Knitlog...Southernfiberology

January Spin-In 2012

2012-01-31T06:55:00.001-06:00

Spin-in was great! Around 120 spinners in a room surrounded by fiber vendors. Unfortunately, I neglected to bring my camera and had to make do with pictures from the iPad in a room that didn't have good lighting. You will note the table with the ott lights - we came prepared! Here's a picture of the wheels in our circle, less the few attendees that showed up late Thursday:

Quite a variety of wheels and spinners make for a great few days of spinning!

Way to start a long weekend...

2012-01-13T20:05:00.001-06:00

Starting the long weekend watching last episodes of Bones, Grey's Anatomy and Big Bang Theory recorded on DVR while spinning 3rd bobbin of some Gale's Art BFL with a glass of wine all by a warm fire since it is 38 degrees outside :)

Whewwww!! On top of that, this is the first year our company has MLK day as a paid holiday!

Not your everyday gift bags

2011-12-18T07:13:00.000-06:00

Who needs gift bags when you can make your own? Not Christmas fabric, but nice anyway!

Swoon Two

2011-12-06T06:38:00.000-06:00

Swoon

2011-12-03T16:43:00.000-06:00

First block of nine - Fig Tree Butterscotch & Roses fabric:

I've completed a couple more FMQ blocks, but no pictures yet. I've been working on a tiny little owl pillow for Peyton's sorority little sister. It has a definite homemade look... like it was made by someone who doesn't know how to sew!

Finished Quilt

2011-11-21T17:26:00.000-06:00

I finally finished quilting all the Baptist Fans on the half-square triangle quilt. This is a good lap size quilt (will measure later). I took this photo with my phone before I left for Yazoo City this morning - will have to get hubby to help me later this week to take a full size photo! First time quilting Baptist Fans. I like the crinkly look after washing and drying. Printed fabric (other than binding) is Daisy Chain by Amy Butler. The solid is medium gray Kona cotton.

Left the college kid to take care of animals while i'm gone for a few days. Let's hope the house is still standing when I get home... i know there are friends coming over :) I warned the neighbors and asked them to knock on the door if they see a party going on!

Adobe Terrible Customer Support

2011-11-05T07:03:00.001-05:00

I ordered Adobe InDesign for the home computer for Peyton. I got the software Thursday, but that is my regular knit night, so it didn't get loaded until yesterday after work. The software wouldn't load. Evidently, it has been a problem for many because there are several "fixes" on the Adobe website for you to attempt, which I did. It still wouldn't load. I called their technical support and held on the phone for 30 minutes only to be answered by an individual who I could hardly understand and they couldn't understand me.... I hate this! This is a US company and should have people helping customers who speak good English. After speaking to her for about 3 minutes, our call was disconnected. I know it did not happen on my end of the line. I call back. I held for 2 hours.... 2 HOURS!!!!!!! While I was holding, I was able to "chat with an agent" online. After answering the questions I had already answered, I was told I would have to talk to their technical support that they couldn't help me. I informed them that I was on hold and had been on hold for over an hour (at that point) after getting disconnected from a 30 minute hold before and asked if there was another number I could call and speak to someone. There wasn't. When someone finally answered the phone and I told them who I was and my serial number, they disconnected me again. This is poor customer service. I know that the disconnect was NOT on my end... I had them on speaker phone so there was no way I mistakenly pushed a button to disconnect the call. I called back and finally hung up at 10:00 which is 7:00 their time and closing time. I worked on this from the time I got home from work yesterday until 10 last night. They will be getting a letter from me. I understand we're not one of their multi-license business customers, but hell, the little guys expect service too.

2 more FMQ Blocks

2011-10-31T06:33:00.000-05:00

Are you sick of these? I know this is supposed to be a knitting blog :)

Block 25 Cups & Saucers - this block has 33 pieces! It was easy enough to do, but took a lonnnng time:

Block 77 Seasons - I needed something simple after the 33 piece block:

More FMQ Blocks... will it ever end?

2011-10-30T18:37:00.000-05:00

Two more blocks today - Block 81 Snowball Variation:

Block 85 Square Dance:

Hard to decide what's next

2011-10-30T10:24:00.003-05:00

I have too many projects going... and I'm itching to start something new. I'm going to try to wait, though it is hard :) Plugging right along on the Farmer's Wife Quilt (28 blocks done of 111), only 2 more rows of hand quilted baptist fans to go on the half-square-triangle quilt (binding already made), and the master bedroom quilt is at a stand still. I've quilted 7 or 8 straight lines and not sure that I like it. May take them out and hand quilt. I need to decide soon since it got down in the mid 30's last night! The problem is maneuvering the quilt through the Singer. It is a P.I.A. but not enough so to purchase a big machine... I'm happy with my old singers. One of these days I'll just get a large quilting frame and be done with trying to machine quilt.

I have a few sets of fat quarters from some beautiful fabric lines waiting. These are my plans for them at the moment, though I may change my mind by the time I finally get to to the cutting stage:

1. Butterscotch & Roses fat quarter bundle by Fig Tree - destined to be a Swoon quilt - I've already picked the fabrics from the bundle I'll use:

2. Flora fat quarter bundle by Lauren and Jessi Jung - destined to be a Dresden plate quilt:

3. LouLouthi by Anna Marie Horner - destined to be a quilt, but can't decide which one. I first thought a Swoon quilt after a saw one made with this fabric but couldn't readily decide which fabrics from the line to use. Now I'm trying to decide between these - Spinning Stars Quilt (by the same designer) or one very much like it by Patricia Bravo called Bohemian Caravan. Either way, I have plenty of fabric for front AND back since I bought extra of a couple of the prints.

I can dream big... that's a lot of quilting! May take me years...

Three More FMQ Blocks

2011-10-29T13:20:00.001-05:00

Block 15 Buzzards Roost

Block 20 Churn Dash

Block 63 Ozark Maple Leaf

Chevron Scarf

2011-10-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

Finished after soooo long... not a great picture and looks much better in person, but here it is for the record:

Just ignore the flannel PJ pants it is sitting on... sending off to a knitting pal this week to brighten the day.

Back to two shoes

2011-10-22T08:21:00.000-05:00

Had the ankle xrayed yesterday and am finally out of the air cast. Nothing to get to excited about since i'm going to have to shop for some new shoes. The foot is still so swollen that most of my current shoes are too tight to wear. The orthopedist said it will probably be swollen for at least a year! In the meantime, i've been trying to walk normally... it really hurts and i'm still hobbling. Physical therapy starts next Wednesday. Hopefully by then i'll be used to walking on it again.

Today i'm going to attempt to spin. Going to a fiber friends house for a small spinning afternoon. I think i'll take the Sonata this time since carrying the big SR 30" wheel down the steps to the garage will be too difficult... and hubby isn't home to help. I'd really rather take the big wheel...

I've baked some cookies and will be taking a bottle of wine ... Trying to decide on a knitting project to take just in case spinning proves to painful. My current project bag I left at work yesterday. Don't know why I even took it into the office because I didn't have time to take a lunch break! Guess i'll just start another pair of socks :)

I have more blocks to show from the FWQ.

Block 80 Single Wedding Star:

and Block 56 Maple Leaf:

You'll see that I used a different fabric for the stem... the reason why is I sewed this block wrong the first time and had the stem the lighter color fabric with the other two pieces in the green. It took me a minute to see the problem, so I ripped out that one square and decided to do the stem a little different. I think it looks good this way!

Avoiding

2011-10-19T18:14:00.001-05:00

I've been avoiding looking at all the 2011 Rhinebeck blog posts since there was no way I could attend with a broken ankle.... so, i've been looking at the popular quilting blogs and have been faced with all the reviews of the Sewing Summit. I would love it if someone would marry the two and make a super duper fiber festival that included knitting, yarn, wool, fiber animals AND fabric and quilting!!!

2 More FWQ Blocks

2011-10-18T17:10:00.000-05:00

Block #14 Butterfly at the Crossroads - this block has 29 pieces. I deserve a glass of wine after sewing up this one!

Block #61 Northern Lights:

A Star is Born

2011-10-16T14:49:00.000-05:00

a farmer's wife quilt star, that is!

Here are my first ever stars... not perfect, but i'm happy with them!

Block #60 Noon & Light:

Block #31 Evening Star (the light is pale blue but looks white in pic):

I also finished a knit... the Chevron Scarf that I started years ago, ripped out recently and started over. No picture yet but will take one after blocking!

