Check Out The Pirate Booty

Well, the Yarn Aboard box full of fiber arrived at my house courtesy of Captain Morgan. It came stuffed full of pirate booty (don't laugh - this was in a book I read to my daughter and she thought it was hysterical). He brought some beautiful white wool (maybe I can try some more dying experiments), Good Vibrations superwash merino from Crown Mountain Farms (gee, I better get to work on my CMF The Beat Goes On roving!), a pattern with 6 different scarf patterns, chocolate, a great little project bag, the cutest elephant tape measure, coffee, a notepad, and a beautiful handmade necklace which I'm looking forward to wearing. The Captain had stopped by Cathy's house before visiting here and she sent the most wonderful treasures. Thank you Cathy and thanks again to Amanda for organizing this. And she really does deserve extra thanks for all she has gone through lately with this swap. Hopefully now everything will be smooth sailing.

Unfortunately, I did make the mistake of introducing the Yarn Aboard Captain to the Captain that had already been staying at my home (see picture at the beginning of this post). And then I made the second mistake of leaving them alone together while I went off to sleep - I guess these Captains are used to later hours than I. Well, it was a few days before the Captain was ready to take the new booty onto his next location but I am glad to say that he has left this port and is on his way to the next one. It shouldn't be long - 2 days I was told by the harbormaster. So I wish Captain Morgan smooth sailing.

And for Carrie who asked for some more "puppy" pictures - I leave you with one of a very lazy dog. Maybe she was up late partying with the Captains too??

Some Random Stuff

Whoops, I keep forgetting to do this so I will do this right now. Check out the story at Cate's. Apparently, some guy is doing some kind of project on how meme's spread. So we are supposed to mention the project and link to it over here. Then we are supposed to go and ping something over here. I think that just lets them know that you have done this. I'm probably the last one to do this, but if you haven't, go ahead. Let's show them what we are capable of.

I'm getting ready to send out some of my Knit Unto Others knitting that I've done over the past 2 weeks. If you are still hesitating about knitting something for charity, check out this post on the Soaring Eagles site. She still needs more hats - or headbands. Remember it must be easy care yarn. I'm going to send out my 3 hats and then see if I can make a headband or 2 before the deadline.

Also, one other resolution for the holiday season. I figure if I say it here then I should remember to follow through. Every year I plan carefully what I will give to everyone - I even have a list in Excel. Then, maybe a week before the holiday, I panic and think I don't have enough. And that's when it gets ugly and I buy stuff just to have more. So, this year I PROMISE that I will NOT do any last minute impulse buying. I will stick to my list and follow through!

Caps For Sale

Maybe I should title this post "Walking the Dog" or "Scooping Up Poop". This dog loves to go for walks. In the beginning I think the backyard was just for going pee and poop but now she likes being outside in the yard - as long as someone is with her. But there has been some knitting going on - mostly involving the Knit Unto Others KAL that has been happening for the last 2 weeks.


The grand total as of today is one red scarf, 4 hats for cihldren and 4 hats for newborns. The grrls at work have also been working on Caps for the Capital and one grrl got her mom involved. At last count, Elaine's mom was up to 18 caps. Wow! What a great woman!! And she's still working on more.

I also finished the baby sweater / hat set for a friend. The yarn is Manos Stria and it's a fun yarn to work with. Definitely one of my favorite cottons.

I am also behind in announcing the winner of the Kool Aid package so here it is -

Carrie K.

Congratulations. I'll be in touch to find out where to mail your prize.

Eye Candy Friday

Bandit, a six year old Siberian Husky mix, the newest member of our family. We found her at our local animal shelter last week and she has been settling in quite well.

Don't Drink the Kool Aid

For some reason, I kept putting this off. I thought it was going to get really messy and I wasn't sure if I really wanted to deal with it. But one weekend afternoon, I got out the supplies and my daughter and I played around with Kool Aid and yarn.

I used some natural Wool of the Andes yarn from Knit Picks and divided one skein into 4 using my swift and niddy noddy. We used instructions from this site and I decided to try both the stove top and the microwave methods. First we need to soak the fiber in hot water.

