tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50760262024-03-08T15:13:19.948-05:00Plath's AdventuresAn account of a knitter and spinner's adventures in lifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger482125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-6600414248194722012007-03-04T15:07:00.000-05:002007-03-04T15:08:27.508-05:00If you're still reading here, you're missing the blog!<br /><br /><a href="http://plathsadventures.com">I moved to http://plathsadventures.com!</a><br /><br />Come subscribe at my new blog :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-34793483439439816522007-02-08T15:38:00.000-05:002007-02-08T09:11:32.816-05:00<a href="http://plathsadventures.com">I've moved! Come visit me in my new home :)</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-56767920688077368612007-02-08T09:10:00.000-05:002007-02-07T09:05:40.075-05:00<strong>Times they are a Changin'!</strong><br /><br /><br />Lots of things going on behind the scenes at Plath's Adventures. Look for news sometime later this week. I'm packing up and moving.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-21688255119465314192007-02-07T08:57:00.000-05:002007-02-07T09:05:40.377-05:00<strong>Issues</strong><br /><br /><br />I'm having blog issues. I upgraded to the new blogger and my archives disappeared because there's now an "archive template," which I can't get to because I'm still using the classic template. If I upgrade to the new template, I can't use my own template because it's not beta blogger compatible. *sigh* I'm sure there's a way around it, but I really don't want to fiddle with it right now. I just bought a domain name, and am trying to determine if I want to stick with blogger or use something else. Any recommendations?<br /><br />I'm currently spinning some merino, which I'm finding a challenge, but I'm trying a bit each day, so hopefully I'll get the hang of it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-70816563484068392942007-01-31T09:58:00.000-05:002007-01-31T10:16:00.255-05:00<strong>Get Your Tivos ready</strong><br /><br />The Discovery channel's program How It's Made will show how wool is produced. It will air later today at 5:30 pm and again Feb. 7 at 12:30 pm. <br /><br />For those of us without DIY, HGTV is showing Knitty Gritty episodes through February 19th. I believe they're on at 11 am every day. New ones will be premiering Feb. 1st! <a href="http://www.vickiehowell.com/blog2.html">See Vickie's blog for more details.</a><br /><br />Next Wednesday, <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index">Lost</a> is back! Don't forget, they're moving to 10 pm.<br /><br />Next Thursday, <a href="http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor14/">Survivor</a> is back. Looks like they have a lot of <strike>trampy</strike> young girls this season<br /><br />Ahhh just what I need-- couch potato time. Hopefully I can get cracking on these:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/373206610/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/373206610_112dec36f1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Sock in progress" /></a><br />Just a basic shortie sock with Regia 6. No real pattern, for when I don't feel like spinning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-51081658780117478582007-01-30T12:51:00.001-05:002007-01-30T12:54:28.004-05:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/374368214/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/144/374368214_ade003bd88_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/374368214/">Brown Sheep Mill Ends</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>I ordered two pounds of roving from <a href="http://www.thesheepshedstudio.com/thebigbale.html">Sheep Shed Studio's huge bale sale,</a> and I really wish I'd ordered more. Here's my loot-- a mix of wool and a bit of mohair. They included a little bag of the red roving for free. It's only $6.50 A POUND. Go snag some before it's too late!<br /><br />I also got my Coffee and Yarn swap package yesterday from <a href="http://maiaspins.typepad.com/maiaspins/">Maia.</a> It may have been a bit late, but she made up for it in the amazing yarn (one skein has beads!), and delicious smelling coffee. I can't wait to brew some this weekend. Good thing I took a picture right when I opened the box ,because the chocolate is already gone ;)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/374368212/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/160/374368212_413588dd45_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Coffee and Yarn Swap" /></a><br /><br />I've been spinning a bit as well. Here's what's currently on my bobbin. It's an alpaca blend with a touch of glitter.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/374368220/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/374368220_eb48833893_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="newest yarn" /></a><br />This is the first batch of roving that I'm not doing to much pre-drafting with. I've been working with sliver, and have predrafted almost everything ahead of time, but I'm trying to actually draft this as I spin so I can get the hang of it.<br /><br />And this is waiting for the twist to be set:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/373206607/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/373206607_da996da1be_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="New yarn" /></a><br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-30493665166005969072007-01-26T10:45:00.000-05:002007-01-26T10:46:31.074-05:00Winter Weather Advisory:<br /><br /><br />Issued at: 10:25 AM EST 1/26/07, expires at: 6:30 PM EST 1/26/07<br /><br />Winter weather advisory remains in effect until 7 pm est this evening, <br />A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 7 pm est this evening. <br />Snow, heavy at times, will impact most of the region this morning with visibilities reduced to less than 1 mile at times. Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected along and north of the m 59 corridor, with up to an inch possible further south. This snow will change to freezing drizzle by late morning along and south of the m 59 corridor, and by early this afternoon along and north of interstate 69. This will lead to some light glazing of ice. <br />A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet, or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. <br /><br /><br />Why can't it do this on days when I can stay home? Sigh. I want to hole up and spin and knit. I don't want to drive in this crap!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-76062232433713977672007-01-23T14:57:00.000-05:002007-01-26T08:48:33.410-05:00I've been spinning a bit this week:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/369774693/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/369774693_db6c7fcd31_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Waiting to be plied" /></a><br />It's Spunky Eclectic African Fine roving. I can't remember the colorway... I was all set to ply it last night, after a huge spinning fest, and a hinge on my wheel is loose, so I couldn't. Grrrr. <br /><br />We ran into some delays at the Detroit airport before taking off for our Chicago trip, so I made sure to pick up a few books for the return flight. The first book I snagged was A Bride Most Begrudging<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764200720?ie=UTF8&tag=plathsadventu-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0764200720"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/plath/bridemost.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=plathsadventu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0764200720" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />I didn't notice when I purchased it that it's a Christian Historical Romance. I knew it was a historical romance (that much is kind of obvious), but I didn't notice the Christian slant. I must say, I was pleasantly suprised that it wasn't heavy handed at all. In fact, I didn't even know it was until I took a look at the dedication page (which is a bible verse) after I was halfway through, and it clicked. There are a few biblical references here and there, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. A bit cheesy, but still a very good read, even if you're not into Christian romances. Definitely not as naughty as the Philippa Gregory novels, but still good.<br /><br />I also picked this one up:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446697958?ie=UTF8&tag=plathsadventu-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0446697958"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/plath/knittingunder.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=plathsadventu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0446697958" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />I'm trying so hard to like this one, but it's just not working for me. I usually like the chicklit books, and I also like knitting related novels, but this one is almost as if they took a bad chicklit novel, already written, and decided to throw the slightest bit of knitting at it to make it have a niche market and sell.<br /><br />I also decided to do something drastic this week. I joined this:<br /><a href="http://stashalong.blogspot.com/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/100/368329056_b3599f8948_o.jpg" width="144" height="86" alt="stashalong-2" /></a> I've decided to work through my yarn stash, at least for a few months. Fiber doesn't count, though, so I'm kind of cheating. <br /><br />Speaking of fiber, <a href="http://unfinishedobject.com/">Shannon</a> RAOK'd me with some fiber she had in her stash. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/369774700/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/369774700_dfba20ad57_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="RAOK fiber from Shannon" /></a><br />A non-spinner, non-knitter with fiber? That's cuckoo! Thank you so much Shannon! I can't wait to spin it up :)<br /><br /><br />We didn't have time to do a ton of things in Chicago, but we did make it to the Art Institute, Sears Tower, and a nice big <a href="http://giordanos.com/main.php">Giordano's pizza </a>. Oh was it good! We also ate at a <a href="http://www.portillos.com/portillos/look/">Portillo's/Barnelli's</a> restaurant in Schaumburg (where we stayed), that was very tasty and kitchy, with a 50s diner feel. <br /> I wasn't super-impressed with the Art Institute's collection, though I did enjoy a few paintings they had. I leave you with my new favorite: Farm Near Duivendrecht by Mondrian. I really don't like Mondrian's later work, but this just struck me. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/367446764/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/165/367446764_bcdb47cafe_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Farm Near Duivendrecht - Mondrian" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-91753263617623745882007-01-19T10:20:00.001-05:002007-01-19T10:20:05.789-05:00Finished mittens<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/362544842/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/362544842_8468b2088f_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/362544842/">Finished mittens</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>Just in time for Chicago! Wish me luck in the windy city-- I've never been ;)<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-40403479252172748442007-01-18T10:23:00.001-05:002007-01-18T10:23:35.963-05:00Handspun mitten<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/361588559/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/361588559_57b17b2f7e_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/361588559/">Handspun mitten</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>And you thought I'd just let my handspun sit and look pretty. Nope, I cast on for a mitten last night, and here's my progress. My gauge is a little small for the pattern, but I have small, narrow hands, so it works ;) I'm hoping to finish this one and knit up the match tonight, as we leave for Chicago tomorrow night. I think these will be just the thing to keep my hands warm.<br /><br />The pic was taken with my camera phone at work, so sorry for the quality.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-34797747331555692752007-01-16T09:41:00.001-05:002007-01-16T09:41:41.037-05:00First plied yarn<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/359353172/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/144/359353172_b20922ef4e_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/359353172/">First plied yarn</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>I have 90 yards of plied yarn :) I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, but I'm happy with how it turned out. I think I could have plied it a touch firmer, but for my first shot at it, I'm pleased.<br /><br />I haven't forgotten the knitting, though. I cast on for this hat:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/359353170/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/359353170_2223e412a1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Hat" /></a><br /><br />It's Debbie Bliss tweed, and Jason and I are heading to Chicago this weekend where it will be collllld, so I need a hat to wear. I've just started the decreases.<br /><br />Not a lot going on here, just slugging through the days. I just passed the estimated due date of my miscarriage yesterday. I did better emotionally than I expected, but it's still hard to realize that we would have a child right now. It hurts.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-60037285274011115732007-01-12T09:08:00.001-05:002007-01-12T09:16:22.889-05:00<div style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px"><a title="photo sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/354774901/"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/354774901_a77f28c7fc_m.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/354774901/">Close up of my first yarn</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>Here's a shot of my first yarn, all skeined up. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/plath/sets/72157594454413407/">More pics here.</a> I'm so happy with it, and just giddy with glee at spinning my own yarn.<br /><br />I also did my first batch of dyeing last night with Gaywool dyes in colors Avocado and Garnet.<br /><br /><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/354774913/"><img height="180" alt="Finished Roving" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/354774913_72e67b71d1_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />I love how easy they are. I just mixed the dye powder with water, poured it on the roving, sprayed with vinegar, wrapped it in plastic wrap and then microwaved it. I wish I'd put a bit more green in, and diluted the garnet, but it turned out ok I guess. Can't wait to see what it does when I start spinning.<br /><br />I also received a spinning book this week:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596680075?ie=UTF8&tag=plathsadventu-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1596680075"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/plath/1596680075.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=plathsadventu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1596680075" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><br />I can already tell this is a fantastic book, and I've only really browsed through it so far. I can't wait until this weekend when I have more time to thoroughly enjoy it. There are great pictures showing everything from carding to dyeing to spindle spinning and wheel spinning. The patterns are kind of ick, which is what I've heard from other people, but there is a nice sock pattern, a basic pullover sweater and a few nice hat patterns (and a few fugly garments). It's completely worth it for the spinning instructions though. I highly recommend!<br clear="all">Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-85617694364509081092007-01-11T11:48:00.000-05:002007-01-11T11:53:04.943-05:00The chiropractor visit was weird. They took lots of x-rays and did an adjustment. He said I was way out of alignment. It felt immediately better though. It's a bit sore today, but he said that was normal. I have to go back on Saturday for him to review my x-rays with me and do another adjustment.<br /><br />Pics of my skeins of handspun yarn soon-- I have them hanging and drying as we speak. My niddy noddy came yesterday :) I also picked up dyeing supplies this morning before work, so maybe I'll feel up to some dyeing tonight. Or maybe I'll just snuggle up with the wheel and the first season of Big Love on dvd.