st garter border that uses up 1 of 576 sts every 2nd row. It's taking a while to work around but I'm getting there. Got a bunch of things I'd like to start next. I think I will do something small just for the instant gratification. Wee mitts for a couple of little cousins knit of some sock wool will fit the bill.
I'll probably wait until the weekend to block my shawl as I'll need to use my bed to lay it out. (And one of the little guys sleep in that room and would only be too willing to yank it off the bed and snuggle up with it).
We're all missing Papa Bear very much here - hope he's enjoying his time away but we'll be glad to have him home this weekend.

Have a good one!

...pictureless week...

2010-10-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Papa Bear has the camera with him this week while away hunting in Northern Ontario. So no pictures this week. Finished a second pair of socks for him before he left. Now I am working exclusively on my Pi shawl. I'm using millspun fingering weight romney from the Wilton Road Fiber Mill. I hand-dyed this yarn with plum - all 6 skeins in one pot and came up with skeins of various tones and strengths of colour. I love doing this as I never know what will come out of the pot, but I have never been disappointed yet.
I'm on the home stretch of my shawl. I'm in the section after the last increase before I add the border stitches. But I'll still be a while, considering that each round is 576 sts. Takes a while to do a round but it's wonderfully mindless knitting, perfect for watching TV or listening to music.
It's a nice sunny fall day here and is not too cool, we managed to get a walk in this morning and I spent the rest of the morning watching the boys play and re-arranging (and cleaning) our family room. Getting rid of more stuff will keep it tidier and keep tidy up time to a minimum. As I'd much rather knit or spin than do housework. :)

Have a good one...

A truly thankful weekend...

2010-10-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

We Canadians have just celebrated the first of the Autumn holidays - I always think this is when the holiday season begins and with it the hustle & bustle and frantic pace that seems to cause everyone to forget the reasons for celebrating.
We had two dinners this year and I didn't have to cook either, for which I am truly thankful. lol
Our daughter and her boyfriend put on a lovely dinner with a blend of his & her families. 13 of us around the table, enjoying great food and converstion.

We woke up on Sunday to a heavy frost - the yard looked so pretty and the smell of woodsmoke was in the air. I think that is one of the main reasons to love fall - the smells!

The following day was a much quieter day for us. We took a nice drive to get some apples and enjoy the colours of the leaves. This year, many of the leaves are yellow and orange with only a few red trees. With the sun shining on them, they just seem to glow. It won't be long, especially with more frost in the forecast, before the trees are bare and winter grey takes over as the colour of the scenery.

I also had some knitting time and finished a pair of boot socks for Papa Bear. Started a second pair and it will be close for me to get them done in time for his hunting trip.

For the kids, they were patient through the thanksgiving holiday, they love to eat, but now one of their favourite holidays looms on the horizon - Hallowe'en!
After the apples, a trip to town to purchase costumes was the highlight of their weekend! And our home is making the transition from thanksgiving to hallowe'en as well.

Have a good one...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-10-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. A time for friends and family to gather and enjoy each other's company & good food.

We started our weekend with the processing of the turkeys. Home-grown fresh turkey. Mmmmm...:) A couple of good friends came to help and in a couple of hours we have fresh meat in the freezer.
Another friend, a young man who has been away at school, stopped in to say hello and visit for awhile. It's so nice to have the time to enjoy these friendships. It really is the way that we want to live our lives now. It's far too easy to get caught up in too much hustle & bustle. Dropping out of the rat race and making one's world smaller has given us the time to actually enjoy life.

We'll have a couple of dinners this weekend - can one get enough of turkey? :)

Still working on socks for Papa Bear and think I'll have time to get a second pair done before he leaves on Thursday.

Have a good one and Happy Thanksgiving!

socks for papa bear

2010-10-06T06:29:00.001-07:00

socks for papa bear
Originally uploaded by gritchie_1999

started these socks last evening. They work up fast at 5 sts/inch. Hopefully have enough time and wool to make two pairs.
Right now it's sunny here but they are calling for more rain, again. Somedays I think I just can't take any more rain but we'll muddle through and I look forward to the time of year when the precipitation comes down as fluffy snow. Yeah, I'm one of those nuts that loves winter & snow.
Received some yarn in the mail from the Knitswap group - thanks Jan! It's beautiful and I'll have to take a picture.
Well off to hopefully get a walk in before the heavens open up and then some baking and knitting while the little guys play.
Have a good one!

Warm feet...