And we mix up our potions - Kool Aid, water and vinegar.

First we tried the microwave process - the fiber is supposed to be placed in plastic wrap, then the dye is poured over it, the fiber is wrapped in the plastic wrap and you squish the stuff around to saturate the fibers with the dye. Then this is microwaved for 2 minutes or so. Squish the liquid around some more and you can microwave again if necessary.

I had thought the stove top method would be messier plus the directions said that the mixture would have to simmer for about 45 minutes. It actually took maybe less than 10 minutes and I was really amazed at how the liquid turns a milky white when the dye bath is exhausted.

The colors we tried in the microwave were Berry Blue, Watermelon Cherry and then Soarin' Strawberry Lemonade. This last one looked like the Watermelon Cherry so we tried sprinkling some Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade over it. This didn't turn out so great so we ended up putting it on the stove with 2 packages of Orange. On the stove, we soaked one skein in 2 packages of orange, a second in a mixture of Arctic Green, Lemon Ice, Lemonade with a little Ice Blue Raspberry sprinkled in and a third skein was soaked in Grape. This last one turned out way too dark so we added 2 packages of Cherry.



I wish there was some way to show you how great it smelled in the kitchen. Here from left to right we have Orange, Watermelon Cherry, Arctic Green with Lemon Ice and Lemonade, Berry Blue, Grape with 2 Cherry added after, Soarin' Strawberry Lemonade with Ice Blue Raspberry and then overdyed with Orange.

In honor of this post and so someone else can experience this process first hand, the next prize from the blogiversary celebration will be a skein of Knit Picks natural (sock weight) with a variety of Kool Aid colors. I'll be picking the winner in the next few days.

A Time To Be Thankful

It goes without saying that we should remember to be thankful for what we have all year long. But during this crazy time of year, when things can just spiral out of control with the holiday celebrations, the planning and shopping for gifts and all that the holidays bring, we should try to take some time and remember all reasons we have to be thankful. I have people I love and who love me, a roof over my head and often too much food to eat. I have hobbies that I love and often an excess of supplies. But obviously all that is not true of everyone. Carole and Margene have once again put together a time for us to Knit Unto Others. When I did this last year, it was amazing, during this time of the year that can often get so hectic, to just slow down and knit items for some of the many projects that are accepting handknit articles of clothing for those in need. It really made me think about what was important. Of course, I will participate again this year. Various organizations are mentioned on the Knit Unto Others blog and Carole mentioned some in this post.

One of the ones I have decided to participate in is Caps to the Capital which is being run by Save The Children. The idea is to knit or crochet caps to warm a newborn's head and possibly help save their life. You can download an action kit at their site and some of the things it provides you with are patterns, answers to questions and a special tag for your hat. If you choose to make hats for this cause, I highly recommend you check out the site. The hats they request are much smaller than we are used to making - they recommend 9" - 11" in circumference and this really looks almost doll sized. The hats are small enough, that you could easily make several in a weekend. I made two this past weekend in addition to doing plenty of other things.

I also plan on making a scarf for the Red Scarf Project and some hats for the Soaring Eagles Project in addition to putting some items aside for next year's mailing to Dulaan. Go ahead and pick a project - the benefits are many. Not only will you be helping someone else, but you will feel better too. I know I do!

Blogger won't let me show you the high tech methods we have here for picking the next prize winner (we used a bag this time instead of a hat to hold the pieces of paper). The winner of the Sheep2Shoe kit is ...

Amanda

In addition to being a fabulous person, she is an amazing spinner and I know she will do some special things with this kit. Congratulations Amanda!

Sometime I Wonder If I'm A Good Teacher

I tried to show Lewis and Clark around town but it didn't work out quite as I had planned. We took them to a corn maze on Saturday morning. I thought they would be a great help in finding our way through the maze but they didn't want to get out of the car. I think the Brownies running around outside kind of intimidated them. This year's maze was in the shape of the American flag but it was easier than last year since the wind storm of last weekend kind of blew many of the corn stalks over. But it was fun being outside and it turned into a beautiful day.