<br /><br />To the person who found my blog by searching "girls sweaty sock sniffing," I hope you found what you were looking for... or not... EwwwwUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-61573127501302194072007-01-10T14:29:00.000-05:002007-01-10T14:33:22.916-05:00I just upgraded to the new blogger, so sorry about the pain in the ass re-upload for bloglines.<br /><br />Here's a picture of Marzipan with her all-time favorite toy to make up for it. It has an incredibly annoying squeaker, which Jason drilled out of it so we wouldn't have to hear it anymore. She has one in purple and red, too because she's constantly losing them. I think they're hidden under various car parts in Jason's man-cave (the garage).<br /><br /><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/351019666/"><img height="500" alt="Marzi" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/351019666_5b7e8c9860.jpg" width="375" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1168352907215071292007-01-09T09:27:00.000-05:002007-01-09T15:23:00.560-05:00Isn't it Pretty?<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/351019652/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/150/351019652_d83ac7259b_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/351019652/">Yarn</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>Here's a nice close up of my first yarn, using <a href="http://www.spunkyhats.com/accyarnroving.htm">Spunky Eclectic's</a> wool roving in the Swimming Lessons colorway. I now have a full bobbin, and have almost spun up the entire four ounces. I placed an order for a niddy noddy, so as soon as it arrives, I'll wind it off and set it and things. I'm going to keep it as a single, as it varies between thick and thin.<br /><br />I've also started spinning up some new roving. I bought this pencil roving from <a href="http://www.crownmountainfarms.com">Crown Mountain Farms</a><br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/351103926/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/351103926_97914ac63d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Crown Mountain Farms" /></a><br />I cannot rave about Crown Mountain Farms enough-- I placed an order last Thursday, and had my roving on Saturday packaged great. I love the little stamp they put on their painted rovings-- certified work of art :) That just makes me smile. And of course the roving is gorgeous, too. Here's what I have so far:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/351103935/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/351103935_3d1ed4bd98_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="A little closer" /></a><br />I plan on trying to ply this one, so I've split the pencil roving lengthwise, and am trying to spin a bit thinner. It's the Twilight colorway.<br /><br />I'm trying not to spin too much, though, as I've been having major shoulder/neck pains. I could barely move on Saturday, and laying in bed was a nightmare. I couldn't turn over, and Jason had to help me roll over. It's definitely better, but still feels really pinchy, and typing all day long doesn't help, I'm sure. I've had recurring pains in my right shoulder since high school, so I've made an appointment at a chiropractor for tomorrow. I've never been to a chiropractor, so wish me luck. I've even <a href="http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Infertility.shtml"> good things about fertility and getting adjusted,</a> so that intrigues me. I'm pretty much willing to try anything at this point ;) <br /><br />I'm going to try and dye some fiber tonight, as I also ordered some white roving from CMF, and my gaywool dyes have arrived. Jason's out of town again, this time to England (oh how jealous I am!). I've given him a list of things he must buy me though.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1168099054338637762007-01-06T10:56:00.000-05:002007-01-06T11:15:28.210-05:00Patches Loves My Roving<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/347795946/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/347795946_3563c45b43_o.jpg" width="315" height="625" alt="Patches" /></a> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1167832261888806932007-01-03T08:50:00.000-05:002007-01-04T17:51:19.670-05:00And we have yarn!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/342325367/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/342325367_f2db11bd45_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/342325367/">Spinning!</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>I think I've finally got the adjustments down, and I've made some yarn! I used Spunky Eclectic's Wool Fiber in the colorway Swimming Lessons. I love the blues and greens, and the fiber seems to be super-easy to spin.<br /><br />And of course, here's a picture of my wheel:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/342325364/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/342325364_dec56a206c_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="My wheel" /></a><br /><br />Jason and I are going to take it apart this weekend, hopefully, and get it oiled up, since it's unfinished. I plan on probably using teak oil. Now where to purchase my next order of fiber... I already purchased some Gaywool dyes! I also need a niddy noddy...