2010-10-05T17:38:00.001-07:00

10_05_4
Originally uploaded by gritchie_1999

finished my socks today while watching a Miss Marple movie. We signed up for NetFlix and right now can stream it to the computer. We're waiting for the disc and then will be able to put it in the Wii and stream the movies to the TV. So cool. I've already watched a couple of movies.
I'm pleased with my socks - they're keeping my tootsies warm right now as I type. Think I'll do a couple more pairs in this style but first I need to get some socks done for Papa Bear. He'll be leaving for the hunting camp soon and loves to wear his handknit socks while out in the bush. Cast a pair on this afternoon using Tuffy from Briggs & Little. They'll be nice thick socks and will work up fast at 5 sts/inch.
I'll get a pic up tomorrow of my progress.
I'm off to put my feet up and knit. :)

golden barn...

2010-09-30T06:32:00.001-07:00

09_30_0
Originally uploaded by gritchie_1999

it's a bit hard to see, but that gorgeous sunset reflecting off the barn made it a thing of beauty. A peaceful way to end a busy day. On the walk back to the house after locking up the critters safe for the night, I stopped and chatted with the resident skunk, played with the kittens and listened as a lone coyote filled the air with it's mournful howl. Days like this make life so rewarding. And the apple pie waiting for us to devour was the cherry on top.

Evening Sun...

2010-09-30T06:28:00.001-07:00

09_30_1
Originally uploaded by gritchie_1999

this is the light that I did my evening chores in. Absolutely beautiful! Makes doing chores not so much of a chore. There will be plenty of evenings when it is black outside or the rain will be coming down in buckets. Then, it is not so much fun to be hauling feed or chasing chickens around that didn't know enough to head inside before the light went.

sock one is done...

2010-09-30T06:19:00.001-07:00

09_30_2
Originally uploaded by gritchie_1999

Finished this sock yesterday while enjoying a video of Elizabeth Zimmermann and daughter Meg Swanson. It's kind of neat to be knitting along with (video) people.
Sock fits perfectly (just need to remember to write down the numbers) and have started the second one. I find that the second one seems to go faster. Go figure!
While working on them, dear hubby announces that his sock drawer is full of singles and what could I do about that. Guess his socks will be next on the needles. :)

socks continued...

2010-09-29T08:47:00.001-07:00

09_29_0
Originally uploaded by gritchie_1999

Worked some more on the socks for me. Funny how the knitter has very little in the way of handknits. Like the cobbler with no shoes & the carpenter without trim in his house. :)
I plan on fixing that shortage - plenty of ideas of garments for me. Would like to do an Icelandic sweater next - a good heavy one for the cold wintry days that will be upon us before we're ready.

Socks for me... :)

2010-09-27T11:47:00.001-07:00

09_27_0
Originally uploaded by gritchie_1999

started these socks while at the "Autumn Open House" at the Wilton Road Fiber Mill yesterday. Located in Odessa, the mill hosted a number of vendors, had demonstrations of dyeing & weaving, gave mill tours and had lunch available. We had a great turnout and I had a good day, sales-wise. :)
These socks are being knit with one of my hand-dyed yarns. It's a 75%superwash/25% nylon blend.

May on the farm...

2010-05-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

is a time of new life & beginnings. :) Here we have new chicks - 52 of them. These are meat birds and will live a good life while growing. We'll build the outside run for them, and when they are big enough, they'll be outside daily for fresh air, sunshine & grass.

And one of our barncats has had a litter of kittens. She actually had them in the basement ( snuck in while no-one was looking), I then moved her & them to the barn, and she has now decided that they are old enough to live under the bleeding heart here at the house.

I finished a pair of socks last night while watching CSI - these are knit with BFL Socks by Fleece Artist - they are about a size 7 and will be added to the inventory that I'm slowly building. I'm hoping to attend a couple of sales in the fall, but need to keep up the knitting and spinning during the summer.

And here are the "ingredients" for my next project! I'm going to knit a shawlette using a pattern that I purchased from WendyKnits. It uses one skein of sock yarn and I purchased a skein of hand-dyed from JulieSpins that should make a beautiful fabric.

knitting...

2010-05-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

...on another pair of socks. I'm using Fleece Artist BFL Socks. This is a nice yarn to knit with and I love the colourway - it's rich and intense. I much prefer that type of colour to pastels.

Should be able to finish the first sock today and get started on the second. I'm also hoping to incorporate spinning daily into my routine. Even half an hour each day would go a long way to getting stuff done. The hand-dyed BFL is still waiting to be finished. We'll see how that goes. :)

Our small community received some funds via a grant and had signs welcoming visitors to BellRock installed. Here's an example of one of them.