Dish Rag Tag

2011-10-13T08:10:00.000-05:00

With Monday being a holiday (for the post office, not for me), the mail didn't run. However, Tuesday I did receive the box with the yarn to knit the rag and to send on to the final destination. When I got home from work, I knit the rag, packaged it up with the goodies being sent. The box was in pretty bad shape by the time I received. There was so much tape on it I had a hard time opening without tearing it up! I wish I would have taken a picture of the box when I printed out the label before work the next day... I was out of clear packing tape and had to use duct tape. Just like someone in Alabama, duct tape will fix anything :) Here's the rag in the official DRT pattern I knit to send:

This was knit with the ball that Cindy sent to me in the box and I love the colors! I think this type of wide stripe kitchen cotton fits this pattern perfectly! And here is one of the goodies I received from Cindy:

This yarn is soooooo yummy! It is actually darker than it shows in the picture, the flash messed up the color somewhat. The yarn is Lang Jawoll Magic Degrade... i've never seen this around here! It is ooohhhh, sooooo soft!!! I think it is destined to be a shawl! I'd love the softness around my neck!

I'm off work today :) Other than the weekly knit night tonight, i'm not sure what i'll do! There are tooooo many options! The least of which is to get this house somewhat organized...

Bat Wing

2011-10-11T07:07:00.000-05:00

This is block 5 of the farmer's wife quilt, in the book that is, it is block 15 for me:

Went to dinner last night with friends to celebrate one of my knitting buds birthday. Good food and good company! Hopefully, tonight i'll have the dish rag tag package when I get home from work!!! If so, I know what i'll be doing tonight instead of sewing! Tracking says it will be delivered today, however, the last update says it is in Jacksonville, FL, and with the holiday yesterday, it may not make it today. Keep your fingers crossed!

Do not paper piece Block #83

2011-10-09T19:18:00.001-05:00

I spent too many hours with the seam ripper today. A word of advice, if you are participating in the Farmer's Wife Quilt-along, do not try to paper piece block #83--Spider Web. It is a PAIN!!! Since I started out this way and was set on using this particular small piece of brown flowered fabric, I had to continue on and not start all over. I'm pleased with the result, just not so pleased with how long it took! The solid color fabric is a pale blue... looks white in this picture.

Also completed Block #2 Autumn Tints:

and Block #102 Whirlpool:

Now, i'm going to go back to the sewing machine and re-do block #4 Basket Weave since the first attempt was a major fail.

Edited to add two more blocks before bed:

Block #4 Basket Weave - redone and still not right, but it will have to do!

Block #109 Windows (the easiest so far):

New Quilt Top

2011-10-08T15:01:00.000-05:00

I decided that at least one of my projects needed finishing before getting back on the Farmer's Wife Quilt, so I finished the top of the apples charm quilt. These colors are so bright and cheery! Not sure if it will be hand or machine quilted, but at least the top is finished!! The binding will be the gray fabric with the tiny apples, and the back will be mostly Kona snow, with a vertical stripe of Kona Med Gray, one of the turquoise and another the same as the binding. The wind made for a bad picture taking day, but had to document:

Also got another block completed for the FWQ - Block 16, Calico Puzzle:

Someone made a comment about some of the paper piecing blocks needing to be print in mirror image. I think this is one of them... either that or I sewed it wrong. Doesn't matter, like it as it is!

Have all the fabric for FMQ!

2011-10-07T14:25:00.001-05:00

Off work today and was at the house the mail man came - finally recieved the last shipment of fabric ordered for the Farmer's Wife Quilt. Homestead Hearth had a wonderful online blowout sale of 1800's fat quarters... 33 of their choice and what wonderful choices they made for me!!!

I also took a break from chores and made a couple of more blocks (before the mail came). Block 6 - Big Dipper and Block 9 - Box. The big dipper could look better... may do it over at some point. I really like block 9:

Well, back to the chores... have to get some of this mess cleaned up around the house before hubby gets home!

More fabric choices

2011-10-06T19:52:00.001-05:00

Here's a little fabric stash enhancement for the famer's wife quilt. I should have another package coming sometime soon and i'll be set! Going for the period look, even though some of the fabrics are not necessarily period, but will blend well.

I've been working on getting my computer up and running again. Had to take for repair when windows crashed and now have to get all the user accounts set up again with all the documents transferred over. What a pain!!!!!!!!!!! The repair shop was supposed to reinstall the OS with ALL updates.... I installed 50 updates between 5:30 pm yesterday and 8:00 a.m. this morning! Someone didn't do their job. Still have to get all the email accounts loaded back in. I hate this... makes me want to see what the Mac is all about!

PC crash & repair

2011-10-06T06:14:00.000-05:00

Got the computer back yesterday from repair. Most of my documents survived... operating system was the problem and i've been downloading windows updates since 5:20 yesterday. 42 updates for Vista... I still have programs to reinstall.

I'll be off to get an external hard drive and am pricing a MacBook trying to decide if I want to take the leap before it crashes again. Let's face it.... it's not the first time, and it won't be the last time. It's the first time without Dad around to rescue. Just have to make the decision... buy another or wait until this crashes again. The last time I used a Mac was around 18 years ago! Do I want to go that route???? Too many decisions... and i'm tired... and i have to get ready for work after only 4 hours sleep.

FWQ 1 & 10

2011-10-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

Two more blocks done... 105 more to do.

Attic Window:

Bowtie:

FWQ #4 for me #97 in Book

2011-10-02T13:57:00.000-05:00

Took a break from the work I brought home and completed another block for the Farmer's Wife Quilt. I didn't notice until I looked at the picture that the outer fabrics are not going in the same direction. It will just have to add to the scrappiness of the quilt, as i'm not going to rip out. Outside fabric is period fabric, inner light floral is from Fig Tree's Butterscotch and Roses (new line) and the narrow inner points are the grey solid that is part of the Hometown fabric by Sweetwater for Moda. I thought these two newer fabrics would go well with the period fabric. In the picture it looks like it is not square, but it is... it's just not laying flat, but on a towel so there is a ripple on the right side.

#4 - Block #97 Waste Not

How to forget your troubles

2011-10-01T22:10:00.001-05:00

Trouble 1: Woke up with my ankle in pain - I don't have to wear the aircast to bed - may have slept on it wrong.

Trouble 2 - Went downstairs to the home computer with my 1st cup of coffee - it has crashed.

Trouble 3: Took said computer to repair shop and it will be a few days before they can get to it... my Dad built this computer and we've had a great run together. The very few problems I've had, Dad was there to fix, but now that he has passed, I'm somewhat at a loss of who to trust with it! At least I have the old work laptop to get by with in the meantime.

Trouble 4: Went to the office to get some work done... brought work home and will have to spend part of tomorrow getting done so I can meet the Tuesday deadline.

Forget the troubles and made a trip to the LQS, which is not so local to me (30 miles away). I had purchased the "Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt" book earlier this week. Perused my small stash, ordered some new fabric and decided to supplement small stash of fabric with some new fat quarters to go along with what I have on hand and those ordered. It was fun and a little time consuming trying to pick out which fat quarters to choose from?? The ladies at the shop had not heard of this book so I got it out of the car to share the love.

Here are the first three blocks I have made:

# 1 - Block #29 Economy

#2 - Block #54 Kitchen Window

#3 - Block #84 Spool

Can't wait for the fabric I ordered to come in to mix with the fat quarters bought today!! I'm machine piecing but will probably hand quilt.... shooting for a very scrappy old-timey look.

Weekend update

2011-09-25T15:38:00.001-05:00

After struggling with quilting the queen size quilt for the bedroom and putting it aside, I got the Little Apples charm packs along with some solids I cut to match and started putting together an easy charm square quilt. Started on this yesterday in between laundry, garbage duty, litter box cleaning, and a grooming appointment for Bandit. I think I overdid it yesterday on the broken ankle and ended up having to take a pain pill last night. I've been trying to do without for the last couple of days because they make me feel soooo brainless. I've made a little progress.. have 4 rows on the flannel sheet design wall (a little peek):

... and the rest of the rows put together ready to be pressed:

I think Adelaide is feeling neglected, but I'll get back to spinning on her eventually when my ankle can handle spinning. It would be a good time to practice spindle spinning, but the pretty fabrics are calling my name. Hubby will be home next weekend, thank goodness, and maybe he will keep me from overdoing it again!

Happy Friday!

2011-09-23T06:47:00.000-05:00

Sew ready for the weekend... I have many things to do, one of which is to finish quilting the value quilt i've been working on slowly. Having problems manuvering the big quilt through black Bessie:

Fabric stash enhancement...