The next day I thought I could take them to see Flicka but had to veto that idea when my husband came along, He really doesn't get the whole blogging thing and definitely doesn't understand the bond between us fiber addicted folks. He would definitely believe I was over the edge if I were to take a picture of a box sitting in a seat at the movie theater. Anyway, it was an excellent movie. I can highly recommend it but if you get teary (like me...), remember to bring along your hankie. There were a few spots where the tears were flowing.

Oh, and is this my fault??? A mom I know a little asked me if I would teach her daughter how to knit. They see me at gymnastics practice and a few other places and I usually have fiber and needles in hand. Of course I agreed and when she asked what to get, I specifically informed her to get a pair of needles in a larger size (at least 10 or so) and a skein of smooth WOOL. You know, nothing that has anything hanging off of it. Something basic. I explained that this was important as it would be easier to see the stitches, fix mistakes and just be able to see what was going on. Yesterday at gymnastics practice they show up and the girl brings out what she had bought - a set of large needles and a skein of friggin' chenille. Because it was soft. In dark blue. I can't even make out the stitches. But I showed her and got her started. The mom had mentioned that she used to knit but didn't remember. Do you think the mom stayed around so that maybe she could help her daughter when she got stuck at home? I'll let you answer that question. Anyway, I told the girl to keep practicing and bring it back to gymnastics practice on Wednesday afternoon. She seemed to get it although we kept on ending up with extra stitches on each row. All I'm saying is that it would have been much easier with some basic wool.

And The Winner Is ...

If that's what you came here to find out, please feel free to skip to the end of the post. Otherwise, there has been some knitting going on here. I needed to come up with a teacher's gift for this year and I remembered that Mamacate had made these last year. Talk about instant gratification. Two pairs done and one to go. The grrls in the knitting group at work have taken a liking to these too and we are all knitting biggy mittens.


I am also supposed to be working on this for a baby boy that was born about 3 weeks ago.


The front and back are done. but I want to be working on this instead.

I know I must be the last knitter on earth who wants to knit Clapotis and hasn’t. With that in mind I stopped by Brooks Farm at Rhinebeck and picked out this gorgeous yarn. Actually I picked something else first (I was in a hurry because my daughter and I had just waited in the STR line and she was sort of out of patience). After I paid for the 2 skeins, my daughter found another shade that was even more perfect and the women in the booth were kind enough to let me exchange what I had just bought. Anyway, I have started my own Clapotis. And I am loving the pattern – easy enough to memorize but not totally mindless.

I had another Clapotis encounter as I was packing up at the hotel after our day at Rhinebeck. I had just put some stuff in the car and was returning to get another load. A woman was pushing a luggage cart from the parking lot, also obviously packing up her car. Of course, I held the door for her and noticed that she happened to be wearing a Clapotis around her neck. I opened my mouth and proceeded to inform her that I had finally purchased some yarn for that pattern and how I’ve been wanting to make it and how I was probably the only knitter on earth that hasn’t made that pattern. Then these words come out of her mouth – “Oh, I’m the designer.” Yes, I had been talking with Kate Gilbert. So, we introduced ourselves and she was very kind and gracious. It’s really cool to actually meet the person who designed the pattern.

And now, thanks for staying around so long. I'm sure you are all wondering who is the lucky winner of the RI Red STR.

We are doing this the old fashioned way. My daughter helped me pick a name out of the hat.

And the winner is: Kimberly from Somebunnyslove. I guess the RI Red will be staying in RI.

The next prize that will be given away is also from the ladies at Blue Moon - a Sheep2Shoe kit also purchased at Rhinebeck.

The Postman Always Rings Twice

As if Rhinebeck wasn't enough, I had a pleasant surprise when I returned home from the weekend. My KTS package was waiting for me with wonderful goodies inside.