My niece and cousin left two days ago for BC. They're driving out and so far have hit Manitoba at last check-in. Continued safe driving to them and enjoy the trip! Wish I could pick up and do something like that. What an adventure!!

The sun is shining today and it's almost 15C outside, so I think the munchkins and I will head out for a walk for some fresh air & exercise.

Have a good one!

more socks...

2010-04-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

We woke up to a snowstorm this morning. Great big, fluffy flakes were falling softly and covering the ground with a blanket of white. Our middle munchkin was not impressed as she is running in a road race today. Go, D! As of noon today, all signs of snow had melted away.

Finished the wee socks and I think I've got the short row heel down now. Started a new pair of socks last night. I'm using BFL Socks from Fleece Artist. I really like this colourway, though I'm not sure what it's called. Purples, blue & reds(both purple- based).

I've also finished the first skein of the BFL I'm spinning. Should be enough fibre for 3 -4 skeins more. This spins so nicely and I'm hoping to get it done fairly quickly.

one foot...

2010-04-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

two foot. I've finished the first sock and have started the second. Contrary to most people, I find the second sock goes faster for me.

I've also started a second spindle-ful of the BFL. Should get this bit finished this evening at my weekly get-together at the Wilton Fiber Mill. I think I'll ply the first skein before I finish spinning all the singles. I'm curious to see how the yarn turns out.

The sock yarn that I dyed last week needs to be re-skeined - this is what the pile of skeins look like now. I'll post a picture of them tidied up tomorrow.

finishing up projects....

2010-04-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

I fulled the mitts and they turned out pretty good - they fit my hand nicely. It took three trips through the wash to get them down and a few minutes in the dryer (which left a bit of lint on them). I've also finished the two scarves in my hand-dyed merino/silk. I'll put these up for sale - either on my Etsy site or will see if "Nicole's Gifts" would like them in the shop.

I am knitting on a pair of wee socks using some sock wool and the method described in "Simple Socks" by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts. I think once I get this in my head, I'll be using this method a lot for socks. It'll give me the opportunity to knit heels that are stronger. (I can do stranded knitting, even two strands of the same colour) Heels are the place that my socks wear out first and it's frustrating to spend the time knitting socks and having them wear easily in one spot.

Yesterday, while watching the children playing, I decided to use the time to get some spinning done. Using my spindle, I was able to spin an ounce of BFL that I purchased from JulieSpins
It's spins easily and I managed to get a lot done in what would otherwise be wasted time. And the kids love watching the spindle go round & round. They are pretty used to me either spinning & knitting and I hope this translates to letting their Moms & Dads have time to themselves for their own interests. Even so, I'm providing free entertainment, especially when the odd time my yarn breaks and the spindle goes flying. :)

It's a beautiful day here in Eastern Ontario, 20C - we've run our errands, eaten our lunch - now we're headed outside for some fresh air and a little vitamin D. I'm lovin' it

Have a good one! :)

a day to myself...

2010-04-13T05:56:00.001-07:00

means dyepots! I've got some sock yarn I want to colour ~ blues, I think. I also need to finish and full the mitts of handspun that my friend Frank wants. This is some of his handspun and it's great to knit with. Doing a Lovikka pattern and just need a couple of dec rows and the thumbs and the knitting is done. "These puppies are huge! My 7 yr old can put her arm through the thumb hole." Then the fun (scary) part ~ putting them in the washer!

For my evening knitting, I've started another scarf ~using some hand-dyed wool/merino and the old shale pattern. I should be able to finish this one in a couple of more days.

Then I'd like to knit a small shawl ~ I've got a pattern that I purchased from Wendy Knits
~ I chose the Miss Woodhouse pattern. I've got a yarn that's done in shades of browns that should be perfect. I purchased this from another Etsy seller "JulieSpins"

And of course, I'd like to get a couple of shells knit for the summer using some of the new blends available now ~ seacell, bamboo to name a couple.

Off to the dyepots!
Have a good one :)

new project on my needles...