2011-09-14T16:12:00.002-05:00

In addition to the fabric I won last week that will be arriving soon:

... i also have coming a "Little Apples" charm pack ordered from Missouri Star Quilt Company that was on their daily deal a couple of days ago fpr $3.25.

Since the shipping was more than the charm pack, I had to order something else to make it worth my while to have something shipped so I also ordered a "Hometown" layer cake. Can't wait to see these fabrics!

PS: It is dangerous to the bank account to surf the internet for fabric while taking Lortab for the pain from the boken ankle.

Top Finished & Binding Question

2011-09-12T18:34:00.001-05:00

Edited to add:

I really need opinions on the binding... I made the binding ahead of time and now when I look at it, i'm second guessing my choice .... what do you think???

I finished the quilt top for our bedroom... unfortunately, I can't take a pic of the entire top until I have help. By that time, I may have it sandwiched for quilting - or not, especially when I think of sitting on the floor with this aircast on for the length of time it will take to sandwich a queen size quilt! To give some warmth to the quilt, I purchased the Warm and Natural cotton batting, instead of the Warm and White. Now I'm rethinking since the back is going to be white, should I use the white batting? I plan on quilting with ecru thread, not white... obviously, I need help making choices....

On the family front, oldest DD is now in Pensacola for her advance training in the US Navy and loving the new quarters. The new place has two bedrooms, a shared kitchen, and bathroom (complete with a tub this time) for four girls. Much better than the barracks in basic training. Youngest DD started her sophomore year in college a few weeks ago - and is buried in her sorority functions and the beginning of football season. Hubby took Bandit back with him to his project in Georgia to help me out since moving around is difficult with this broken ankle. He sent me this pic today showing the little pallet he made in one of the rooms in the construction trailer. Regardless of the fact that he needs a good grooming, the pic is cute:

PS: Although Bandit is not really a watch dog and we live in a very safe neighborhood, while he's away with hubby i'm keeping one of my handguns handy when I go to bed at night :)

Pincushion Cuteness

2011-09-11T19:50:00.000-05:00

Had to make another pincushion... these things are just so cute! Used some of the scraps from the quilt i'm presently working on...

Inflation....

2011-09-10T10:09:00.001-05:00

Couldn't wait to show hubby this little device that came with my Aircast....

I'm sure he's going to send this pic to his buddies :)

Casts have come a long way...

2011-09-09T12:02:00.002-05:00

This is the temporary cast/splint from the emergency room. (Pardon the cell phone quality pics, but I snapped this with the iPhone while waiting for the orthopedist.) I loosened the wing nut on the side of the crutch and looped the draw string ribbon from the tiny sock knitting bag before tightening up again.... you never know how long you have to wait in a doctor's office!

I went from this to an air cast... it has a little pump to pump air and to deflate you use the other end of the pump (can't see the air holes in the pic because they are on the side) The good thing about this is that I can remove to take a shower!!!!!! The doc said I could wean myself from the crutches within a week or so and walk directly on this boot... so no traditional cast for my knitting buds to sign!!!

How does a pincushion break an ankle?

2011-09-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

So, I was going downstairs to the den to look up on the web the pattern I saw recently for a cute pincushion to verify my memory of the pattern was correct before sewing on the button (the last step)... turned at the end of the staircase to enter den, but actually wasn't AT the end of the staircase, fell and heard a pretty loud "crack". After driving myself to the emergency room (because hubby is out of town and only 1.5 miles away) I find that the free pincushion pattern wasn't actually free for me:

Cancellation of trip to Chicago tomorrow to see my oldest DD graduate from Navy basic training on Friday - doctor's orders
$100 emergency room copay (thank goodness for insurance)
$2.61 for pain pills (thanks again to insurance)
$30 copay to orthopedist (tomorrow, I hope, and once again insurance helps)
2 or more days of vacation turning into sick leave

The pincushion is cute, but not that cute.

2011-09-07T18:40:00.003-05:00

At Shelby after a fall on steps at home... Hope my ankle isn't broken

I'm a Winner!!!

2011-09-06T11:34:00.000-05:00

Joined the Wantobe Quilter campaign over at "Sew WE Quilt" and WON!!! Follow this link to see what I won.

Thank you...

2011-09-03T18:24:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth... for letting me know about Amazon's "local" daily deals. Stacey and I made a quick, early trip (as in we were there right when they opened the doors today) to "In the Making" to take advantage of our $20 for $10 dollar vouchers. It was a tough decision between yarn, knitting patterns, fabric or this...

the Namaste circular knitting needle holder won out! I have my eye on this book for the second voucher. However, I reserve the right to change my mind and buy fabric.

I bet you know the reason for the early, quick trip... first Saturday of SEC football starting at 11:00 am! And, my sweet hubby had hung some flannel sheets to a wall in the living room so I could arrange the half-square-triangles for the new quilt.

I worked on this from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm while listening (and a little bit of watching) football, and still have a little rearranging to do... but tomorrow will be soon enough. Kiki was so enthralled with the flannel sheets I felt the need to pin these to the flannel. You know how kitties play during the night and I could see waking up to all the fabric on the floor and having to start all over again!

This quilt is sideways on the wall... the top of the quilt is the right hand side. Hubby obligingly moved the sofa out of the way so I could take this picture. I can see the areas that need to be reconfigured tomorrow... right now I'm going to have a drink!

Why does quilting mean mopping?

2011-08-31T20:04:00.005-05:00

Nothing like the idea of a new quilt for our bedroom to make me mop the kitchen. Being brand new to quilting, with no other space, in order to lay out all these half square triangles, the kitchen floor will have to be mopped and the table pushed up against the wall. Or, make a temporary design wall... which would take less time?? Can't do either tonight, tomorrow night is knit night, and don't know if i'll have the stomach to come home from working all week on Friday to mopping the 14'x25' kitchen floor (wish the living room was that big). Finished pressing tonight... here's another pic:

I'll probably wait until Saturdy when hubby is busy watching the first full Saturday of SEC football. Now i'm going to do some design wall googling.

Yes, it's another quilt post

2011-08-29T21:37:00.000-05:00

This is the remaining stack of squares that faced me after work today to be made into half-square triangles.

They've all been made and about 1/3 have been pressed. I know what i'll be doing after work tomorrow! Trying to decide if this will be hand quilted done on the machine. My lack of quilting experience makes me question whether or not machine quilting a queen size quilt on this machine is a good idea.

Do not fear... knitting will take place Thursday evening. I know this started out as "Knitlog", but it has turned into the journal representing all my ~~fiber~~ obsessions -- knitting, spinning, now quilting and sometimes soap making :)

Can you see value?

2011-08-28T10:30:00.004-05:00

In the attempt to make a value quilt to liven up the master bedroom, I was worried that there were too many "dark" and "medium" values and not enough "light". I decided to lay out some of the squares (only 42) and take a snap shot. Can you see the values?? Am I on the right track?

Hoping to have something like this quilter's, but see that she has a little more light.

PS: I'm going to reserve judgement until I get all 240 half-square triangles finished.

PSS: If I squint a little, the values pop out a little better :)

Posting from iPhone!

2011-08-27T15:22:00.004-05:00

I can now send messages to my blog via iPhone!!! Didn't know I was so technically talented:)

New look

2011-08-27T09:07:00.003-05:00

Could not help myself... i had to change the look. Used the new blogging template tools ... what do you think?

Not enough fabric

2011-08-26T17:43:00.013-05:00

After ironing and cutting all the fabric for my new quilt... I find I have miscalculated fabric needs. While waiting on another shipment of Philip Jacobs prints, I've been scrutinizing my blog and find that I want something a little "cleaner". Been online checking out blogger templates and reading up on making my own, but there isn't enough time in the day with working full time, knitting, spinning, and now quilting! I tried out several of the blogger templates and modified several ways, but nothing struck me as "me" - feel like I've wasted my time (just about every night this week). I'll just have to look at a redesign another time. Sooo now, I give to you a pic of 180 stack 6.5" squares along with the new prints that came in the mail yesterday. Hoping to make a queen size value quilt with all these flowery prints for our bedroom:

I assure you, the stack at the top of the pic has 180 squares - yes, that is ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY! All put together with different values and each pair has one of the squares marked on the back side for sewing half-square triangles! Of course, since the new prints are not duplicates of what I already have, the pairs will have to be revised somewhat to incorporate these prints evenly. Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow???