Frances did an excellent job putting my package together. Everything was wrapped up so beautifully and I'm sorry I didn't get a picture. What can I say - I was kind of impatient :). The goodies - a tea strainer to use with some Twinings Gunpowder Green Tea. I've never even heard of Gunpowder tea - sounds potent :)! Then there are three containers of Harney and Sons tea sachets. I bought this brand of tea for my tea swap partner, but have never tried it myself. And of course there are some yummy cookies and chocolate to go along with it. The yarn - a beautiful blue Opal and Chasing Rainbows Dyeworks in Lagoon. I didn't get to visit Nancy's booth at Rhinebeck this year - the colors she produces are always beautiful and this one has to be one of my favorite. I love the shades of greens and blues. And the most coolest thing is that Frances included some of the products that she makes herself - Just Relaxing Green Tea Soap, Natural Aloe and Shea Luxury Cream, and Brown Sugar Face and Body Polish. My daughter and I had to open up the cream right away and try some. It's perfect for when you are knitting because it doesn't leave a greasy feeling - just absorbs nicely into the skin. And for anyone who hasn't tried a sugar polish - they leave your skin amazingly smooth - my daughter has made me promise to share it with her. So, thank you, Frances, for making this swap very special. And the other neat thing is that Frances has some ties to the town where I grew up and we may even get to meet in person.

And yes, the postman did ring twice. Yesterday, I arrived home to find Lewis and Clark on my doorstep. I had been keeping an eye out for one of the explorers for the longest time and when I stopped looking for him - there they were! They came to me via Emmy in VA and were bearing the most wonderful gifts. I had mentioned in the questionnaire that I had always wanted to try Vesper yarn but had never had any luck getting any. The one time I saw some available was when I had just signed up for the Summer of Stash and silly me decided not to order any. And of course I regretted that decision.

Tada - I now own a skein of Vesper in some really fun colors. Looks really summery to me and they will make some fun socks. And some beautiful blue cotton/wool Sockotta. The cutest tape measure (I always need another tape measure since I can never find one when I need one). It's a puppy and the pully thing has a little bone on it. Green Chibis - my favorite, a beautiful notepad and a nice note from Emmy using Cara's notecards. I just love Cara's photos and have bought some of her cards in the past for gifts and for my personal use. I feel so spoiled - thank you Emmy!

Now, I need to find some time to show Lewis and Clark around town before sending them on to the next recipient. This is such a fun swap and big hugs go out to Amanda for setting up all of this.

There has been some knitting going on - mittens, fingerless gloves, a baby sweater, a Clapotis - but I was so intent on taking pictures of the packages that I forgot to take pictures of the knitting. So that will be saved for next time. And the first winner in the blogiversary giveaway will be chosen and will receive the skein of STR in Rhode Island Red. All this coming up in the next installment. See you then!

My Rhinebeck Post

I can't believe it's been a week since Rhinebeck. It seems like yesterday we were enjoying the beautiful day. I didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked with fellow knitters although I did see some friends and meet some new ones - mainly due to the fact that we were staying at the same hotel as many others. Thank goodness for that because it was the only way I saw several people.

My daughter and I took the trip together and we really had a great time. I let her choose what she wanted to do with the result being that we spent a lot of time in the pool and instead of going out to dinner with friends, we ordered room service and watched a movie. I know that all too soon she won't want to spend time with me - friends will take up more of her time than mom or she will just want to be doing her own things instead of traveling to a sheep and wool festival with me. So I will take advantage of the time we have together because I know that it will go by all too fast.

So this weekend I laughed a lot with my daughter, we shopped, and took in some of the sites of Rhinebeck.

After watching the success of others, I have been drawn back to my spindles. I confess that I did buy a new one at the Journeywheel booth. This is my new 25 gram Canarywood spindle with some luscious roving I bought at the Spirit Trail booth.

Jen showed me this blend of 50% baby camel and 50% tussah silk and I was in love. The hardest part was choosing one of her beautiful hand dyed colors. It is so soft and the fibers are so easy to work with.

I also did some shopping for the blogiversary giveaway. We did stand in the line at The Fold, although I think that is what did my daughter in. Here I offer a skein of STR in Rhode Island Red that will be given to one lucky winner. Other prizes will also be given away. I'm thinking one a week over the next few weeks. Remember, you too can win. Just leave a comment before the end of October and your name will be entered.

When we returned home after the wonderful weekend, my Knitters Tea Swap package was waiting for me. A great big thank you to Frances and I will be showing pictures later this week.