2010-03-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Started the saxony socks from "A Fine Fleece" I'm using handspun for them - it's a dk weight spun from thrums by Spinderella
I'm going to try and do a few of the projects in this book using handspun. I really like most of the projects in it but think I will need to adapt the yarns to some of them as they are sometimes knit too loosely for my taste.
Going to choose another item in it and pick out some fiber and start spinning. I'll try and document as I go. You can also follow the projects on Ravelry

It's a rainy day here and have one of my munchkins home from school. Did a bit of schoolwork with her, she's playing with a daycare munchkin now and I'm going to get a bit of time to knit between loads of laundry. Had to put a fire on as it's just cool enough that the dampness makes it uncomfortable. We've got rain in the forecast for the next couple of days and then the temps are supposed to start soaring into the 20's!
Looks like spring is here ~ but shhhh....don't say it too loudly :)

have a good one!

on sock #2...

2010-03-10T05:49:00.000-08:00

Finished the first sock last night while watching the Brier. Got a start on the second one this morning while drinking my morning coffee. I love the reds and browns in this yarn - such a warm colourway and still bright.

I reskeined the yarn that I dyed the other day - reskeining just makes it look so much nicer and finished. It only takes a few minutes and I think it's well worth the effort.

Taking some handknit socks to the local shop today. Hope they sell and I'll add mitts and hats this fall. Will talk to the shop owner and see what else she thinks she'd like to see.

We're boiling down sap these days - took the first batch of syrup off last night. Yumm...I never get tired of that taste, and we eat maple syrup a lot here. My hubby even uses it as the sweetener for his coffee.

The last picture is my laying flock trying to persuade me to let them out. They so want to be scratching around in the grass but there is really only mud still, so wait they must - although they are being very noisy and Rusty Blue ( my rooster) spends a good part of his day crowing, trying his hardest to annoy me into letting them out. Just like children. :)

Spring is almost here...

2010-03-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

Saw my first robin this morning. First heard that familiar cheerful sound and then found him sitting in the tree across from the sugar shack. What a wonderful sight after a long winter but I sure hope he has somewhere warm to hide out. I'm sure Mother Nature has not finished with winter just yet. But we are enjoying the weather - it's been 12C the last couple of days - a whole lot of melting going on.

Did some more dyeing yesterday - this time on roving that I had done at the Wilton Fiber Mill in Odessa. Bought the fleeces from a local farmer last spring and it's nearly time to get some more. The rovings turned out pretty nice - the real test will be to make sure it didn't felt during the process. If it's good to go, then I'll be posting them in my Etsy shop.

Here are the yarns that I did last week - still need to re-skein them before I can post them to Etsy. They're more of the merino fingering weight that make lovely Swedish style mittens and hats.

And on my needles are another pair of socks - I've been offered a spot in a local gift shop to sell my handknits! I'll take some items over tomorrow and hope that they sell there.

a day for colouring...

2010-03-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

wool, that is. I've a few skeins of 100% merino fingering weight that I want to dye. This yarn is the one that I use to make the Swedish style mittens. It would be good for hats & scarves as well as baby items also. I'm going to be posting them in my Etsy shop and I'm hoping that I'll be able to make a go of selling hand-dyed yarns and my handspun yarns.

I've started the second blue and red mitt - just have the ribbing finished. Will do the thumbs last as they always seem so fiddly.

Perhaps today I'll drag the wheel out and get some spinning done - it's been a while and I miss it.

Have a good one!

A few things on the go...

2010-03-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

Like mittens - started this pair on Sunday with some hand-dyed fingering merino. The close-up is the much truer colourway. This yarn is very nice to knit with and I like the fabric I'm getting. I'm not as pleased about the top shaping but it fits a hand nicely. I wonder if decreasing every round will make it less pointy? Will try that on next pair.

And more mittens - this pair is knit of sportweight millspun that I've dyed also. A good way to use this yarn as I don't really care for mittens in two colours in this weight.

Working on some new handspun too - this is some roving from Spinderella that I've had for a bit. (Well aged stash is the best!) There will be enough yarn here to do another pair of cabled mittens.

The sun is shining here today and you can feel spring in the air - almost time to start tapping for the maple syrup run. But we know that Mother Nature will more than likely give us more snow for some time yet. Still nice to stand outside and feel that sun soak into your bones. :)

Have a good one!

A snowy sort of day...

2010-02-24T06:20:00.000-08:00

More snow overnight - the big fluffy flake kind of snow that you can feel land on your head and hear it when it hits the ground. Makes it look like a Currier & Ives picture. :) It's warm though -above freezing and it makes the snow wet & packy and it soons disappears as the day goes on.

Still busy knitting - now on the needles I have a pair of mitts in the Gotland style. I'm using some of my hand-dyed fingering-weight merino for these.
And I now have a picture of the wool/mohair socks that I finished yesterday. This yarn was from a dear friend and I enjoyed working with it. I like the idea of mohair as the strengthener instead of nylon.