<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1167400009199011472006-12-29T08:10:00.000-05:002006-12-29T08:46:49.216-05:00<strong>Fibery news</strong><br /><br />I got my wheel! Jason tried to trick me and told me we couldn't afford it until January, and he had it waiting for me to open at my mom's house, which is where we spent Christmas :) It's an Ashford Traveler, double treadle, single drive. Remember how I said I was making yarn in mere seconds at the spinning shop when I test drove some wheels? Turns out it's not so easy when someone hasn't made all the adjustments for you. I keep going from breaking the fiber into little bits (underspinning?) to super-overspinning and not having it even wind onto the bobbin it's so overspun. I got lots of fiber along with it, and my MIL gave me some as well, along with a set of hand carders. I did, however, already purchase a little more fiber from Spunky Eclectic and Crown Mountain Farms. I couldn't resist the hand dyed pencil roving-- they say it's good for beginners!<br /><br />I also taught my mom to knit while we were down visiting! She mentioned a month or so ago that she needed a hobby, so I jumped immediately into setting her up, and gave her a beginner embroidery kit, a cross stitch kit and some yarn and needles with free lessons (from me of course). After proclaiming that she'd never be able to learn, she caught on quickly and knit a few inches before we had to leave. She even told me that it was easy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1166272573512953542006-12-16T07:35:00.000-05:002006-12-16T07:36:13.520-05:00I'm still alive<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/315609163/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/103/315609163_7f5a374916_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/315609163/">Two pair</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>Yes, I'm still alive, just not feeling too cheery this Christmas season. Things aren't going so great on the TTC (trying to conceive) front-- the clomid I'm on is giving me night sweats and making me a crazy woman, but it isn't doing what it's supposed to do, and my estimated due date on my lost pregnancy is in January, which is really rough. I really thought I'd have a big belly and be uncomfortable and happy over the holidays, but it wasn't meant to be.<br /><br />We didn't even put up a tree this year. We usually go and cut our own every year, but we were in Florida last weekend, and Jason is still gone until tomorrow, and then we leave for my parent's house next weekend, so there really isn't much point in putting one up. I do have a tiny tabletop tree up with all the Ornament Swap ornaments I've received though.<br /><br />In other happier news, I did finish two pair of socks ;) Ok so one's a mini pair-- it still counts, right? Work has been super-crazy, and I'm not done with all my Christmas shopping yet. I think I need to relax with a nice boring scarf project, a big cup of hot cocoa and all my favorite Christmas movies. Maybe that will make me feel less bah humbug.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1165420885594345392006-12-06T11:01:00.000-05:002006-12-06T11:01:25.630-05:00I got a package! <div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/315609157/" title="<!!>photo sharing</!!>"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/115/315609157_c6accabe36_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/315609157/">One Skein Secret Pal</a> <br /> <!!>Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>.</!!> </span></div>Ok, so it's a little late, but believe me, it's worth it! My one skein secret pal sent me this great box yesterday just full of beautiful Rowan Tweed yarn and a cute little satchel. Isn't it adorable? Thank you so much <a href="http://pinktiff.blogspot.com/">Tiffany!</a><br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1163425216347315702006-11-13T08:32:00.000-05:002006-11-13T08:40:16.723-05:00Mini socks<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/296326591/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/118/296326591_817588b7c2_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/296326591/">Mini socks</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>I may not have been able to get a lot of work done on my Retro Rib socks this weekend, but I did get 9 FOs. Sure they're mini mini socks, but they still count, right? teehee<br /><br />These are for the <a href=http://freshlyblended.blogspot.com/2006/10/holiday-ornament-swap_19.html#links">Holiday Ornament Swap</a> I joined. I absolutely LOVE Christmas ornaments, and I adore all things handmade, so this was the swap for me. Hiding under the mini socks are some small beaded wire ornaments I made up as well, but I don't think they're as cute. I also joined Rox's Ornamental, and did a little work on those ornaments this past weekend as well. I'm stressing about Christmas quickly approaching! I have two handknit presents finished in addition to the ornaments, but I'm truly stumped on what to knit anyone else, so maybe I just won't. I'm undecided.<br /><br />In spinning news, why the heck didn't anyone tell me that spinning was so stinking easy?! MIL took me to a spinning shop on Saturday, and I was able to try out 5 different wheels. I was seriously making yarn in 30 seconds. Decent, non-novelty yarn, too. I was able to try the Ashford Kiwi, Traveler, Traditional, the Majacraft Rose and a Louet (the Anniversary edition one?). I think I'm leaning towards the Traveler, although the Majacraft was simply lovely (but a tad out of my price range). If you're in the Howell, Michigan area, go and check out the <a href="http://www.spinningloft.us/index.html">Spinning Loft</a>. Beth, the owner, was simply wonderful at letting me try out all the wheels and really boosting my confidence :)<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1163253725508679272006-11-11T08:54:00.000-05:002006-11-11T09:02:05.606-05:001 Retro Rib completed<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/293343738/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/118/293343738_4909cbc225_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/293343738/">1 Retro Rib completed</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>I've always been able to get much more work done with a deadline. Sure, I would procrastinate, but I always got it done when it came down to the (k)nitty gritty. That's the only explanation that I can give on why it's taking me so fracking long to finish this sock. Socktoberfest is over, and I no longer have that deadline to finish, so I'm ambivalent. Grrrr... At least one sock is finally done.