In the meantime, I'm taking one last look online for templates while enjoying a glass of wine to celebrate the fact that it is Friday, after 5:00, and I don't have to work this weekend :)

Edited to add - as of Saturday at 5:00 pm, I now have 240 squares and getting ready to sew my half square triangles to make a quilt similar to this one.

Join the Dishrag Tag

2011-08-15T19:40:00.005-05:00

I'm a joiner.... please spread the word!

Sign-ups start today!

Too many projects

2011-08-10T18:49:00.005-05:00

Working on the hand quilting the HST quilt (in last post) using the Baptist fan pattern. The marking pencil was down to a nub, so hubby sharpened some big sidewalk chalk into a point for marking the first repeats until I got to the store to pick up something better.

In the meantime, have three sock projects on the needles - two started when traveling to CA for work. I did visit a knitting group that meets on Wednesday while out west at a local coffee shop. It's nice to meet fiber fanatics in another state - even though there was some teasing about Alabama only having 5 people and all of us are related... That's OK... i'm fine with keeping our population down (who wants the nightmare traffic that LA has?) ... and have to say that our family tree DOES branch!

Received a fat quarter shipment while traveling... a stack of Philip Jacobs and a stack of Kaffe Fassett that they was on super sale and plan to use some of them for a quilt for our bedroom. Here are the lighter fabrics from the Philip Jacobs stack along with some Kona cotton in Snow that will be the backing - our bedroom is sage green, so it should look great along with the neutral blanket instead of a comforter:

Have a couple more pics to post, but after retyping some of this post due to blogger difficulties, i'll end now.

Weekend entertainment

2011-07-24T09:14:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, the GBFG had a dye day at Jennifer's. We all dyed sock blanks and some of us brought yarn or fiber to dye in addition to the sock blanks. I dyed some Shetland roving chartreuse... will show a pic when it is dry.

Got to see Elizabeth again after such a long time and she brought me some of the wonderful jam that she's been making. We talked about all the UFO's we had hanging about and this conversation got me to thinking about the half-square-triangles that I had made for a quilt. Sooooo, after arriving home and showering (it was a dreadfully hot, sweaty day), I got out the fabric and laid it out on the living room floor. There are so many different patterns you can make with these, but went with randome plainess....

After stacking for sewing, discovered that I was out of the grey thread... bummer!!!

Now we are off to meet the boy who is visiting from NYC for breakfast... then on to the store to get the *#&! thread!

Day Four

2011-07-05T21:07:00.006-05:00

Tour de Fleece Day 4 - July 5

Spun one bobbin of singles and finished plying some of the singles from the weekend... another 246 yards

Day One

2011-07-02T16:50:00.005-05:00

In addition to carding more Romney on the drum carder, I have spun two batts today and am getting ready to card more... have to stand, my bum can't take any more sitting today.

The plan is to (eventually) spin enough of 3-ply to knit a sweater.

Count Down to Tour de Fleece

2011-07-01T17:10:00.005-05:00

Tour de Fleece begins tomorrow and i'm going to try to spin every day (the key word is "try"). I have some white Romney that i'll start with, but may not stick to just this fiber. It has been washed and part of it has been flicked/teased... working on carding.

Flicked/Teased:

A couple of batts:

The remained to be flicked/teased and carded:

All this white may be pretty boring to spin the entire time of the Tour de Fleece... so i'm keeping my options open to spin other fiber :)

Seven Wonderful Years

2011-06-14T06:32:00.005-05:00

Today is our 7th anniversary. Actually 10, if you count the years we dated (or waited). Since David is still working out of town, we celebrated Saturday and went to our favorite restaurant for dinner -- Fox Valley. The food was fabulous and the dinner companion even more so!

These have been the happiest years of my life...I'm looking forward to many, many more ....

Another pair of socks...

2011-06-10T14:58:00.004-05:00

Even though my sock drawer is overflowing... another pair for me (fyi - have another pair half finished for DD):

We had the annual termite inspection this morning. Seems this is the year to treat to maintain the termite protection contract... so hubby has been told he will have to move his pile underneath the deck in order for treatment to begin

He's not happy....

Successful Fleece Washing in Machine!

2011-05-29T09:53:00.004-05:00

I washed about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds of the white Romney in the machine for the first time (after the 24 hr cold water soak mentioned in last post). Using Unicorn Power Scour with 2 washes and 2 rinses, the last with their fiber rinse, I can say that this method was a success and will be washing all fleece this way from now on!!! See pic below, with the remainder of the unwashed fleece in the background, and a handful of washed fleece in front:

Look at the difference! I had washed a little in the sink when I first received, but this method is far easier. I can't believe the difference in the softness compared to washing with Dawn.... it is soooo silky soft!

A little of this... a little of that

2011-05-28T12:39:00.006-05:00

I finished another pair of socks. This one has already been posted to Ravelry, but not here, so i'll show you the pic, but for the details click on the Ravlery link.

I'm finally washing some of the fleece ordered earlier this year... going to do a cold water soak for 24 hours and then wash in the machine (for the first time) after! Wish me luck! This is part of Haiti - a white Romney ewe from Peeper Hollow Farms. The bucket on the right has a big net bag and the bucket on the left has 3 little net bags. I need to get more big ones... the plan is to wash part in the machine at a time with Power Scour. (One of the reasons for going ahead with the washing is I have another fleece coming, a Rambouillet/Teeswater from katessheep on ravelry and I think it might get spun before the Romney.)

I have sad news... my iPod is dying. Hubby purchased for Valentines in 2007 and after almost daily use listening to audiobooks and a drop last year in the toilet, the internal speakers are going (one is going, the other in and out). After weighing the pros and cons of iPod vs iPhone, the decision to get a new iPod Touch was made - and ordered thru DS who happens to work at one of the Apple stores in NYC. The 25% discount on iPod and no discount on iPhone, and the capacity of iPod vs iPhone helped. My new device should be here around the 7th of June. In the meantime, I can listen to the book in progress thru one of the speakers in the car, purchase new earbuds and listen thru the left speaker or listen thru the computer iTunes account... so sad that in order to listen while knitting or spinning I have to get a new set of earbuds! So... now to find out the best knitting/spinning apps!

Hubby's Favorite Sock

2011-05-21T08:44:00.008-05:00

I started knitting some socks for hubby for his Bday (30th of this month) and ran out of yarn! Having knit him several pairs from Trekking yarn, I couldn't believe I ran out when normally I have a small amount left. Spoiling the surprise, I had him try on the first sock to see if I had made it sooo large that I could take out some of the sock and have enough to finish the other... no such luck. I bought a couple of skeins from ravelers destash, but couldn't get the same exact shade of blue. Yesterday when looking for a pair of earrings on my dresser top that had been covered up by some knitted FO's (scarves and hats), I came across a small beret that I had knit - it was obviously from the same ball of yarn his socks were being knitted from! First time i've been happy that I had not put away my knitted objects! Frogged the beret and finished the socks!

Hubby says these socks fit better than any others i've knit for him. This will be my go-to pattern from now on for his socks...

From the Knitting Vintage Socks book, I present Gentleman's Fancy Sock... modified a little for less CO stitches because I refused to knit on size zero needles.

Hubby also says that feet models get paid for doing this kind of work.

FO: Whisp of Adrift

2011-04-29T13:59:00.004-05:00

Surprised how much I like this little whisp of a cardigan! You can't even feel it on since it is so light, but it does provide protection from chill. Patti (on ravelry, ohsobroke) graciously took pics last night at knit night right before the sun went down.

Next time I make this (and there will be a next time), i'll make 3/4 length sleeves... One look at these pictures show my fatty upper arms :)

Knitting progress continued...

2011-04-27T20:01:00.004-05:00

Decided to make a quick blog update while power is still on... with the tornado warnings all day today, i'm surprised we have remained with power most of the day! I've been staying in the basement den all day other than the few hours I spent at work this morning after the morning storms.

Knitting progress:

Cassidy is still in time out - see previous post.

No more work on longies since last update.

Finished Adrift!!! No pic yet since it is wet and blocking.

Started Audrey in Unst, but calling mine Audrey in Dixie! pic below:

Don't know if you noticed the cool knitting needle... i'm loving these signature needles with the stiletto points :)

Knitting and every day life

2011-04-19T19:08:00.002-05:00

Knitting progress:

Cassidy Cardigan - back, sleeves and half of fronts are complete. This project is in "time out"... after making the same mistake 5 times on the fronts and ripping out half, had to put aside. Not a problem with the pattern, just the pattern reader! Not doing the hood, so it is almost finished...