Off to check a few blogs and then back to the knitting. Lots of ideas that I'll post in the next while.

Meanwhile, have a good one!

On the needles

2010-02-17T05:44:00.000-08:00

No pictures today as daughter borrowed the camera to chronicle renovations in her house. Finished all three hats ~ complete with pom-poms, wool/mohair socks are drying from blocking and now on the needles are another pair of socks. These are being knit with millspun wool/mohair ( wool from one friend's flocks, mohair from another friend's flock). Spun to a sockweight and hand-dyed by a friend, these will adorn my feet when finished.
Snow is falling here today - wonder if I can manage to blow it towards B.C. :)
Time to go bake an apple-spice loaf cake to serve with morning coffee. Hubby is on holidays this week and his idea of relaxation is to cut wood. Go figure! Keeps him happy and that's just fine by me.

Have a good one!

I'm Back

2010-02-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a while but I'm hoping to be a regular poster now that I've closed my daycare. In theory I should have more time but so far that is not the reality. :) It's cold outside here, -12C when I last checked, so an indoor day today. I'll get some laundry done and knitting too. On the needles right now I've got a pair of socks. Nearly finished the first ~ they're knit with handspun and hand-dyed wool/mohair - about 75/25 %. I don't like nylon in my socks, though I wear it, and am hoping the mohair will do the same job.

I'm also just about finished knitting new hats for our three girls. Two are knit (can't find one) and the third is just waiting for the decreasing at the top. Then all I need to do is make pompoms for all 3 and they are good to go.

And last but not least, I'm knitting for myself! I bought this kit for a Noro sweater back in 2005 and am only now getting to it. This is great yarn to knit with and the pattern is easy to memorize, so actually knits up quite fast.

I'm also in the process of cleaning out about 10 years of clutter and chaos. But I need to remember that it tooks years to create the mess, so not to expect it to get done in a few days. Slow & easy, that's my motto! :)

Have a good one.

Spinning & Knitting

2009-05-26T05:46:00.001-07:00

I did manage to get some spinning done yesterday afternoon. Nearly filled the spindle with some "Pandora's Box Roving" from Wilton Road Mill. It's a blend of various fibres in a mostly grey base with bits of blues and greens throughout. I think I'll leave this in singles form and see what I end up with. I have 200g and will see what the yardage ends up at. Perhaps enough to do a small shawl.
Last night was soccer practice and I took along some of the leftovers from my shawl and started a new pair of infant mitts. Finished one of the mitts and will get the other done today. These infant mitts are sold by me at $5/pr and I donate the $5 to the NICU at Kingston General Hospital. If you like you can read more about this here
DH cleaned our little pond this weekend and put it back together again. Once the water warms up we'll put the fish back in. They love getting out of the tank from downstairs to the pond. Some of these fish we've had for four years and five of them are babies from two summers ago!
It's cooler here today with a nice breeze blowing but the sun is shining and we'll spend a good part of the day outside.
Have a good one!

A Great Weekend...

2009-05-25T05:51:00.001-07:00

It was warm and sunny most of the weekend here ~ felt like summer!
Spent a lot of time outside ~ my DH built a deck for our daughter's house, the kids and I went shopping with my DD, kids went on a cruise of the thousand islands, DH got some fishing in and we had lake trout for dinner Sunday, and had a lovely dinner with friends on Sunday evening. Much to be thankful for!
Finished up the knitting on my shawl this weekend. Still need to put in the ends yet ~ that is always the tough part it seems. :) Not sure I'm happy with this shawl but I still need to block it and then I'll decide whether I'm going to keep it or sell it.

The swans have hatched out the little ones. We first saw them Sat. evening in the pond below the machine shed. Five little ones were huddled on their mama's back. Sun. they were out swimming and learning new skills from mama. Proud Papa patrolled the pond and let all viewers know that they must keep their distance. A protective swan is a formidable sight.

Time to get back to regular spinning. I've been working on so much knitting trying to get things caught up that my spinning has been neglected. I like to try to get in an hour or so each day. Just need to make it a priority I guess. If I get started I'll post a picture tomorrow ~ there, now I've said it, I need to do it!!

Have a good one!

