Good Times

This is great - you need to watch for a few seconds before you'll see what's going on. (Swiped, with apologies, from Mason-Dixon Knitting.)

Celebrating

another I'm-not-having-anymore-birthdays day. Dick got me the 20" Knitter's Loom I wanted - can't wait to make something on it. We had lunch at Macaroni Grill with all the CA kids, complete with this gorgeous cake from the Bread Basket in Camarillo. It tasted every bit as good as it looks. And since it's birthday cake, there aren't any calories, right??

She Liked It

Naia liked the scarf - but I think she likes Snickers more. And Little Miss Chicken Kitty - who's afraid of her own shadow and rarely tolerates people - likes Naia too.

On Track For Christmas

Finished the second pair of mittens this morning for the Soaring Eagles Project. I was hoping to make 3 sets, but I'm running out of time. I may be able to crank out another pair tonight, if my crochet arm doesn't give out on me. The Lion Brand pattern is well constructed and a pleasure to make. The yarn is stashed Tweedle Dee from Modea Dea. Stash busting and a good deed. It doesn't get much better.

The next item on my list is underway. This is for a shall-not-be-named family member whom I drew for the family gift exchange. Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk. Sinfully soft. Hopefully, someone will be very pleased.

Dick's been busy too, working almost all day, every day, in the garage. What's he making? Can't say. It's a present. [evil grin] But Rachel knows.

And look what showed up on my doorstep today - from one of my favorite places - two sweaters worth of pure wool in 'Fawn' and 'Merlot Heather'. Twenty skeins, 4970 yards, for less than $80 including shipping. I {heart} WEBS.

Baby, It's Cold Inside

Temps are getting down into the 40's at night - that's cold for SoCal - and it's apparently too much for the cats. They've abandoned my lap for something warmer - the floor heater. I love how AJ stretches her paws under the heater to take full advantage of the warmth. Can you say "spoiled"?

Started a new project on the RH loom tonight. Remember how long it takes to warp the floor loom? Hours and hours of work before any actual weaving starts? I started this scarf project at 4:00 and I was weaving by 5:15. Very cool.

I Fell Off The Wagon

Look what followed me home - a sweater's worth of Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend. This is the most beautiful stuff I've ever seen. Love the colors, but it's the shimmer of silk that makes it so stunning.

I've tried to be good. I've tried to resist buying yarn until I'd used up some stash. But this called to me. It begged me to bring it home. In the spirit of the season, how could I possibly say 'no'?
I spotted this before Lois even had a chance to get it out of the shipping box. And I held out for an entire day before caving; all Lois had to do was mention that she only had 10 skeins . . . and 2 were already sold . . . and she might not be able to get more right away . . . and, yeah. I'm a real tough sell.

What am I making? The Boho Blocks Cardigan (scroll down) by Valentina Devine (Ravelry link). After Christmas.


Tech specs: Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend, 30% silk, 70% Merino extrafine wool, kettle dyed; approx 150 yds per 50 g skein.

Racking Up the FO's

My second Christmas project is done. I made a set of these in 2005 for John, Rachel and Colton, so this year I made Miss Addison one to match. I love the Christmas tree detail and how these are made just like 'real' socks, with a heel flap, gusset, and toe shaping. The pattern - O Christmas Tree by Kathy Wesley - is well written and available for download for .99 from epatternscentral.

Two items down, eleventy-seven still to go . . . .

Tech specs: "G" crochet hook and 3 colors of washable wool - Modea Dea Washable Wool in True Red, Plymouth Encore in #1233 (foresty green) and Lion Brand Wool-ease in White Multi #301.

Put On Your Shades

Scarf #2 is done - and it is bright. Reds and pinks, with a touch of purple. Perfect for a 6-year-old, yes? Our rigid heddle instructor said she can make a scarf, from start to finish, in two hours. I'm not that fast but I bet this didn't take me more than four hours. And it was fun.
My assistant helped me again today. She wasn't as enamored with the loom since I wasn't using alpaca, but she had to put her 2 cents worth in. She got tired after about 20 minutes and I actually got some weaving done. With Oreo curled up on my lap, between me and the loom, once again.