Longies (Nether garments) - knit from the bottom up to the high-thigh. Love this project... have plenty of time to finish before I can even wear them :)

Started a new project when I got aggravated with Cassidy... needed a simple, stockinette pattern and wanted to knit from the stash. Sooooo, started Adrift with some zephyr wool/silk lace weight that i've had in the stash for years.

Every day life:

As many of my friends know, hubby does the grocery shopping every Sunday... complete with coupons for just about everything he buys. I never know what i'll find in the freezer and with him working in Georgia during the week and home on the weekends, i'm not really cooking. I found some Kashi frozen meals in the freezer this week and decided to give them a try. He must have had a coupon for buy three and get so much off! Tonight I had Mayan Harvest Bake... plantains, black beans, sweet potato, kale, whole grain pilaf and spicy sauce. It was yummmmm!!!

Future "Must Have Cardigan"

2011-04-17T17:13:00.004-05:00

Handspun Cormo X - 1,820 yards.

Was worried there would not be enough, but was wrong! Color isn't true in this pic... it is lighter.

A Great Soldier

2011-04-02T16:47:00.015-05:00

My Dad... a Great Soldier

COL (Ret) W. W. Waldrop, Jr.

May 14, 1942 - March 29, 2011

3 Purple Hearts

3 Bronze Stars for valor

3 Silver Stars for heroism

3 Army Commendation Medals for valor

Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star

Combat Infantry Badge

Armed Forces Reserve Medal of Year 1976

Numorous Meritorious Service Medals

Legion of Merit

Is it endless?

2011-02-27T21:41:00.002-06:00

I don't think this project would ever get knit (by me) in a solid color....

LBS of Fleece!

2011-02-27T09:10:00.005-06:00

I received the fleece shipment yesterday from Peeper Hollow Farms. I ordered two Romneys... Haiti and Grace.

Haiti is a white Romney, 5.7 pounds (heavily skirted) with 5 1/2" staple. I love that they send pictures of the sheep with their packages!

Grace is a pale, silvery grey Romney, 6.2 pounds with 6" staple. Her face is MUCH darker than her fleece!

Wonder what she's saying?!

Washing will take forever unless I get over my fear of washing in the machine! Since these are coated, there is no VM, but lots of lanolin... I washed little samples yesterday in the sink. I think i'll spin them up later today ...

Sweatered Out!

2011-02-25T15:36:00.006-06:00

After knitting 2 Dark & Stormy's, 2 Hooded Pullovers, 1 handspun cardigan and 1 cardigan/jacket, i'm ready for a small project. So, stash diving through the sock yarn commenced... then pattern purusing through Ravelry, the project for the moment (and possibly for a year or more) is the EZ Almanac selection for September - Adult sized "Nether Garments". I took the 2 balls of the most popular colorway ever of Trekking XXL #100 that they don't make anymore, and 2 balls of Crazy Zauberball and have started from the bottom. These will be some crazy stripped long johns!!!

(I hope 4 balls is enough for my short self since the Trekking colorway has been discontinued!! Anyone out there willing to part with a ball of color #100????)

I may be sweatered out, but that hasn't stopped the spinning activities... eventually will be knitting the old Patons "Must Have Cardigan" with this Cormo X when there is enough yardage (thank you to one of my spinning bud's for the pattern suggestion)

Also have 2 coated Romney fleece coming in the mail from Peeper Hollow Farm... hoping the boxes will show up soon! I purchased one of theirs last year and it is very yummmmmy.

Fiber stashing

2011-02-05T09:51:00.009-06:00

Last week I went to the January Spin-in with Elizabeth. I had saved some Christmas money just for this event and had won 2 nights free stay at last years spin-in to use this year, so this trip costs very little money... just food (which we ate in the condo) and gas split with my fiber bud. I did not buy yarn, just pretty fiber! We had mucho fun!

Some of us modeled this cool hat that Diana made.... I think that Sandra looked the best - like a Parisian.

This was the first time Patti attended so I had to snap a pic of her happy face (see the Riversedge fiber in the background). We're hoping to expand the Alabama presence next year.

Mucho fiber aquisition took place. Bought this Cormo X from Maple Row Stock and Wool farm. It came in 16 oz balls - purchased two so I can make a lovely sweater (sample hank I spun at the spin-in):

Had to get more Gale's Art - some BFL and some Alpaca Silk:

This is from a new vendor to the Spin-in:

This extra squooshy BFL reminds me of malabrigo:

Never having spun cotton, i picked up these to try from the Peachtree Spinners Guild - :

This was a door prize:

And, of course, I had to get more of the brown polwarth to go with what I purchased last year from Rovings (no pic yet).

All in all, the Spin-in was a wonderful event - what could be better than spending 4 days with 120+ other fiber loving spinners?!?!?

back to the real world....

Another FO!

2011-01-23T19:53:00.003-06:00

Here is another sweater, sans buttons (i did find buttons for the last sweater and will take a picture soon) that also has a shawl collar. Knit with Cascade 220 heathers in the "Lichen" colorway (#9338) that i've had in the stash for over 6 years. Presenting my version of the Dark and Stormy Cardigan, the Seaweed Storm:

I LOVE this pattern! It was sooooo well written and my favorite stye - top down with no seams... will definitely knit again. I've got to find some buttons soon so it can be worn!

I had plenty of knitting time at night while working in Atlanta for a few days this week and came home to a surprise visit from DD who had previously told me she wouldn't be home from college this weekend ... It's amazing how grown up she is after only one semester away from home!

Spent part of the day getting ready for the annual January Spin-In that starts Wednesday in Destin. Had several bobbins that had just a little bit of fiber left on them so navajo plied it all to empty them, polished both wheels with some Wood Beams, and gathered fiber and tools together starting a pile near the basement door for packing the vehicle on Tuesday night. Elizabeth and I will be leaving early Wednesday morning to meet up with the group of 120 or so spinners for a few days of fibery goodness... can't wait!!!!!!!!!!! I plan to start spinning the dark fleece that was purchased at MS&W, but know that those plans could change :)

Buttons?

2011-01-14T09:19:00.003-06:00

Decided to wear my new sweater to work sans-buttons. Going to take my lunch break today to try to find some ...

A model ... I'm NOT!!! However, I wanted to get pics of the new handspun, handknit sweater on me so hubby obliged this morning. The light was not too good on our side of the hill at 8:00 am this morning - the backdrop of hubbys junk by the fence doesn't make for good scenery, but here goes:

I wish the pics could convey the comfort of this fiber. Its squishy, warm, soft and silky.

No failure this time!

2011-01-11T06:51:00.007-06:00

After the dubbelmossa failure, I really was determined to have something for "show and tell" at the Spin-in that is later this month. Out came the fiber that I spun during Tour de Fleece that I actually purchased at the Spin-in last year. Here is a Knitting Pure and Simple pattern #298 Top Down Shawl Collar Cardigan (ravelry linked) just needs buttons:

This fiber is so soft!! A mixture of romney/tunis, alpaca and silk that I intentionally slighted felted the yarn when I finished spinning to get something similar to felted tweed. This was spun medium draw on the SR big wheel and plied on the Sonata. It is soft and sproingy. The pictures do not do justice to the color. Will take another picture with it on when I have buttons.

Next project on the needles: (ravelry linked) Dark and Stormy by Thea Colman

I don't have the yarn specified, but do have this cascade 220 heather yarn that has been in my stash forever! Mine will be called "Seaweed Storm" :)

Started last night during the BCS Championship game.... the pattern is well written (so far) but you really have to pay attention in the beginning or you'll mess up like I did and start on the wrong row of one of the charts and have to rip 15 rows out with cables!!! Back on track now.... and back to work after staying home yesterday due to road closings.

Dubbelmossa failure

2010-12-31T08:22:00.004-06:00

I've been working all week on a dubbelmossa while out of town for work. Came home yesterday and took the project out of the bag, knit for a hour or so and discovered I didn't have enough of this yarn.... hand spun and hand dyed specifically for this project (a long time ago). This makes me sick. I have other yarn I can use, but not extra fine handspun shetland!!!!

So I frogged. My hubby couldn't believe I wouldn't just use another yarn to finish up the project since there were only two more motifs and the top to do.

Now I need to decide what to do....

1 - spin more of this shetland and dye - enough for the CC (do not have these dyes to make a match)

2 - do the project with some hand spun and dyed corriedale (there should be enough this time)... corriedale isn't near as soft as this shetland

3 - forget this project for a while and work on something else.