Spring on the Farm

2009-05-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

Spring on the farm often means new life. Yesterday we brought some new babies home. Baby chicks and baby turkeys. The chicks were day olds and the turkeys are about three weeks old. So tiny and adorable and fun to watch. The chicks will run like crazy and then suddenly plop down and go to sleep. Then a couple of minutes later, back up on their feet and off they go again. I'll never tire of watching them. Much too soon they grow and lose their cuteness; so we enjoy it while it lasts. :)

On the knitting front: I've finished the pieces of the black sweater. Whew!! Lots of knitting! Now I just need to sew the pieces together and knit a collar for it, put the ends in and wash it and it's finished! Next project in the works is a shawl. Not sure what pattern I'll use ~ probably just a simple garter triangle. I'm going to use "Apple Pie" from Apple Laine ~ it's a wool/mohair/silk/nylon blend. Picked this up at "janie h knits" .
Off this afternoon to the talent show at the school. Should be fun ~ lots of kids of all ages doing what they do best, whether singing or dancing or whatever.
Have a good one!

Here comes the sun....

2009-05-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

At last, after a dreary wet weekend, the sun has come out full force. It's warming rays have upped the temp from 1.7C at 6:00AM to 12.5C at 8:52AM. Feels good!
I've been knitting as much as possible on the black sweater and am now on the last sleeve. Will be nice to get it done as I'd like to do a pair of socks with some new yarn that I picked up at yarn shop in April. It's sitting patiently while I finish the sweater.
Had a great Mother's Day and the pictures show two views of the downstairs playroom. The kidlets did a splendid job with the tidy up and I'm very grateful. One less job for me.
Today is laundry day and I'm planning to spend some time outside, perhaps plant a few more seeds in the vegetable garden and I'd like to spend a couple of hours knitting while the little one that I care for has his nap this afternoon. All in all, it should be a great day but it never fails that best laid plans often, if not always go astray. :) Such is life.
Have a good one!

Happy Mothers' (Nana's) Day!!

2009-05-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

Wishing all moms a happy day. Our three GD's woke us up to enjoy the morning with them. Their gift ~ a spotless playroom ( they even vacummed & scrubbed ), chocolates, flowers & earrings from our local Farmer's Market. They shopped while I visited with friends. :)
For lunch today our DD and her young man are having a lunch for both mothers and families. BBQ, fish fry and wonderful company ~ a perfect day.

A Beautiful Weekend...

2009-05-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

Spent most of the weekend outside. Two wonderfully sunny days though the temps were a bit cool. We went hiking on Saturday with my DD and her dogs. They sure didn't think it was too cold to swim. :) Then to the big city to outfit three young ones for the upcoming soccer season. We start Tuesday night and go four nights a week until sometime in July. The kids love it and it's a social outing for the adults.

Yesterday we were flying kites, playing soccer in the yard, golfing was tried ( not terribly successful) and we BBQ'd both lunch & supper. Mmmm.....
Needless to say we are all a bit windburned and sunkissed!

Went out early in the morning and took some lovely pictures of my neighbourhood including one of the resident swans. His name is Henry and he patrols the river to keep out all "intruders" ~ ( both winged and two-footed) as his mate sits on the nest.

Still working on the black sweater ~ approaching the armhole shaping on the front now. It will be good to get it done as I've so many things I'd like to get started on. :)
Have a good one!

It looks like spring today... :)

2009-04-29T06:02:00.001-07:00

The sun is shining here today after a gloomy rainy day yesterday. I've been knitting the last few days on a commissioned sweater. Long overdue so am buckling down and getting it done. Knit with black sock yarn at 7 st/inch. It's a 48" chest and is 28" in length. I'm doing it in reverse st st ~ can't tell much from the photo ~ this is the back. The front ribbing (7") is done and am now into 21" of st st. Should be done by early next week if I keep at it.
I've also finished another pair of socks that will be posted on my website. Using the sock yarns that are self-patterning make them fun and easy to knit.
I've also finished three pairs of infant mitts. These too will be posted on my website on the "Helping Others" page. I use leftover sock yarns to knit these. I sell them for $5 and donate that $5 to the NICU at our local hospital ~ KGH in Kingston. This is a special place for wee babies and three of our family members have been in this unit. Just my way of saying thank you for all they do. :)
The other two pictures are taken from the end of my driveway. I live in a beautiful place and need to remember not to take it for granted.
Still continuing to declutter our home ~ it's going slowly but am starting to see the progress that I'm making and that is enough to keep me at it. Yesterday I removed a bin of stuff that had collected in the corner of the kitchen. Amazing how stuff just seem to build up without effort.
Happy day to all!

Just for Fun...

2009-04-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

My Fairy name is:

Your fairy is called Bracken Icewitch

She is a bone chilling bringer of justice for the vulnerable.

