I was busy this weekend! I love 3 day weekends - I wove wash cloths for Katrina survivors! I knit a Breast Cancer Awareness wash cloth for a friend who is hosting a 'movie night' at her house in order to collect donations for her upcoming 'walk'! And, I spun! Got to LOVE doing everything in the name of giving to others.

I dyed the lincoln/merino x roving in wonderful warm colors: red, yellow and orange. Doesn't it look wonderful, blowing in the sea breeze??

Of course, the colors just blended wonderfully, still looking crisp and bright!

Check out the fun coils!! This is destined to be part of a hat for The Dulaan Project !

Life is sweet ... especially when helping your fellow humans.
Comments .... Please!

What do tomatoes, a book and money have in common? Katrina.

I grew the tomatoes, organically, in my garden. Last week, I brought the same colander into work- overflowing - indulging my colleagues with fresh, glorious fruit! Today, I walked in with an envelope and a note saying "Did you like the tomatoes?? ... Donations gladly accepted for the 260 animals moved from the LSPCA to Houston before Katrina hit - Please help them". I netted $30 that will be forwarded to Houston!! (Thanks Stas for spreading the word!)

The book?? "Out of Harm's Way" by Terri Crisp. This is a must read for all animal lovers. In fact .... Terri's organization Noah's Wish is in constant need. It is a 'no-brainer' ... this will be The Knotty Sheep's charity of choice for the coming year.

Maybe tomatoes are a small way to help ... but today, it was my way. Comments ... please!!

My mind has been wrapped around lace! I am eagerly awaiting a book or 2 from Amazon and I just joined The Summer of Lace YahOO group. Just to learn and to be a silent observer until I plunge into the depths of lacedom!

Before I do that - I feel the need to organize and use up some of my stash. I guess I need to declutter before the small needles and even smaller charted patterns come out to play.

Being a small fiber biz - I 'guess-timate' that I have approx. 100 pounds of clean wool here and there. Over the week, I have been spinning & plying odds and ends of fibers that have taken root on bobbins and spindles. These will become wonderful warm woolies for charities!

The Dulaan Project 2006; The B/CC for Afghanistan; and The Helmet Heads - just to name a few. There is a zillion organizations looking for and needing volunteers!

These skeins were my project last night! Don't you think they will make a great hat?? Comments .... please!

I managed to do a bit on the Aran Pocket Shawl over the weekend. YAY ... especially since I am seeing a TON of other projects I want to start - NOW!!

Lois commented: Is the Peace Fleece scratchy at all or is it soft to touch... Well, I happen to LOVE Peace Fleece, the sheepiness of it; the durability; and the colors!! Those saturated, eye-popping colors - OOO La LA!! But, softness isn't really a word I would use to describe this yarn. It is sturdy and most excellent for outer wear. I plan to wear this shawl OVER sweaters. I would also like to knit a scarf & mitts to compliment this colorway ... it has the slighest tidbits of fuschia and orange! Can one be a DIVA with mittens??

Do you like to sail?? Oops ... I mean SALE?? The Sheep at the Beach now has SALEing pages! The studio is getting an overhaul and Stasia came up with the idea to add some goodies on the BloG! Well, a whole new BloG has been created! It is time to set SALE ... the maiden voyage has begun!! Comments - please!

The Aran Pocket Shawl is coming along nicely. I do like the texture - an interesting 'woven' pattern is developing. While the photo doesn't really 'show' the nice ridges, the Peace Fleece yarn holds the pattern quite well. This is going to be one warm an sturdy shawl. (Color: Buffalo Browniski.)


As far as Illustration Friday goes - suffice to say, my inner critic was running at warp speed last week. To many starts, stops, and throw aways. My recycle bin over flowth with sketches that were mediocre at best. Hopefully, I will do better *this* week.

Last Friday, the goal was 'Reflection'. While I didn't do an illustration, I did snap this photo .... Comments - please.

My third ClaPpY is finis! I will post a photo once it is all blocked. Yes, I will be blocking it as this is for my MoM. MoM is a no nonsense kind of gal ... no curling-in edges for her.

Now, my focus is on the Aran Pocket Shawl, worked in Peace Fleece, from the Folk Shawls book by Cheryl Oberle. This is my first shawl from this collection.

The pattern itself is EZ PZ - my frustration lies in the proof reading. While I typically follow written directions over the charts provided (thanks NAN for hitting me upside the head with a wet skein on the 'bennies' of chart reading) - in this case, even the errata on Interweave's website is incorrect. Sigh ... I am kind of nuts about throwing out good money over books that have boo-boos in them. Publishers ... please don't be in such a hurry to make a buck that you cause grey hairs and sore heads over patterns that don't make sense. AND - don't assume we all want to follow the charts - "as it *is* our safest bet to sanity and a properly finished piece!" If that is the case - why include written directions? - to cause anxiety and divorce? Husbands don't like to be stabbed with knitting needles gone awry. MoMMa Mia!

On a brighter note .... I lowered the prices on my Be Knotty apparel! Feel like being shoppie? Everyone needs at least ONE spindle spinning sheepie shirt! Comments .... please - methinks I need some wine!