Our Day at The Farm

We are very lucky to have this organic farm so close by. Last week I went as a chaperone on a field trip to this farm with my daughter's class. They have goats, sheep, cows, emu, llamas, chickens and turkeys. This is also the place where I pick up my organic vegetables each week. Unfortunately, that will be coming to an end soon.

The first thing the children get to do is feed the animals. Do you think the animals know this?




I believe they have Jacob sheep. The owner told me they raise the sheep for their fleece and we started discussing a program that the local farmers have started to make blankets out of the local wool. She, the owner, is also interested in learning how to spin so I told her to get in touch with me. Maybe I can find some inexpensive spindles at Rhinebeck to get her started.

Then we get to go on a hay ride through the fields to the barn where there are more animals.
The llamas are used as guard animals for the goats and they really do a good job keeping those goats in line. We got to see them in action. I believe those are Belted Galway cows in the background. I find it easier to remember their other name - Oreo Cookie cows. I also got a view of the Thanksgiving turkeys (all the animals are also organic). After this, we got back into the hay ride and rode to the pumpkin patch where each child got to pick a pumpkin. It was really a fun morning.

Take Some Time

The past two weeks have been pretty crazy. I'm in the process of learning a new job with the added headache of having no technical background in the things I am trying to learn. I have been feeling like that chicken - you know the one that runs around without the benefit of a head. I must rememebr how important it is to take the time to smell the roses and enjoy the beautiful things along the way.

What A Wonderful Sight!

Can you guess what this picture means? I'm almost done with the Diamond Fantasy Shawl. I just have to cast off with some I-cord edging and then it will be blocking time. So exciting!! And as you can see, I use whatever I have around for stitch markers - bits of yarn included.

I also liked the idea of socks and beer for Socktoberfest. We went to NJ this weekend and Dad obliged by picking up a 6-pack.

My daughter's scarf is hanging out at the edge of this picture (lots of ends for me to weave in - maybe I'll need another drink for that task :)). We are knitting the scarf together - taking turns and are a little over half way done. The sock is the Central Air pattern that was included in the last STR Club package in Apple Valley Rd. STR. I need to decide soon if I will continue the pattern on the foot. I usually like a plain stockinette foot - it just feels better inside my shoe. These will be a gift (for someone that has never had handmade socks) so I'm still up in the air. Any ideas??

I also ran into Modern Yarn while I was away. Shannon Okey was there on Sunday and I wanted to see if her new book was available. Unfortunately she only had one copy but told me I could order from her site and still get an autographed copy. I just flipped through it quickly but it looks great and has some nice patterns in it.

And in some catch up news, I received my last package from my One Skein pal a few weeks ago. A beautiful skein of Cherry Tree Hill (perfect for Socktoberfest) and a great bag. I've been thinking about making some of these bags - even have some patterns and the yarn. Now I have one for me! Thanks to Nic for some wonderful new fiber and a new bag.

75% and Still Knitting

For those who may be interested, that’s how much is done on my DFS. No new pictures – just imagine it bigger than it was before. I am becoming quite comfortable with the pattern – now, I can actually fix a mistake whereas when I first started, I’d freak out and look at the stitches like they were a foreign object. But I’m not here to talk of shawls, but of socks.

Yes, it’s Socktoberfest! Thinking about socks has brought up a topic that has been discussed before in blogland – trends. How does a certain pattern take on epic proportions and have everyone wanting to knit it? Or how does a yarn become so famous that everyone must have it? I’d like to bring up the possibility of starting a new trend and before I reveal exactly what it is, I’d like to lay some groundwork. This notion is not going to be new to people and I’m sure others have thought of it. The idea actually was brought up in the very popular Harry Potter books. It has to do with Dobby (the house elf) and his fascination with clothing (specifically socks). And not matching socks, but instead two different socks. Think how useful this would be for those who suffer from SSS (Second Sock Syndrome for those unfamiliar with sock knitting – the apathy that follows the completion of one sock when faced with the task of knitting the same thing again). Why has the idea of wearing two different socks never taken off? Yes, I realize that some sock yarns come in a skein that has enough to knit the requisite two socks. But maybe you could share that yarn with a friend. I know that there must be a lot of single socks lying around just wishing they could get out and see the world instead of being doomed to stay in that basket of UFOs.