Tech specs: Warp yarns - Modea Dea Washable Wool in True Red and Plymouth Yarn's P-Zazz, color #6205. Weft - P-Zazz and Cascade's Fixations; the wool was free in my crochet conference goody bag and the P-Zazz came from the deeply-discounted sale bin at my LYS. I love almost free FO's.

Towers of Power - and an FO

I'm organizing my stash - yet again - but thanks to Ravelry, I think it might work this time. I've got about 2/3 of it photographed and listed. I'm a little embarrassed by how much I have and how much of it I'd forgotten about. But did that stop me from buying a sweater's worth of yarn last night? Or placing an order for 2 sweaters-worth at Webs? Noooooo, of course not.

Now that I can see what I have all in one place - with pictures! - I think I'll use it more efficiently. That's the plan anyway. One of Ravelry's niftiest stash features is a line to list where the yarn is stored. Introducing the Towers of Power - stackable yarn bins lining my fireplace. (Pictures are severely cropped so you can't see the mess in my studio. I'm organizing. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.) Dick brought the stack above home from T*rget and they were such a good fit that the next day he brought home more. (Think he's trying to tell me something? Nah, me neither.) I have fresh batteries in my label gun and I'm ready to fill these puppies. I finished my first scarf on the Ashford Knitter's Loom in time for tonight's last class - and a second scarf is warped and partially woven. This one's a 50/50 blend of alpaca and acrylic (Thanks, Carolyn!) It must look okay since Dick has already claimed it for himself. And yes, I'm hooked on rigid heddle weaving. It's so fast - and I can use stash yarns (see above). Guess what I'm getting for my birthday?

Weaving Help

I had a little "help" with my rigid heddle weaving today. Oreo was in love with this alpaca yarn - she kept rubbing up against the loom, chasing the yarn and generally making a nuisance of herself. Normally she's indifferent to my yarn stuff. Not today. When she finally tired, she insisted on sleeping between me and the loom. I'm hoping to finish this tomorrow, before class at 6. Oreo may find herself locked in the garage.

Needle Felting

Sunday's needle felting class was a lot of fun. Jane Davis has written a number of books, on a variety of fiber arts, and teaches at my LYS. How lucky is that?

These look better in person (I'm blaming my photog skills rather than my felting skills . . . ) and will be the top of two Christmas stockings. Marie has claimed one and the other may be for Gary or Dick, I haven't decided which yet. I still need to crochet the 'stocking' part with the dark green Cascade 200 I bought. Next week. Maybe.

Sweater Bug

I should be working on Christmas presents - and only Christmas presents - but I've got the sweater-bug really bad. I've almost finished Fall Forward

and today I bought the yarn - Cascade 220 Heather green - to make Green Mantle from Crocheted Aran Sweaters by Jane Snedden Peever. I love the clean lines.

What should I be working on, you ask? Addy's Christmas stocking to match the ones I made her family in 2005 - a daisy square afghan - a scarf or shawl (can't decide which) for the family member whose name I drew (not telling who!) - and maybe a little something for Rachel if she still wants it.

Addy's stocking is about a third done.The rest? Not even started.

23 days to go and counting.

Classes

The winter schedule for my favorite yarn store should be out shortly and I'm teaching four classes, the monthly CBAM (crochet block-a-month), plus two rounds of beginning crochet. I love teaching beginners - get 'em early, addict 'em fast!

Snow Bobble Hat - Tuesday, January 8, 6-9 pm
Planning a trip to snow country – or to the blustery beach in January? This cute hat will keep head and ears toasty warm. The pattern is for a child’s hat but is easily customized for adults. Working in the round, you’ll learn to make bobbles (much easier than in knitting!), crochet in the front and back loops, and more. For this class you need to know basic crochet stitches (slip stitch, chain, single and double crochet). Skill level: Advanced Beginner. (similar to the one pictured.)

Crocheted Socks - Tuesday, February 26 & March 4, 6-9 pm
Take advantage of all the beautiful new sock yarns and join us for a crocheted sock class. These custom fit, in-your-shoe socks are crocheted in the round. You’ll learn about shaped toes, heels, gussets and more. With a few tricks and a little practice, we’ll have you making socks in no time. No prior sock making experience is necessary, but you need to know basic crochet stitches (slip stitch, chain, single and double crochet). Skill level: Advanced Beginner.