She lives where bracken and curling ferns grow.

She is only seen in the enchanted moment between sleep and waking.

She dresses in leafy bracken-green. She has icy blue butterfly wings.

http://www.emmadavies.net/fairy/default.aspx">Get your free fairy name here!

I'm back....

2009-04-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

My computer has not been feeling well the last couple of weeks and neither have a couple of the kidlets.

But now things are back to normal. :)

Spring cleaning and decluttering move on though slowly. I'll get there in my own time it seems. I've been busy spinning and knitting as well as getting some dyeing done.

The skeins in the picture are some millspun romney sockyarn that I dyed up on Tuesday afternoon. Love how the colours turned out and being romney, they just seem to glow. Tried a new method of dyeing and am extremely pleased with the results and will continue to do it this way. :)

The spinning I'm working on is a batch of two-colour romney ( dk and lt brown) that makes a wonderful tweedy yarn. My DH has already requested a pair of socks when I'm done. Have probably 2 more bobbins to spin and then ply and will then post a picture.

I'm also back to knitting a requested sweater for someone. They've been very patient with me but it's time to get this done. I'm doing it in black sock yarn so it doesn't go too fast but I think if I apply myself it will be done before I know it.

The sun is supposed to shine here today ~ the first time in a few days ~ keep fingers crossed as I'd like to get some laundry out on the line. And the temperature is supposed to continue to climb up to about 20C. Finally!!

Spring Cleaning...

2009-03-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

What I have been busy doing is my spring cleaning. I used to do this faithfully (and again in the fall) but have gotten away from it in the last few years. As well, I'm working on decluttering our home (it's much too small for all that we have -and don't need). On an invitation from Roxanne over at The Haven of Home , I've decided to break my home into sections and work on one section each day. Yesterday I started on the living room/playroom and did the first third of it. Had help from munchkins as they love to use the dusters!

The next section is my knitting/spinning corner ~ it's not too bad but could use a good tidy. And then on to the shelving unit which serves as a bookshelf, games & puzzles area & a spot for a couple of bins of toys. I'm going slowly so that I can weed out what we don't need or use and am also finding a place for everything and putting it in it's place.

Here's a pic of progress from yesterday and a couple of pics of areas to be done.

2009-03-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Not much new on the knitting front. Finished up a pair of infant mitts and still have enough yarn in the skein to do another pair or two; so will post a picture when they are all done.
We took off another batch of maple syrup last night. The sugar shack smells so wonderful as the syrup gets close to finishing. M...will never tire of the taste!

My new spinning partner...

2009-03-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

I bought a new to me spinning wheel. It's a Robidoux and is crafted by W.J. Robidoux of Cornwall Ontario. The wheel that I already own is from Gord Lendrum of Odessa Ontario; so both wheels are crafted in Eastern Ontario; which is where I make my home. I'm north of Kingston Ontario in a very small community on the Napanee River.

The Robidoux wheel looks more like a traditional wheel to me. It spins like a dream and I love it already. For the Lendrum I have a woolie winder which helps speed up the plying process in my spinning. My own little production line :)

My latest batch of spinning are these robin's egg blue skeins. Makes me think of spring and they will be posted at Gina's Warm & Woolies later today. I've also knit this pair of socks and they are for me! I have enough of this yarn left to knit a couple of pairs of the infant mitts that I use to raise funds for the NICU at Kingston General Hospital. They too will be available on my website.

Spring means maple syrup...

2009-03-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

Made it through the March Break with the munchkins. We had perfect weather - mild and sunny and all the kids were outside every day. Even on the one day that we had a few showers, they were outside playing in a sheltered area. All slept very well each night. :)

Every spring for nearly the last twenty years my DH and I have made maple syrup. It gives us something to do when there is nothing else to do on the farm. Wood has been cut, mostly, it's too early for the garden and for the animals to go out on pasture.

We put out about ninety taps, gather every afternoon and boil down over a wood fire in two big pans. It's still magical - turning that clear and lightly sweet sap into thick dark maple syrup. That first taste every year is the best!!

Socks are Finished!

2009-03-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Finished the socks last evening as I watched "Midsomer Murders" - one of my favourite British dramas. Darned the ends in today and I have posted them on my website. Love how they turned out.
Also got some spinning done yesterday - 4 one ounce balls of singles that still need to be plied. Then more dyeing fun - never know what colour I'm going to do until the very moment I start to dye.

