Warm hands

Two new mittens finally received a well deserved wash and block. Both pairs were finished last year with very special yarns. 

Pattern (free): Lambing Mitts by Veronica Jobe. Link here.
Yarn: Cestari Traditional Collection Sock Weight, a Targhee & Columbia blend, in Natural Light. To my surprise, as I washed them, the water quickly turned light brown. I enjoyed knitting with this yarn and would definitely consider it for a larger project. 

Pattern: Squad Mitts by Ann Weaver included in Mason-Dixon Knitting Field Guide No. 1. Link here.
Yarn: Two ply Merino handspun that I dyed blue at home and Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport in Stone.

Another week, another shawl

This pattern cannot be more simple; endless garter stitches with purl rows here and there. Some might find this very boring. I decided it was a perfect source of relaxation after hectic workdays. Call it garter therapy.

The yarn is the protagonist. Tern is, like other Quince & Co. yarns, a pleasure to knit with. The shawl is light and easy to wear. I think it will transition well into Spring.

I love the wrong side of the shawl...apparently...hmm...see above for details :-)

Pattern: The Big Blue by Meg Gadsbey
Ravelry project page: here

(Public service announcement: dark chocolate is full of antioxidants = good for you, good for me!)

Ruins & Handspun

Last Saturday, I dragged my family to a park forty-five minutes away from the city.  Our hiking adventure took us to the ruins of an textile mill that was burned during the Civil War.

Of course, I had to run to my spinning as soon as we got home. I bought this fiber from Moonwood Farm at the Atlanta Spring Fling. It is 21 micron Merino--super soft fluff. 

Singles number one was spun on my cherished Turtle Made Turkish Spindle. The second singles and plying were completed on my Louet Julia wheel. This was not a "jump in the couch out of excitement" project but, I am quite pleased with the handspun.

Hope that you are enjoying your projects. Relax and enjoy the day!

Happening

Another busy, long week is gone. The weekend is promising to be overloaded as well. I am trying to squeeze time for my therapy--spinning this gorgeous Corriedale fiber from Unwind Yarn Company.

This will be a traditional three-ply worsted spun yarn. I am spinning it short draw. Hopefully I will be able to finish the third bobbin today. 

The colors are as lovely as shown in the pictures. Dana, of Unwind Yarn Co., does a great job dying fiber. I have always have positive experiences with her products. She is taking a break from dyeing fiber. I bought this top a while ago.

What are you crafting today?

Blending fibers

It's been a minute since I published a post here. The job that pays for wool, spring break, getting a new camera and software kept me away from this space that I enjoy so much.

Last year I got this blending board at the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair (SAFF). I've been making a few rolags here and there but this is the first real "blend" that I created so far.

The white fiber came in un-labeled with my used Louet wheel. The dark gray is Knit Picks Full Circle Roving, a blend of Merino and Highland wools. It was a nightmare to spin by itself given the short staple length of the fiber. Had I not blended with the white fluff, it would have become a wool dryer ball.

There is not much yardage in the mini skein. And that is fine with me. This was an experiment and I loved the results.

New Yarn Brings Joy to my World

We had a busy and outdoorsy Saturday with soccer game, tennis practice and some shopping. The little one did great on her first soccer game. I didn't cry (surprisingly). Her confidence and ability to play in a team made us very proud parents. There are no words to describe the feeling!

On the wool front end, I am beyond excited to show some new yarn. It is hard to be the wife of a busy traveler...but my husband sure knows how to win me back in a split of a second. Like when he shows up with gorgeous yarn that he bought for me while on a business trip.

This skein holds 329 yards (100g) of super soft Peruvian alpaca. The red and brown tones are beyond spectacular in person.

The second skein is simple, serene and beautiful fingering weight from Oink Pigments. I am looking for the perfect shawl pattern for the 420 yards (100g) of this super soft Merino. Any ideas?

Hug your stash; enjoy the rest of the weekend.

WIP: Soay

I am really loving working on this little cardigan. It is my first time knitting a Gudrun Johnston pattern. The pattern was a gift from the adorable Bethany.

During a brain power outage, I manage to cast on eight hundred stitches instead of the required two hundred and something. Yes eight hundred as in 800. My husband knew there was something wrong but I refused to wait until I could double check the pattern. You know, because I know it "all" and left the pattern at home while running errands. Not that I recommend that you try this but, let me tell you, it wasn't difficult to get rid of the extra stitches.

The details--

Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport Weight in Stone

Needles: US 4 (3.55mm)

Pattern: Soay by Gudrun Johnston

Project page: here

"Unexpected" Souvenir Yarn

Vacation is over. We are back from Washington DC. I cannot describe how wonderful was to have my parents, sister, daughter and husband in one location. My parents live across the ocean; my sister lives in the DC and, my husband lives in an airplane (a.k.a. travels A LOT for business). So, I really treasure those moments when we are all together.

My sister surprised me with the most gorgeous and vibrant lime yarn...

The family battled 100 degrees temperatures and ventured out to Fibre Space. If you are ever close by Alexandria, VA you need to stop by this awesome LYS. The store is beautiful, the service is outstanding and, they even have an area to entertain non-knitter toddlers! 

From the Fiber Space:

The new Fibre Company yarn: Meadow (40% merino, 25% baby llama, 20% silk, 15% linen).

Who can pass on Dragonfly Fibers? Not me! This is 100% merino lace yarn.

Yarn for a commissioned "Japanese Feather and Fan shawl" (link is for the Fibre Space sample). This came all the way from Germany and is 50% silk, 25% baby camel and 25% silk.

And just when I thought there was no way I could fit my stash enhancements in my bags, I made a trip to Looped Yarn Works. Just to check the store, you know! And to say hi to the lovely ladies who helped my hubby picked out yarn for me in past business trips.

But, seriously, who can stop by the wonderful Looped Yarn Works and not get something as souvenir? 

This Quince and Co. yarn is destined to be a "Grace" cardigan.

I couldn't leave this Tosh Merino Light in the shelve. I think it needs to be "Celestite" cardigan.

I now have to catch up on all your posts, pictures and endeavors. Have a great week! Keep the your chocolate torte close and the yarn cakes closer!