YiPpEE SkiPpEE ... I finished a pair of sox! Yes - they are for MOI! I LOVE hand knit wool sox. Aren't these fun?? They are dyEd in my Cocktails on Nantucket colorway. I am totally looking forward to cooler temperatures ... 'cocktails wearing wool' is sounding REALLY good to me after WAY to many days in the 90's!


My dear friend
Stasia has me thinking of lace, lace, lace! A delicate wrap covering my shoulders in the Fall seems pretty ideal. While I still have to finish my third ClaPpY - I am wondering what I should do next - there are so many wonderful shawls/stole patterns from which to choose. Hmmm ... a point to ponder!

Naturally, I have yet to finish my piece for Illustration Friday. I am stymied for some reason. Wish me luck - I plan to keep plugging away at it!

Have a ZEN day ... tags and comments - please!

Got to LOVE surprises!! Thanks Jean for the awesome stitch markers!! Aren't they most adorable???



Today is Illustration Friday - this is my first Friday. Hopefully, my creative muse will get jumpstarted! Join me in illustrating "Reflection"?? Have a zen day .... Tags and comments, please!

I KNOW you guys can relate ... whether it is new fibers or yarns, spindles or wheels, pattern books or needles ... sometimes we just WANT. We WANT for a variety of reasons ... to have, to hold, to love and sometimes we just fall hard.

That is where I am with "Cameron".

I want him: to have, to hold, to love.

I am trying to be realistic as my other 2 beasties might not agree with my strong attraction to this dog. "Cameron" is up for adoption. Please inquire at Great Dog Rescue of New England. (Apologies to them for 'borrowing' their photo, but I WANT this pup to have the *bestest* home ever!)

I hope you WANT to have, to hold and to love him forever too ... If YOU can - can *I* be his 'Fairy Dog Mother'? (Just for the record, if I was his - I would REname him "BlueFish" - Long story ... ) Tags and comments ... I need some tissues!

Please forgive my blatant boast: I am in LOVE with my latest fiber arrivals!!

For those who have tried my "Kitchen Sink Batts - you know that I find some pretty interesting fibers to play with. Looking for plain or even rainbow rovings?? - I don't have them. If your looking for something on *the edge*, say, some Curly Horse fiber??? Toy Pony - is for you!! Neat huh??? It is my quest for EWEniqueness, that has me doing 'reconn' for interesting breeds.

That is why I am in LOVE with "LeAnn" and "Venus". The former is a teeswater/wensleydale x and the later is a wensleydale/rambo x. AND - in my dare-devilness, I tried a different fiber processor!! Bonnie did an OUTstanding job on these rovings!!! WOW!

Check them out ... Here is to a ZEN day! Tags and comments .... Please!

Being on 'auto-pilot' is a safety net without sensory experiences. They (not that I know who *they* are!) say it takes 28 days to break a habit ... oh boy! I am going to be 'stichin & bitchin' until mid-September when I become a total Dare-Devil! I am hoping that with each new found experience ... a subtle glow will over come me - just like Monica on the TV show "Touched By an Angel" in the closing 10 minutes.

Tonight - I tried something new in the produce section of my supermarket. I had recently read in a cooking magazine to try something NEW with each vist: a new spice, a new fruit, a new SOMETHING! It will expand KNOWLEDGE! Hey, what do *I* know??

Monstera Deliciosa was my first attempt at Dare-Devilness. One would think I should have found this website before hacking into the poor, unsuspecting fruit with a machete. Needless to say - the fruit was UNripe, I swear it burnt my face (I keep checking for either blisters or rash) and it was promptly disposed of in my compost bucket. MoM would be horrified - I actually spit!

Guess to be an official Dare-Devil - one must make a feeble attempt at research before FLYing.

This past weekend was also my 3rd BloG Birthday! WOW ... 3 whole years of web journaling ... amazing. Of course, no Bday can be complete without gifts - so I attended a local Cultural Survival Festival and purchased YARN! Not just any yarn - but yarn with a purpose. This yarn was dYed with 'prickly pear' cactus and spun from Churro sheepies. The Migrations site has a host of weavings, jewelry, wool, and fiber tools awaiting YOU. Of course, it all helps the Navajo, and it continues a vital way of life for their cultural survival. My skein was spun by Betty Nez ... Thank YOU, Betty for this gorgeous art form!

Here is to a ZEN day! Hmmm - wonder what 'prickly pear' tastes like?? Tags and comments .... Please!

Recent events this past week have me thinking of 'mortality' and how most
of us go thru life on 'auto pilot'. Not really experiencing - just doing. Even though the last few days were ones of prayers and wishes - they were also filled with the slighest tinges of "I could have done more". Lucky for me, I have the opportunity to do so - I have been blessed with "more time" with someone very special. I hope that you take that extra few minutes that you have every day and cherish someone with them. "Time" is truly *the* best of gifts!

Got time for a new 4 footed friend?? Goliath needs a forever home! Don't you just want to hug the big lug?? If you are so inclined ... spread the word that this soul needs the chance at a forever love.

