Pod Casts, etc

I find that working in my dyeing studio it would be nice to have something to listen to. I have thought about books on tape but a) they are expensive and b) there aren't too many books on tape that I am interested in that I haven't already read. But I hear that there are lots of good podcasts out there. Do you have a favorite? I am open to suggestions. Obviously knitting themed ones would interest me buy, surprisingly, I know, I do have interests outside the fiber world. Anyway, I'd love to hear your suggestions. Thanks.

Swap Arrival!

Mr. Postman just left a big box at my house. Want to see whats inside? Maxine sent me lots and lots of little goodies, all individually wrapped in pretty paper (this being my first swap, I didn't know how much fun pretty wrapping was...I will do better next time!!). After tearing off the paper like a little kid on Christmas morning this is what I made out with: one delicious praline (a local specialty) which lasted only long enough to take a picture (mmmmm was it good). a mixed cd of music to listen to while drinking tea and knitting (I can't wait to listen to it), a book of recipes for an afternoon tea, two bags of Teavana tea-- Japanese Wild Cherry and Thai Tea Blend-- Maxine's personal favorites, and a bag of German Rock Cane Sugar also from Teavana (I guess I am supposed to put this in the tea, not eat it like candy...darn), two teas from Republic of Tea, Blackberry Sage and Pomegranite Green Tea, in pretty colored plastic containers (which will eventually be great for storing other things), ginger thins cookies, wafer crackers, Chipotle dark chocolate, Chili Lemon Pepitas, two bars of locally made Goat's Milk Soap (how did she know that I love goat's milk soap?), bath salts, a single-serving coffee/tea maker thing (very cool) and a beautiful mug that matches the yarn perfectly! The Yarn. Handpainted Kid Mohair/Wool from Brooks Farm in gorgeous shades of blue and brown. Did I mention that that is one of my newest favorite color combos? Its beautiful! Unfortunately the mailman arrived as I was getting ready to go out and meet some old friends for the afternoon. Needless to say, I stopped getting ready immediately. They can deal with wet hair and no makeup. But I have run out of time unpacking, taking pictures and writing this post, so now I've got to run. Sampling my teas and dreaming about my yarn will have to wait till this evening! Thanks so much Maxine!

Dyeing Update

Finally I have some pictures uploaded to share my dyeing adventures with you, dearest theoretical reader. I have been having so much fun in my dyeing workshop, especially since Chris helped me finish my skein winder. Now I can quickly and easily wind my cones of undyed yarn in easy-to-dye skeins, and then go crazy with the dye. I am nervous about dyeing too much yarn before I open up for orders...what if no one wants some of the colors and so I end up with a whole bunch of unwanted yarn? Thankfully I like all the color-ways I have come up with, so I guess I could just knit myself a lot of purple socks, or whatever. I guess I just need to bit the bullet and do it. I am not going to sell any of it if I don't have beautiful examples to show off. I won't start officially accepting orders until July 16th (July 14th for the Knit Picky crowd), but if you are interested in my yarn, especially if you are a yarn shop owner, feel free to go ahead and contact me now! I am still working on the website, there are a lot of pictures up but still a lot to add. Here are some pictures of my skein winder (made out of PVC!) and some freshly dyed yarn drying to give you a peek "behind the scenes." And I have to brag and point out that the pretty, brightly colored yarn (the left one in the picture of the two colorful skeins) was designed and dyed by Chris. Didn't he do a good job? Can you believe its his first time dyeing?





Update: The green yarn dried overnight and now its beautiful, at least I think so (but then I really like green). Here is a picture of it in the skein- click to make it larger. I have just cast on for a simple triangle shawl out of it. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Knitting Update

Even though I haven't written about it recently, I HAVE been knitting. Or at least, starting lots of projects. Lets take a look at what is currently on the needles.

Socks: Lots of them. I have a pair of Widdershins out of Miss Bab's yarn in "Woodland Viola", a toe-up of my own design out of Tinsel Toes by The Painted Sheep in "Maya" and am about to cast on a pair of padded footlets from Favorite Socks out of Foot Prints by The Painted Sheep, in a color that was created by Chris.

Tops: Three. 1) Ribby Shell by ChicKnits in white Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. This is my mindless knitting project, it is simple ribs, no shaping, no thinking required. 2) Rockport Vest by Oat Couture out of dark olive green Schulanna Cotton-Merino; Christmas present for my grandma 3) Lace Camisole from Knitting Lingerie Style in King Tut Cotton (orange)- almost done, just need to add another inch or two in length and finish off the arm holes

Other. Chair seat for an old rocking chair. Free pattern from Knit1, designed by Annie Modesitt.

Recently Finished: Plush Piggy, as a present for one of my knitting friends who was just in a car accident.

And, I just packed up a box of gifts for my exchange buddy. This is my first knitting exchange and is tea themed, so I have included some special teas and other treats along with knitting goodies. I can't wait to see if she likes it...and to unpack my own box!!

Bad Blogger, Bad

I am becoming such a bad blogger! I keep promising myself I'll post an update, but then I get busy with something else. I am hopeful that life will settle down soon and I will have more time to do non-essential things like update my blog (and, uh, sleep). I can't complain, though, I am busy doing things I love-- working at Knit Picky, getting The Painted Sheep started and, finally, working on some of my many knitting projects. Things are going well. Oh, and I can't forget one of the most fun parts-- spending time with Chris. I feel like we haven't seen each other all spring because we have both been so busy. But lately we have finally had time to spend some quality time together. This week was "big trash pickup" week in my neighborhood, a fun time when the city comes around to collect "big trash" items so everyone puts their old broken furniture and other junk out on the curb, then people in pick-up trucks and old vans drive around searching for hidden treasure. Well, we found some treasure. We found an old TV-- you know, the kind with the knobs that is its own little piece of furniture. And guess what we did with it? We turned it into an aquarium! Actually, I should give most of the credit to Chris, he worked on it while I puttered around in my dyeing workshop...but I helped some too! Its something he has been wanting for a while but we didn't know where to find the perfect old TV. We haven't filled the tank up with water, plants, rocks, fish, etc yet, and that will make a big difference in how it looks, but I think its going to look AWESOME!

Knitting at the Beach

For memorial day weekend Chris and I are spending a couple of days at the beach with our parents. Its great to just lay on the beach and sleep and read-- I have been so busy lately with classes ending, graduation, getting engaged and starting The Painted Sheep that I haven't had any time to just relax and catch my breath. Of course, I can't keep my hands off the needles for long, so I've brought several knitting projects along. The ocean breeze makes it a bit more difficult to knit, but it hasn't stopped me from trying!

Wonderful Knitting Friends!

I just got back from a delightful evening at the shop with the greatest group of knitters--and friends. This morning I graduated and instead of having a real graduation part I figured I'd just celebrate at the monthly charity knit night at the shop. My mom fixed an ice-cream cake, but thats all I expected. But then people started showing up-- with food and gifts! We ended up with cake, champagne, strawberries, fresh home-baked cookies and yummy turkey wraps. Jo gave me a beautiful leather bound photo album for pictures of Painted Sheep stuff, Carol had a funny singing card and Pat gave me a beautiful journal and bottle of wine! It was totally unexpected and wonderful! Now I am full of yummy food and champagne and happy. Oh, and we got a bunch of blocks knit for a Warm Up America blanket! Thanks everyone!!