So what do you think? Should we start a new trend? I’ll do my part. Instead of working on a match for either of these

I cast on for a new sock.

The Central Air pattern from the last installment of the STR Club in Apple Valley Rd STR.

And, if anyone missed this from the last post, I realized that last October was the start of my blogging career. There should be some sort of contest to honor that event. So, for every comment you leave during the month of October, your name will be entered into a drawing (prizes to be determined and yes, each comment you leave will get you an entry). I’m sure there will be something from Rhinebeck offered up. Have fun.

Frustration

Yeah, that's me - frustrated. I have a post all written, but it needs pictures and Blogger won't let me post any. I've been trying for two days now. I'll keep trying but will post the last part of the post here - it doesn't need any pictures.

I realized that last October was the start of my blogging career. There should be some sort of contest to honor that event. So, every comment that is left during the month of October will be entered in a drawing (prizes to be determined and yes, each comment you leave will get you an entry). I’m sure there will be something from Rhinebeck offered up. Have fun.

Dark Rich Chocolate...

Brownies. Oh, sorry not those Brownies. Instead I should be talking about the Brownies who are little girls, that gather in meetings and earn badges and sell cookies. Somehow I am on my way to becoming a co-leader for a Brownie troop. 17 girls. Now, I have a confession to make. I'm really not all that great being in front of a group. So, all this is making me a little nervous. I did teach Sunday School for a while and that was usually 5 -6 kids. And I was stressed out about that. Now I am going to be faced with a bigger group? But the idea of those girls not getting to do Brownies because no one was stepping up to volunteer - well, I didn't feel right about that. And at least I am doing it with someone else. That makes it a lot better. And I have good memories of being in Brownies and Girl Scouts - there was nothing more exciting than getting a new badge and watching my mom sew it on my sash. I did hate wearing the uniform - these days the whole uniform is not required. Each girl must have a sash or a vest for the badges. So, anyway, I will be doing a lot of preparation for my new volunteer job. Maybe I can teach them all to knit and do my part in spreading the joy of the craft.

And now for some knitting content. The knitting of DFS continues on. But since I cannot resist a beautiful new pattern ...

I purchased Susan's newest pattern - Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl and started it in STR Fire on the Mountain. I keep it by my bed and work on a row every once in a while.

Where You Lead, I Will Follow...

Well, not anywhere. But show me a good KAL and I will probably join. Who knew I was such a joiner! Look at the ones I've joined for the fall.

First there is the Warm Hands KAL which I joined last year. I made 4 or 5 pairs of mittens - all gifts, none for myself. This year I vow to make something to keep my hands warm - that is after I make my daughter's mittens and some fingerless gloves as gifts. Yeah, right, who am I kidding. I should probably get out the gloves with holes from last year (hope I didn't do anything stupid like throw them away in a fit of cleaning).

And I also joined the second Knitters Tea Swap. Yes, I am a coffee drinker - I just love my coffee. But this time of year I like to indulge in a cuppa during those chilly afternoons. Lately I have started a bad habit of drinking more coffee in the afternoon and I figure the tea would probably be better for me. I think I'd like to get one of those mugs with those filter things where you can use loose tea - maybe even bring one to work. I checked out the Adagio tea site - they have some cool stuff there.

And of course we cannot forget socks. Socks for sanity, socks for warmth. I always have a sock on the needles. So I joined in with many many other knitters who will be knitting socks during the month of October - Socktoberfest. Love this button.

I am also impatiently waiting for the Yarn Aboard explorers to show up at my doorstep. It's been fun watching their progress as they traverse the globe. I've had to hide away the stuff I bought to send on to the recipients after me. The sock yarn is not a problem since my pal prefers sportweight while I prefer fingering weight. However, the roving keeps calling out - come spin me - and I must turn a deaf ear.

And since I am planning on spinning my own sock yarn anyway, I figured I may as well join this. But I am leaning towards using my wheel instead of my spindle.