Spinning and Knitting

2010-12-04T06:57:00.004-06:00

Yes, there has been spinning and knitting going on... also a little bit of quilting. I have a few things to show.

This is the December Crown Mountain Farms fiber club in BFL 2/ply, 500 yards, heavy lace weight. Love the colors, but can't wear them:

This is some fiber I got at MS&W... a mixture of merino, silk and cashmere 3/ply, but haven't calculated the yardage yet. It is about light fingering and oooohhhhh, sooooo soft:

Another Selbu Modern in Troy's Chi Omega colors for Peyton to give her big sister:

I've also knit a couple of hats that are now drying, so pics will come later... both from Jared Flood - the Habitat and Turn-a-Square to be sent to Bryant in NYC. You know it's cold there!

We are headed to the SEC Championship game today in Atlanta. I was able to get hubby to wear blue since we will be pulling for Auburn! Peyton is bringing one of her friends that happens to go there. War Eagle!!!

Another pair of socks...

2010-11-19T12:49:00.003-06:00

These plain 2x2 rib socks are knit with some Blauband sock yarn that hubby bought me a couple of years ago when he was working in North Carolina. I finished them in the car traveling to our project in Mississippi on Wednesday.

I also started on another pair of socks in the "Galder" pattern I found on Ravelry. This pattern is very easy and looks great.... however, they will have to be frogged. It won't fit over my foot and I don't think there is anyone in our family I could knit these for with a small enough foot. Here's the pic before frogging:

I'm off to search for another pattern to use with this sock yarn purchased at MS&W a couple of years ago...

Dutch Canyon Socks

2010-11-13T08:37:00.004-06:00

I have been knitting! To prove it, let me show you my new socks... knit with Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock in the Dutch Canyon colorway. This hank of yarn has been in my stash for a lonnnnggg time. Originally, I had two hanks with the intent on knitting some knee socks, but sold a hank to a fellow raveler some time ago. So here you have some plain jane 2x2 ribs (my favorite) -- note that I only show one sock here, but DID knit two!

Sock knitting is a good stress reliever... we did get some bad news this week. Only 17 days away from the 20 year mark, DH was laid off. One of many in this bad economy, it is the worst time of the year to look for a job with the holidays upon us. Keep your fingers crossed that it won't take long to find a job (or that we will win the lottery). Good thing I have a great stash of fiber and yarn!

Knitting?

2010-11-05T11:14:00.008-05:00

No... not knitting.... Another finished quilt for a special Birthday girl who is turning 1 today!

I followed Cluck Cluck Sew's Stack n' Whack instructions using Amy Butler's Daisy Chain prints and several Kona solid colors. I was going for an ocean and sand look and am naming this quilt "Future Wayward Beachcomber".

Since hubby is in south Texas, I took the quilt to work and used a filing cabinet as a holder so I could take pictures. I'd much rather have the pics taken outside, but you do what you have to do! Pieced this machine on the Singer 15-91, used cotton batting and hand quilted with gray cotton. The hand quilting is slowly improving... just love the crinkled look after washing.

Wish I could get the whole quilt in the pic, but here is most of the front, minus the top row.

I pieced the back with some left over's:

promise... i'm still knitting!!

Another Finished Quilt!

2010-10-17T10:29:00.009-05:00

This one is for Bryant, who has moved to NYC to pursue his dancing dreams...

Front:

close-up of front:

back:

close-up of back:

Stats:
Variety of designer b/w prints
Kona cotton solids in black, white, coal & bound with crimson
Pattern: Chain-Linked from Diary of a Quilter

This pattern required tons of cutting, but the construction was easy enough for a beginner like me :) I'll make this one again in different (more girly) fabrics.

Soap!

2010-10-14T06:24:00.003-05:00

Here's a pic of some cold process soap made last weekend. The green one is scented with peppermint and patchouli essential oils, the lavender/pink one is scented with lavender fragrance oil and the single cream color soap is a natural soap with no fragrance, that Stacey made (we shared). The ingredients are olive oil, almond oil, vegetable shortning, coconut oil, and castor oil. The green and the cream have goat milk, the other has coconut milk. In a few weeks we'll try them out!

Weekend Joys

2010-10-10T11:15:00.004-05:00

Yesterday the GBFG had a soap making workshop. There were 9 people, making 8 batches of soap. We had great fun! It was surprising that almost all wanted to add peppermint & patchouli essential oils for scent. When I got home, I went ahead and made more batches -- one for a member that had to cancel at the last minute, more to share with my fiber friends and family. Later this afternoon, i'll pop these into the freezer as I used PVC molds and it's easier to get out of the pipe if it is frozen. The batch I made at the workshop has goat milk and the others have coconut milk - didn't have any more goat milk to add at home.

I've been working on another quilt... this one for my step-son, Bryant, who picked out the colors and wanted some of the prints dance related. It was hard to find dance fabric that wasn't girly, so I went with words and music notes for part of the prints and White and Coal Kona Cotton for the borders. It took a long time to get the squares completed and now I'm sewing the strips of squares together as I get the seems ironed open. I'm using the Chain-Linked Quilt pattern purchased from Diary of a Quilter. I just need to decide what color quilting thread to use.... leaning towards black and most of the back will be black and the binding will be Crimson Kona Cotton -- binding was made first this time! Here's a couple of picture previews:

Quilt Finished!

2010-10-02T08:04:00.004-05:00

I finished my first hand quilted quilt! (Pieced together on the little old Singer 128) I bound it with one of the stripe fabrics. I love the look after washing with all the crinkles. I was worried that I didn't quilt heavy enough, but I'm pleased with the final look. I will definitely hand quilt again, even though it took sooooo long! More or less made up the pattern

Front:

Back:

Close up:

I quilted with Gutermann cotton hand quilting thread in grey and did NOT pre-wash the fabric.

Will be giving to Tara for her 23rd Birthday which was earlier this week, but will not see her until next week :) I hope she likes it!

Hand quilting...

2010-09-18T15:16:00.007-05:00

is hard... my stiches are crooked and not consistent. Hubby reminds me that they are not supposed to be (having witnessed many quilts being made while growing up).

The fabric is called "fleur nouveau" that has been paired up with some kona medium grey. My next quilt will be done on the machine :) I thread basted this one in white rather than basting pins...

What do you do...

2010-09-18T07:32:00.002-05:00

.... when your 3/4 size machine isn't big enough? You get similar in full size!

She needs a name! Isn't she pretty? Singer model 15-91 made in 1955. The cabinet is not very pretty, but it will do. My dining room looks like a sweat shop with this machine, the 3/4 size Singer 128, and the plastic newer model Singer that I will be getting rid of!

Quilt Top Finished

2010-09-06T16:22:00.002-05:00

Not quite sure what the back fabric will be, but the top is done!

Moda Soiree fabric for the print and Kona Cotton in buttercup for the solid. Have enough left of the print to do a scrappy binding.

Visiting with the Alpacas...

2010-09-04T17:45:00.003-05:00

It's the first Saturday of College Football and hubby has his schedule of games lined up for watching today. I spent the afternoon with the knit-buds and:

Our wonderful hosts, Ed and Glynna Siegler, have 29 alpaca and 8 on the way. The temperature was perfect to spend the day outside carding, spinning and visiting with the "Far Flug Fiber Friends". The recent shearing is going to the mill next week... we were able to fondle to our heart's content :)

Beginning Again

2010-09-02T06:14:00.005-05:00

With a new quilt, that is... Trying something easier this time and do not know who will end up with the quilt, but here goes! Random Reflections is the name and the pattern is free on the Moda Bake Shop site. Thank you, Elizabeth, for pointing out that wonderful place. I'm using a Moda Soiree Jelly Roll by Lila Tueller as the print and the solid is Kona in Buttercup.

Only 24 more strips to piece and cut, the other 136 have been pieced, cut and grouped together in sets of 5 ready for sewing. I know what i'll be doing this weekend - first weekend of College Football.

Here's a little peek at the process of chain piecing from last night. See my fabric guide? It's one of those flat magnets that we are forever getting with our junk mail... works perfectly since this machine is metal, not plastic like the other. I wish I could get a better picture of the face plate on this little machine, but it's an all black machine. You can barely see the scrollwork. Maybe if I took it outside on a sunny day...

Off to get ready for work and will be at knit-night tonight with the ladies! Really need to finish up the latest Selbu Modern to send down to Peyton for her to give to her "Big"... sorority sister, that is...