Entrelac Scarf – Tuesday, April 1, 6-9 pm
Crochet and entrelac - together? You bet! Entrelac is a technique used to create a diamond pattern resembling basket-woven strips of fabric. You’ll learn this easily mastered process while making a multi-colored scarf that can be felted if desired. Knowledge of Tunisian crochet is helpful but not required for the class. You need to know basic crochet stitches (slip stitch, chain, single and double crochet). Skill level: Advanced Beginner.

Perfect Spring Shawl – Tuesday, April 29, 6-9 pm
Be prepared for those chilly spring and summer evenings with this easy to crochet wrap. The Perfect Spring Shawl sits lightly on the shoulders and tapers slightly at the edges for a touch of elegance. The pattern is easily adjustable for a shawl that fits you perfectly. For this class you need to know basic crochet stitches (slip stitch, chain, single and double crochet). Skill level: Beginner.

Crochet Block-a-Month - 3rd Tuesday of each month, beginning January 15, 6-9 pm. We'll do a variety of squares, concentrating on cables and popcorns and bobbles, oh my!

Beginning Crochet
1 - Tuesday, January 22, 29, and February 5, 6-9 pm
2 - Saturday, February 16, 23, and March 1, 4-6 pm

I think I'm going to be busy!

Random Tagging

Tag - I'm it. I was tagged by April with the 8 Random Things thingee.

Here’s the deal: Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you. Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged.

1. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the carols and lights and decorations. Not so much the shopping and commercialism. My second favorite holiday? July 4th. **Love** fireworks.

2. I love taking classes. Sunday I'm taking a needle felting class with Jane Davis. Tomorrow night I've got a rigid heddle weaving class. I don't have a rigid heddle loom; I wonder if it's significantly different from my floor/table loom? If I love RH weaving, Dick will have an easy Christmas - he'll know exactly what to get me.

3. I used to be deathly afraid of dogs, especially big dogs, but it just went away about 5 years ago. When I was in high school, a friend's German shepherd tried to take my nose off. He missed, but not by much. Most dogs I meet these days are friendly and I enjoy them. No interest in getting a dog though - my kitties would not be amused.

4. Grandchildren are the best. Spoil 'em and send 'em home. Just wish they all lived closer.

5. I like clutter. Anyone who has seen my craft room (or my old office) is nodding in agreement. It just makes me more comfortable.

6. I also like having multiple projects going at one time. And I love Ravelry because I can organize all my projects and stash and books and future projects - and more. Thank you Jess and Casey!

7. I love Project Runway and Top Chef. Couldn't wait for the new season to begin. And it's all Rachel's fault - she's the one that got me hooked on both.

8. My top 'must-see' destinations are Antarctica, Russia and China. I love traveling, especially to places with a lot of history like London and Paris. Love coming home even more.

Ok, I'm tagging Wenona, Cheryl, Rachel, Becky, Tanya, and Kimberly. I'm looking forward to your randomness.

Every Girl Needs A Pony

Dick and I found this adorable rocking pony while out shopping today - and couldn't resist giving it to Addison as soon as we got back to the house. Mom will put it away tonight until Christmas, but we got to see how much Addy loved her first pony. As soon as she gets off, she gives the pony kisses and pets his nose. I think it's true love. Rachel decided Addy needed a white bobble hat so I made another one last night. The yarn is smaller so the hat is a little tight, but it should stretch out. I hope they don't loose her in a snow storm!

Tech specs: Lion Brand Baby Soft in Baby White Pompadour using a "G" hook.

Play Day

Rachel and John went shopping today (finally! I didn't think we'd ever get them out of the house so we could have Addy all to ourselves) so we had a play day.

Addy's decided that Grandpa is lots of fun. He makes silly noises and funny faces and she giggles like crazy. Addy loves standing on her head grabbing Grandpa's mouth, and playing 'Where's Addy?". Peek-a-boo! Addy also discovered my crochet hooks and yarn. After watching me work for awhile, she asked to try crocheting and got right to work. She was fascinated and played with them for over half an hour, switching hooks so she could get just the look she wanted. My own little yarnie. I'm so proud!