And then there's Rhinebeck Bingo. What an absolutely ingeneous idea and it should be a riot watching this go on at the festival.

Speaking of Rhinebeck, there has been knitting going on - frantic knitting.

The shawl calculator tells me I am about 55% done with this. My Diamond Fantasy Shawl that I hope to have done in time to wear to Rhinebeck. I was a little worried about having enough handspun to finish this. The need to spin some more may be my undoing, but I realized that I could always stop one repeat shorter if I need to. I've just started 15 repeats and the pattern calls for 19 and I am really noticing an increase in the time it takes me to complete one row. But I'm still enjoying it so that makes it fun. And hey, the song's right - diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Random Wednesday

I've never tried this random thing. May as well try something new.

1. We have been playing a lot of Uno these days. And not just any Uno - Disney Princes Uno. It's fun.

2. Saturday we participated in this. Picked up a lot of cigarette pieces, plastics, glass, bottle caps, fishing line, a broken snorkel, a paintbrush and other miscellaneous crap. I'm sorry but you have to be some kind of idiot to just throw your trash into the ocean or on the beach. Can't people find a friggin' trash can or take the stuff with them???

3. I wasn't sure we were going to do the beach cleanup since it was supposed to be a rainy weekend. It ended up being beautiful! I want a job where I can say something that may or may not happen and still get paid whether I am right or not. Apologies to any weather forecasters who may be reading this, but come on. What a job!

4. I wish I could say that I've been busy knitting and spinning. Alas this is not so. I have been getting some grief lately on the amount of time that I spend knitting. My daughter hit the proverbial nail on the head when she said - "But Mommy, knitting makes you joyful". Yes indeed it does and needless to say, I have been quite grumpy lately. I wish everyone realized the truthfulness of the above statement.

5. Using the shawl progress calculator (link is on the sidebar), I am 30% done with my DFS shawl. Knitting with my handspun is awesome and I am still loving this pattern! But the question still looms - will it be done for Rhinebeck? For anyone that hasn't tried this shawl calculator - it's really cool. It didn't look like much until I put in the one piece of information it asks for. Then, voila, the percentage information appears.

6. Carole sent this link - what a good friend!!! I am also lusting after Handmaiden Sea Silk if anyone knows of any good suppliers of that particular fiber.

7. Risa found an Automat in NYC. I used to love going to the Automat with my parents and was just lamenting the fact that they were all closed.

8. By the way, Risa is not the last one to knit Clapotis. It has been on my list for a while and I even have some yarn I'm considering from the stash. I'm just not sure it is soft and cuddly enough. This may be the year I succumb to Brooks Farm yarn at Rhinebeck.

9. You know, I like the idea of being organized and sometimes make a feeble attempt at being organized. I even got to take the Franklin Covey training through work. I loved it - making all those lists. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing something off of that list! I haven't been so successful at this. A friend sent me this chart and in my current state, it describes me perfectly, but unfortunately Blogger (once again) won't let me post the picture. It's a pie chart with the largest section saying "Time I spend looking for things I had a minute ago".

Wendy's Short Row Heel

Two words - LOVE IT!!! I made my first few pairs of socks with short row heels and wasn't all that fond of whatever method I had chosen so I switched to the heel flap. Slowly I perfected that to where I was happy with it. With my recent slump in sock knitting and all the ripping out I had been doing, I decided to try something different and settled on Wendy's Toe Up pattern. The sock on the left was done with that pattern and Sock Hop yarn - it fits like a dream. The Trekking sock on the right was started cuff down before the Sock Hop sock. When I reached the heel on that one I decided to do Wendy's short row heel again and it too fits wonderfully. Happiness.

On the spinning front - tada... 18 wpi. I think I'm ready to spin my own Sock Hop yarn. Now to just find the time.

As for the projects shown in the previous post - the knitting on the skirt is done and the elastic has been purchased. Knowing me, it will take me as long to sew the waistband down and put in the elastic as it did to knit it (which for those curious minds was slightly less than 3 weeks). And the Diamond Fantasy Shawl is moving along - slightly bigger than the picture.