Finished Object

2010-08-31T18:27:00.005-05:00

After many problems with the plastic Singer, I finally finished my very first quilt project. I should have chosen a much easier "first" project, but I was blown away by the many string quilts in blogland and had to make one. I wanted a more colorful one, but blues and greens was what the DD wanted. After wash and dry in all it's puckered, uneven glory.

The basting-pinning session went fine. Duct tape does wonders holding the backing, the painters blue tape would not hold on the kitchen floor.

The quilting part was very frustrating. This machine is plastic. It's not in a case, therefore every time I moved the quilt, the machine also moved. (must get some kind of sewing table) My stitches were all over the place. It didn't matter how many times I got the stitching the right length and the tension set just right, the next row would be horrible and the seam ripper was on duty. After a while, I finally gave up and moved over to the Singer 128-23, which is a 3/4 size machine. This quilt is 64x80, so maneuvering was hard. The old Singer stitched perfect - wish it was bigger (see pic of the little thing in last post before clean-up).

I love the scrappy binding! You can see the backing peeping through - it is a busy paisley - again, not my choice, but hides the uneven stitches well.

This is going in the mail tomorrow to the birthday girl who will be 19 on Monday.

On to the next project.

if you miss me, I'll be stalking craigslist and ebay for a bigger machine - possibly a 201-2 or 15-91!

Can you believe it??

2010-08-24T06:12:00.008-05:00

It's been almost 2 months since I've updated the blog. Since then, I've made a few trips to Atlanta for work. We have project team at the Aquarium working on the expansion and they needed some help with a restack project. I couldn't show pics of the new dolphin expansion, but this turtle just took my eye :)

The last trip was just an over-nighter and I took Peyton with me. She toured the Aquarium while I worked behind the scenes. We hit Hard Rock Cafe for dinner and headed back the next day.On one of the trips over to work on that project, my boss, his wife and daughter took me to dinner at a "new to us all" place. It looked like a dive from the street, but turned out to be a wonderful Latin American restaurant - Tierra. If you know you will be traveling to Hotlanta, make reservations as it is very small. Be sure and have desert, even if you only share one. WORTH IT!!!! We all ordered something different and tasted each others. I will be going again!

The week following, we moved Peyton to her dorm room at Troy. She moved in the week before classes started to attend rush activities. I don't understand all the rules, but she ended up with an invitation and joining Chi Omega, along with her roommate. They seem to be very happy! We drove down the following weekend to attend the new student/parent convocation ceremony. It was a busy week, sad and happy both. And, can you believe it??? She came home the next weekend :)

Knitting has been accomplished, but you'll have to take my word for it as I've not documented with pics yet. I'm on a Selbu Modern kick and have made 2 more and am working on 2 more. I think they will make great Christmas gifts if the daughter wants to give to some of her new "sisters".

I've gotton sidetracked though... by this post of Elizabeth's. Had to get out the sewing machine and dust it off. I can say it was pretty dusty being in the cat's room, but a can of air does wonders! It is also a Singer, but not a pretty antique like hers. Peyton chose the colors, I was hoping for a more colorful quilt, but i'll have to save that for later. The squares before sewing together are 8 1/2". I made 80 squares, and am working on sewing together. It will be a pretty long project.

Move on to the next week... brother was home between postings, on his way to texas and decided to have a garage sale so he wouldn't be paying storage while in the big state. What do I see???? An OLD singer sewing machine. Not a pretty one with all the gold detailing, but a 1947 model 128 that needs some work. I works! But, i'll be taking it to a shop that does tune-ups on these old things. Evidently, a 128 is a 3/4 size machine. Not as small as the featherweight and much heavier. Here's some quick picks I took after loading it into the car.

Like I said, it is not pretty... can you believe this thing weighs 29 lbs???? Made to last!

Stash Diving

2010-06-27T10:47:00.005-05:00

Stash diving inpiration for the Tour de Fleece produced some fiber that I purchased in January from Maple Row Stock Farm, "Godiva" which is a blend of 75% Romney/Tunis, 15% Alpaca and 10% Tussah Silk. Couldn't help but take a pic pre-washing of the lovely tweedy/heather yarn. This 3 ply, medium/long draw spun on Adeladie is now sitting in a Euclan bath, plumping up as I type to what I hope will be a close to a worsted weight yarn.

This hank has 262 yards and I have 2 full 8 oz balls and one partial ball left that I will spin for the "Tour de Fleece" starting later this week.

Edited to add after washing pic: plumped up beautifully to 11 wpi!

Tour de Fleece?

2010-06-26T07:58:00.006-05:00

I'm hoping to spin in the "Tour de Fleece" again this year. The problem is, I do not have a "goal". Was soooo hoping that my fiber would be back from the processor that I left at MS&W in May. After checking the status, it will not be back until a week or more into the tour. A rumage through my stash this morning is called for to get inspired. It may require a little sampling this weekend.

I spun up some fiber that Anna got me at the LYS in Hunstville. This is the first time i've spun Optim... very yummy... the finished yarn was hard to photograph. It is not quite as bright as the picture shows, but close. The fiber has great drape for merino, almost like silk. I think a scarf will have to be knit. I took my Sonata over to Marie's last weekend for a little spinning with the ladies and plied the singles that I spun on Adelaide (SR30").

Knitting has been happening. I have knit EZ's July Pi Shawl out of the cobweb weight jojoland harmony i've had in the stash for a while. I just have to join the edging from the beginning to the end (sometime this weekend) and then block. Didn't think i'd ever finish that edging!!! Stay tuned for a pic in the coming week or so... i'll have to purchase more t-pins to block since blocking wires don't seem to work on a circular shawl!

Stumped

2010-05-16T08:43:00.003-05:00

I'm stumped... have perused patterns for days trying to get inspiration for the "wild cherry" lace yarn that I purchased in Maryland. Most lace patterns either call for around 500 yards or 1200+... this one has 996.

While i'm waiting for the right pattern to come along, I started another project that has been in my "favorites" for a while called Saroyan. This is being knit with the beautiful handdyed merino that was purchased in spring in Nashville at Bliss Yarns. I'm knitting a longer version than the pattern calls for, as mine will be in fingering weight, not worsted. It will be along, narrow scarf when finished in my favorite color. We had a funeral to go to yesterday in Eastaboga, so lots of car knitting was accomplished. Here is my progress so far:

Maryland Sheep & Wool Update (finally)

2010-05-06T11:21:00.007-05:00

Friday morning I picked up Anna at her in-law’s house in Huntsville and we headed to Maryland for the Sheep and Wool Festival for the weekend. It was an emotional parting – first time to leave little M, but she held up better than we both thought she would (I’m talking Anna, not little M). The drive up was gorgeous but long and the weather was dry both days of the fesitval, if you don’t count the humidity. I think it was hotter in Maryland than at home in the Deep South. Much better hot than wet like last year when Stacey and I attended.

We both promised to be somewhat restrained in our purchases this time, but didn’t really succeed. I bought a new fleece – almost black one this time, and dropped it off along with the three unwashed fleece I already had at home at the Zeilinger’s booth for processing. Unfortunately, I did not get a pic. It was a Corriedale X from Lockie Lane Farm in NY. Should have the processed wool back sometime in July. It will be like Christmas in July!

I bought 2 hanks of yarn… one superwash merino lace from the Cherry Tree Hill booth in Wild Cherry and one sock yarn from Miss Babs in semi-solid denim (for socks for Dad for Christmas). I also purchased some luxury hanks of fiber – one in Chocolate Cherry that is a blend of merino, cashmere and mulberry silk; and a hank of tussah silk in the seaweed colorway from Gale’s Art. (pics below)

I drooled over the Strauch cherry swift all day Saturday, and Sunday broke down and purchased. It is the combo that is both floor and table clamp model. I currently have it sitting on the floor next to my wheel. (I lifted this picture off another website)

Bought a couple of shirts – one for Stacy in lavender, one for me in green and several rovings for Marie (a new spinner in our group). I didn’t take pics -- she can do this as she is learning all about Ravelry.

There were loads of friendly fiber animals… and loads of people! There were familiar faces -- a co-worker from one of our sister companies from the Baltimore office along with one of her co-workers (I was definitely wilted by the time they arrived, having been there for several hours in the 90+ degree heat and humidity) and also ran into Caron from Freehaven Farm.

Saturday night I introduced Anna to the muscles at Carraba’s and we made short work of the big bowl… we were sweating out garlic the entire day on Sunday!

It was a great trip… already looking forward to next year!