I've been visiting a couple of housekeeping blogs the last couple of weeks. They are of the era of the 40's & 50's. A time era that I am totally fascinated by. Think of "Leave it to Beaver" or "I Love Lucy" or "The Andy Griffith Show". The ability to provide a haven of comfort for my family is my goal. I've got a long way to go but babysteps. I'll get there. Go visit them if you get a chance. You can link to them over at the side. Look for "The Haven of Home", "Destination 1940" & "Humble Labor" I just love the simple calm looks of homes from then and I can remember some of the neatest gadgets & appliances that my Nana had in her home. :)

Mother Nature loves to play tricks!

2009-03-09T11:16:00.001-07:00

Last spring I bought a couple of white fleeces from a local shepherd. I sent them to the local mill for washing and carding. Am now starting to spin it up. The first fleece from a sheep named "Blue Jay" has yielded 4.8 lbs of roving! I'm spinning into 50g skeins that I will then dye into a rainbow of colours. First skein is done. Dyeing over white gives a brighter look to the colour than dyeing over grey. Both make lovely yarns with a different look.

2009-03-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Still working on the socks from Regia - Kaffe Fassett design. Most of the foot is knit and I'll be on the toe soon. Love how these are turning out and are definitely going to be "the same but different" which are such fun to knit and wear. I'll be posting these on my website as soon as they are finished. I do have enough of this colourway to do myself a pair also.

2009-03-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were sitting outside in the sunshine, it was 8C and most of the snow had melted, leaving a lot of mud. Today we woke up to freezing rain that changed to snow after an hour or so, leaving this scene.

Socks & Hat knitting

2009-03-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

It's a sunny day here and it had finally warmed up some. The last few days have been in the -10's or colder and then with the added wind chill it has been too uncomfortable to be outside for any length of time. Even the school has been keeping the kidlets inside at recess time or decreasing the amount of time that they do go out.
Have still been busy knitting here. Did up a hat with one of the skeins of hand-dyed millspun from last week. Wanted to make sure that the final product looked as good as the yarn and I'm happy with it. Whew!!
And I've started a pair of socks - in a sock knitting mode and want to get a few more pairs added to my inventory over at Gina's Warm & Woolies . I'm knitting this first pair with Kaffe Fassett's Design Line sock yarn. Very muted colours but they are pretty. I've also got the yarn for five more pairs waiting in line. Socks are easy - and only two ends to work in when I've finished!

A Rainy Day's Knitting

2009-02-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

It's pouring rain here today. The snow is disappearing fast and there are puddles all over. Yuck! I love the coming of spring but I sure don't enjoy all the mud that comes along with it. :) That being said, all the kidlets do and I do remember being young and wading through the puddles. So I'll try to be patient when they come in soaking wet or worse; saying that they've left their boot behind in some mudhole!
Finished the skein of sock yarn with the knitting of a wee pair of infant mitts. I sell these mitts for $5/pr and then donate the $5 to the NICU at KGH. Read more about it at my website here: http://www.ginaswarmandwoolies.com/HelpingOthers.html
So far I've raised $45!, thanks to all that have purchased them.
I've started a new project today. I'm knitting a hat with a skein of the new hand-dyed millspun yarns that I did up earlier in the week. Want to see just what it looks like in the finished product. I love the look of the yarn in the skein and hope I'm as happy with the knitted item. I'll post a picture of the progress of the hat a bit later.

More Dyeing

2009-02-26T06:08:00.000-08:00

Here are the results of more dyeing. At this point I'm experimenting and not worrying about getting repeatable results. Love the randomness of just having fun with it.

It has warmed up here nicely - right now it's 3C - feels downright balmy. I've even got the window open for some fresh air. We have four deer that roam the little village we live in. Some evenings we are lucky enough to get to observe them. Other times we get to see where they have been and in the picture above we can see what they've been eating. This is the hedge alongside the south edge of our yard. As you can see, they been pruned along the bottom few feet. They will grow back so we don't mind - it seems a small price for the thrill of watching them and knowing that they aren't going hungry. :)

and dyeing

2009-02-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

Spent the last couple of days dyeing some millspun yarns that I had here. Started out as grey and now I have these two skeins. More skeins are drying and will get them posted once I take pictures.
This dyeing stuff is addictive!

I've been knitting...

2009-02-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

Finally getting around to this. :) Have been busy the last few days with knitting and dyeing.
I've been working on some children's items using sock yarn. Got the following from one skein of Scheepjes - 100g. One hat, one pair of mittens, one neckwarmer and will have possibly two sets of infant mitts. Still working on the infant mitts and will post pics of them when finished.