<br /><br />I'm heading out today with my MIL to check out wheels. They don't stock Lendrums at the shop we're going to, but I'm going to check out the Ashfords. I'm nervous. I know-- I'm wierd.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1162388037048758472006-11-01T08:26:00.000-05:002006-11-01T08:33:57.146-05:00Socktoberfest over<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/285614743/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/109/285614743_a00f7922a2_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/285614743/">Retro Rib</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>Well, I wasn't able to finish my Retro Rib socks, but here is my progress as of the end of Socktober. I just managed to start the heel last night, while watching House. It takes a few rounds to really get into the rhythm of the pattern, but it's smooth knitting once you do. I'm really happy with how they're turning out :)<br /><br />Just a reminder, I'm using Socks that Rock in Moonlight Revel. The socks look perfectly autumn! I'm sure many bloggers are mentioning the fact that <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com">Blue Moon </a>opened up registration for their <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/specials/sockClub">Rockin Socks Club for 2007</a>. I had told Jason a few months ago that I wanted a subscription for Christmas this year, so I was really disappointed to see how much the price had jumped. I won't be joining. I really can't justify spending $35 per pair, when I could buy just the yarn for $19 (lightweight) or $21 (mediumweight). It is nice, however, that for next year's club, the colorways really are special, because they won't be available to the general public until 2008. BUT, I've decided to ask for a wheel (just need to decide between the Ashford Traditional or the Lendrum Saxony) and that's two high priced gifts. I'd rather have the wheel than 6 pairs of sock yarn, even if it is fantastic! I did, however, add a few of their newly listed colorways to my <a href="http://www.wists.com/plath">wists</a>.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1162248394465611092006-10-30T17:46:00.000-05:002006-10-30T17:46:34.483-05:00New colors of cotton ease:<br /><a href="http://www.discountyarnsale.com/pd_lion_brand_cottonease.cfm#">Click here!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5076026.post-1162214304824722312006-10-30T08:11:00.000-05:002006-10-30T10:19:55.833-05:003rd Socktoberfest Pair Finished!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/283453808/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/109/283453808_f12cbb52fe_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/283453808/">Chocolate Waffle aka Monster Man Socks Finished!</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/plath/">plath</a>. </span></div>Even though this weekend was super-hectic, I still managed to finish my Chocolate Waffle/aka Monster Man socks. Here they are in all their glory.<br /><br />Pattern: <a href="http://www.azhreia.net/socks/waffle.html">Blueberry Waffles</a> with 66 stitches<br />Needles: Size 1bamboo<br />Yarn: hand-dyed from a SP. I believe it was a Knitter's Review secret pal who never revealed herself<br /><br />Not that I'm finished with Socktoberfest. After kitchenering these (I LOVE to kitchener), I promptly cast on for a new pair. I scoured all my old IKs and flipped through my sock pattern binder yesterday, and decided on the Retro Rib socks from the Winter 2004 issue of Interweave Knits. I'm not into the leg pattern yet, only the cuff, but here they are so far:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/283453813/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/102/283453813_fbb3438e53_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Close up of Retro Ribs" /></a><br /><br />I'm using Socks that Rock, in the mediumweight. The colorway is Moonlight Revel. I'm not sure if these socks will be for me or for a Christmas gift. <br /><br />Not to be outdone, Jason did a little stash busting as well this weekend. He turned this huge bag:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/257783835/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/99/257783835_9e44122020_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Our haul" /></a><br />Into this:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/283453819/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/101/283453819_75488e0330_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Apple Pie" /></a><br />and this:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plath/283453815/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/102/283453815_39496bf6f6_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Apple Pie" /></a><br /><br />Yep, my hubby makes an awesome apple pie. He spent all day Sunday replacing a window in our dining room, and then came in to make two apple pies. I'm so lucky.<br clear="all" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0