Spinning, Knitting & Fiber Festival

2010-04-25T13:04:00.004-05:00

I've been spinning, and knitting. March fiber club shipment from Crown Mountain Farms was shetland in a colorway named "Bannockburn" -- several different shades of green and yellow, which I blended on the drum carder to create a heathery, spring green. I knitted the Laminaria shawlette from Knitty. It is drying as I type - the second picture shows the true color:

I've also been spinning more of the superwash merino/nylon top from Rivers Edge Fiber Arts in the Riverstone colorway. Spun up one hank at the January Spin-in, but need more to knit hubby a pair of socks:

Later this week Anna and I will be headed up to the 37th Annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. I can't wait! Not that I need any more fiber, but I do enjoy spending time with all the sheep and fiber animals, not to mention all the fiber-loving people. Interesting thing happended at work the other day. We had people in town from one of our sister companies. One of the ladies was from the Baltimore office. I asked her if she ever attended MSWF and she hasn't, but had talked to her mom about the two of them going this year. They are both knitters (small world). Maybe i'll run into her at the Festival!

Senior Prom

2010-04-12T07:21:00.004-05:00

Peyton's senior prom was Saturday night... this is her and her date, Josh, who is a Junior at Alabama. See the mischiveous look on her face?!? Her eyes seem to be saying, "oh, boy, are we going to have some fun!" And they did! Josh's vest and tie were dark purple, but in some of the pictures, they look blue.

This is their group that all went to dinner and then to the prom in a party bus. (I really felt sorry for the driver)

She and Josh arrived the next morning around 3:30 and crashed after uploading their pictures to the computer. We had a big breakfast around 2:00 Sunday afternoon then I spun for the rest of the afternoon.

Now that this milestone has passed, the next one is graduation!

Picture Proof

2010-02-12T14:42:00.001-06:00

that it really does snow in Alabama every 10 years or so....

Home again!

2010-01-31T14:43:00.003-06:00

Spin in was fabulous as usual. The first day started with a drawing for 3 days stay at the resort for all who ate the lunch buffet in the restaurant at the resort. I arrived just in time for lunch and ate a quick one before unloading the car. Guess who won?!?!?! Our group will have part of next year's stay for FREE for January Spin-in 2011! WooooHoooo! We had a great time spinning, dying, knitting, chatting, drinking wine, acting silly and making new friends.

Stash was enhanced, but pics of the new stuff will have to wait until later.

I have more important news to share... Peyton won full tuition scholarship to Troy University!!!!!! I'm overjoyed and, of course, proud as any mother can be for her accomplishment.

Later in the week i'll update my stash in Ravelry.

For your viewing pleasure, let me show you the new windows and siding that were completed while I was in Destin:

On the road again....

2010-01-26T19:57:00.003-06:00

Just can't wait to get on the road again!

Tomorrow is the day! Driving down to Destin for my third January Spin-In for 4 fun filled days with 100+ other spinners :) It will be spinning and fiber heaven! Some of the people attending have been going for over 30 years.

Hopefully I'll remember to take pictures! I'll be taking both wheels this time along with a little bit of fiber just in case I don't see anything I like from the dozen or so vendors that I would like to spin (yeah, right - like THAT will happen).

2 Mitts Finished!

2010-01-20T21:02:00.003-06:00

It's hard to take a pic of yourself with the camera timer...

These are pretty awsome mitts... haven't washed and blocked yet, but i've worn them a couple of times!

1 mitt down...

2010-01-15T10:25:00.001-06:00

Genius pattern:

One to go!

Long Time No Post!

2010-01-14T14:58:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year!

Much has happended around here... the best of which is DH is so much better and back to work! I'm home today because we are getting new windows installed. Getting rid of the old and putting in the new will get us a tax credit of $1500! Whew!!! When they finish with the windows, new siding will be going up. It will be like a new house... the next project will be hardwood floors to replace the terrible carpet and the kitchen floor. Unfortunately, that project is a couple years away.

Here's a pic of one of the guys installing in the living room... window on right is new and he is removing the window on left:

I'm also knitting some mitred mitts from EZ's Almanac - although these are "May's" project in the Almanac, I thought they would work well with this handspun Falkland:

It is soooo squishilishious :) is that a word?

Home

2009-12-24T12:42:00.002-06:00

We came home Tuesday night from the hospital. DH suffered a minor stroke with minimal damage. He starts PT today - thank goodness they will come to the house. He has some weakness in his left leg and feels a little off balance when he walks. They believe it was caused by high blood pressure, which he has never been diagnosed before even with regular yearly check-ups. When checking for signs of cause, the cardiologist has found that his aortic valve is leaking... probably due to damage from rheumatic fever he had as a teen. He will eventually have to have this valve replaced, but needs to recover from the stroke first. We have an appointment with his doctor Tuesday and will be researching for a good cardiologist and cardiac surgeon. I'm checking out UAB for this surgery rather than Shelby. I guess you can say that the mild stroke was a stroke of luck... it could have been massive heart failure not knowing that the heart is damaged.

It is good to be home for the holidays....

Holiday in the Hospital

2009-12-19T07:21:00.002-06:00

Spent all day and most of the night yesterday at the hospital... my DH had a stroke. He was supposed to go back to work on Monday after being off for 3 months with a severe Crohns flare up. He's having more tests run today - trying to find out why. Please keep us in your prayers.

Holiday goodies

2009-12-18T07:14:00.005-06:00

I finished the deer hats for our company holiday dinner... just found out that one of the recipients will not be there, but i'll send to him on Monday before he goes to hunting camp for the holidays :) One is beanie size and one is ski hat size:

I'm going to try to make another before the holiday for a friend... hopefully I can get it finished with all the holiday activities going on!

Last night was the Christmas gathering that the LYS. It was a great time, as always! We play the dirty santa gift game (speaking of which, I have to get 2 more presents for our work game Sunday). I ended up with the book "Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders" after many other gifts were taken away. I believe these patterns will be wonderful for small amounts of handspun, which I consider a "luxury". I also got a book I have been coveting from Rae Jean, "Magnificent Mittens & Socks" by Anna Zilboorg, along with some scottish mincemeat tarts (a funny gift for us Outlander fans).

I told Stacey that it was too bad they didn't have our sizes in the sheepy PJ's we got Rae Jean... she went to another location of Belks and bought me a Christmas present... it was such a great surprise!!! Aren't they cute???!

The stockings were hung...

2009-12-13T15:15:00.005-06:00

What can I say... it was sock washing day!

I thought they would dry faster hanging here rather than in the cold laundry room.

On another note, I'm going to have the best gag gift at the company's Holiday Dinner this year ... the famous fornicating deer hat:

Started today with some green peruvian wool and orange cascade wool - for the boss to wear next time he goes hunting with the boys :)

Travel Time Knitting

2009-12-04T20:12:00.003-06:00

I'm getting ready to wind yarn for car travel knitting. The knitting time could be anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to 5 hours depending on traffic tomorrow heading to the SEC championship game in Atlanta. Yes, i'm married to a huge Alabama football fan... not just Alabama, but football in general... we are on the ticket list that is so huge that once you get off the list, you can't get back on. Hubby is excited to see his team play (even though he graduated from a different college) and i'm excited to have several hours of knitting time. Socks are my project of choice for traveling and i'm about to wind this handspun yarn to cast on when I finish the socks that are currently in progress (also on handspun).

You see, i'm trying to get ready for the "sock it to me" January Spin-in held in Destin next month. Nothing like waiting until the month before to knit some socks with my handspun! This is the "juniper" colorway of Louet's wool/bamboo/nylon top. It spun up very nice, but I don't think i'll buy bamboo fiber again to spin. It flies everywhere! I'm happy with the finished yarn though... and maybe I'll change my mind about spinning it again when I have some finished socks :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T08:02:00.005-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Thanksgiving holiday means time for family, fun, food, football and FIBER! Of course, hubby would put football first in the lineup since the big rivalry game is all anyone thinks about that lives in Alabama.

I have a finished object to show... another (yes, the fourth) Selbu Modern. This one is made extra slouchy especially for Peyton, in Troy University colors (she'll be going there next fall). Specs: Knitpicks Gloss yarn knit on size 3 needles, ribbing knit on size 1.5:

Also, there is new handspun yarn:

Cloverleaf Farms Merino/Silk 4 oz roving purchased last year at SAFF in the colorway "Craisen", true 3 ply, 372 yards, spun long-draw on Adelaide and plied on Fred:

Gale's Art Alpaca Silk 2 oz purchased at Sheep to Shawl, navajo plied, 157 yards, spun from the fold:

That's it for today!