Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Another finished object and Hand spun yarn....

I finished a pair of socks for Tom. The yarn was purchased at TLE during the Spring Fling. Stats:
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Sport Team Spirit Colorway 6
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace Size 1

I have some handspun yarn to share, too. The first is from some roving I got in Milwaukee a few weeks ago. No name on it, but it's a bit like Lopi. After washing this did soften up a bit. I have approx. 400 yds.
Second is from some roving I bought during my trip to St. Louis. It is Enchanted Knoll Farms roving in the Carmelita colorway. I have approx. 270 yds. This yarn may become a pair of fingerless mitts. It is extremely soft. I am really enjoying spinning on my wheel. I have a lot to learn and it takes practice, but that is what to expect when starting a new hobby.

The kids are anxiously waiting for the end of the school year. Their last day is June 4. Maggie has a lot of plans for the summer. She's going to Oklahoma with a friend in June, playing volleyball in a YMCA league, going to volleyball camp in July and to Camp Manitou the end of July. Then on a kayaking trip to the Apostle Islands through church in August. Grant will be working, going to summer school in the mornings, and trying for his driver's license the end of June. Patrick doesn't have many plans, but I'm sure we'll keep him busy swimming in the pool and hanging out with friends.

I'm off to work on my sock yarn blankie. Happy Knitting!!!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

FIBER PURCHASES.......

I was able to get some fun yarn and roving while I was in St. Louis on my Spring Fling adventure. I also won a skein of yarn from Claudia, The Wollmeise.

We were given three patterns for attending The Fling: Highland Fling Socks, by Wendy Johnson, Nebula Sock Pattern from Cookie A, and Nicholetta from Laura Nelkin. I bought some Handmaiden Casbah, and also some of their Cashmere and Silk yarn. A skein of Perchance to Knit and Two rovings: One from Enchanted Knoll Farms and one from Yarn Love. If you want to see these companies check out The Loopy Ewe.



More pictures of my recent purchases from Shepherd's Harvest:
Yarn and a pattern from Briar Rose, roving from Briar Rose, some angora fiber, roving from Frabjous Fibers(the red/orange), and roving from Cloudlover(greenish).

I have a lot of projects lined up to do. Now I just have to find the time to get them done. Did you know I also scrapbook? Yes, and I have years of catching up to do for my kids books!!

I guess I need to learn to balance everything. Maybe I'll set a timer during the day and do my housework for a bit, scrapbook for a bit, housework, knit, housework, spin, etc. We'll see how that goes. :)
Shepherd's Harvest, Lake Elmo, Minnesota

I woke up early yesterday and decided to go up to the Shepherd's Harvest event in Minnesota. Tom and the boys were in Madison and Maggie was at a friend's house. It was such an odd feeling to be able to just make that impromptu decision based on just what I wanted to do. So off I went! I was able to get some wonderful roving for my new spinning wheel. I purchased a Schacht Ladybug wheel. Meet Amelie:

I've already spun up two bobbins worth of singles and have plyed one bobbin. I bought a Niddy Noddy while I was at the festival so I can make the skeins. It is fun to be able to actually spin the yarn and then make something from that handspun. Each Ladybug wheel comes with a small ladybug glued on it somewhere. It is was makes each wheel unique. My little Ladybug is on side of the right leg:
I met up with Shelly and we had so much fun looking at all the wonderful fibers. We also both enjoyed a yummy pulled pork wrap with coleslaw. Messy but good. I haven't been the most consistent blogger in history, but I'm going to try to be better. The best thing about starting a blog was meeting Shelly. I started reading her blog and just commenting and it has turned into a friendship that I cherish. I just wished we lived closer together. I know that at least twice a year we can share our fiber obessions by going to Shepherd's Harvest and the Minnesota State Fair. Perhaps one day when her kids get a little older we can take a road trip down to Milwaukee for the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival.

I do have a finished project to show. I finished these socks in early April, but am just now getting around to posting:
Stats: Knit using Addi Turbos, size OOO
Yarn Garn Studio Fabel purchased at Yellow Dog Knitting
Started April 2008, sat in time out until Fall 2009 and slowly worked on last sock this
spring and finished April 7, 2009

They are snug on the foot and I love that about these socks. I am going to try and make my socks really snug to my feet from now on. I love how they keep my feet nice and warm.

Okay, so Maggie and I are off to New Richmond for brunch with my mom, dad, and siblings. Happy Mother's Day out there to all the wonderful moms and women who are like moms to so many people!!! Also, Happy Knitting!