And while the subject of 'auto-pilot' was briefly mentioned above ... I am breaking free of my 'box'. You know what I am talking about ... the 'safe' Sox! The 'perennial' scarf! The mittens with the funky thumbs! Not to say there is anything wrong with those -- I am just loosening the Yarns That Bind! Since I am putting the brakes on my 'auto-pilot' and becoming a newbie dare devil... Look what I ordered today:
Snowflakes!!
Holey Moley .... I am feeling faint! The air is thinner up here in Dare Devil Land!
TAGS and Comments .... Please!

You may be surprised to learn that I have never owned a yarn swift. Only recently did I make the plunge of 'procurement'. I now own my very own swift!

It didn't take much deliberation on my part. The taller, umbrella looking things scare me - so they weren't an option. (I imagine that if Stephen King ever chooses to do a knitting horror movie - those umbrella things would come to life and create some unimaginable terror for us fiber folk!!)

So ... I chose a Mama Bear Table Swift. Love it! Love it! Love it!

Yes - you do need 'table room' for it ... but it works wonderfully. I have been 'balling up' everything in site. Heck, if those umbrella things ever do come to life - my army of yarn balls will take care of them post haste!

On the swift?? ... Brooks Farm Duet, Biscayne Bay colorway for the third ClaPpY!!

TAGS and Comments .... Please! (Oh, by the way, I have recently found out that FREE tag boards - like mine - have a pop up embedded somewhere in it's code. I am still trying to find the little bugger!)

Well, I finally did it! I am jumping out of my comfort zone and boldly going where I have never been before. It is time for me to don the coveralls, move slowly away from the spinning wheel and paint! I am not talking about my walls, which are weeping ever so gently... quietly desiring a fresh coat ... I am talking acrylics! Pallettes! Easels! Brushes!

Besides playing with fiber - did you know dabble in pastels?? - Time to broaden my horizons - My NEW acrylics will be here within a week - I can't wait to play. I leave you with a pastel I did a while ago ... this is "Miss Nell". TAGS and Comments .... please!

Simplistic thought of the day ... but how profound when the US is in a HEAT wave! TAGS and COMMENTS .... Please!

I have been looking at all the doggies available for adoption on my BloG! My DH receives at least a half dozen URLs a day (from me) with photos filled with the most soulful, yearning eyes. Truly - you can almost feel the tails wagging in the hopes that these deserving animals find a good, loving homes. I encourage you all to place a
PetFinder Banner on your BloGs and websites.

I would adopt them ALL ... but, the 2 pooches who reside with us are enough to handle. That is part of loving them - knowing when you can't take care of another soul. Our eldest, has become a Special Needs dog. She needs assistance for even one stair as she is arthritic and suffice to say - her back legs just don't work as well as they used too. She 'sees' the basics - but, we know her eyesight is beginning to fail. Overall, she is happy and 'healthy' AND she still keeps us on our toes. She is our elder fur baby - one whom commands the respect and appreciation of any 'lady of a certain age'.

Can you identify the pictured fiber?? It is difficult to be sure! Tiny clumps of short stapled fiber just waiting to be blended with wool. TAA DAA - it is
CURLY HORSE fiber! I purchased it a while back, and the monies went to Curly Horse Rescue. Let's take care of our animal friends ... "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Gandhi. TAGs and COMMENTs ... Please!

I have been enjoying a rediscovery, as it were, of my spindles. I admit it - for the *most* part - I am a Wheel kind of girl! Love both the speed and production. Spindles are slow - the amount of time needed to complete sufficient yardage can be tantamount to watching paint dry. Most days - I like the instant gratification of a wheel.

The spindle *does* provide the tried and true mobility that is SO important during these summer months. When it is HOT, I can take a spindle under the shade of the grape arbor and enjoy the sun playing tag with the leaves while inhaling the intoxicating scent of new born grapes. I guess slowing down is what the spindle is all about!

So, I applaud you, O humble spindle! And while my wheel has never seen the inside of the Fleet Center - suffice to say, my Hatchtown has!! Besides, 'baby skeins' are SO cute! TAGS and COMMENTS .... please!

Give me 20 below any day! I can handle it ... wind, snow, freezing rain, ice. I can take it stride. If I get cold, I don't turn up the heat - I reach for another sweater - or another pair of hand knitted socks. But this humidity?? ... I am totally melting. (I am crabby, tired and with very flat hair too!)

But - I knit on!! I finished the socks out of my
Wandering Wizard colorway. What can I say?? I love using a simple stockinette stitch on varigated yarns ... it adds excitement to an otherwise boring stitch!!

I also started the "Misty Garden" Scarf from the book Scarf Style. The yarn is another one of my (dyEing) BOO-BOOs. I really like the way it looks. Doesn't it remind you of a "Tequila Sunrise"? TAGS and COMMENTS .... please!

First, I must apologize! The harder I try to keep, the more I tread in a sea of fiber. I guess my ISP spam filter works well, really well. Out of approx 25 tags & comments left at this BloG - I may see 2. Yep ... that is all folks. I do try to peek to make sure I am not missing anyone - but, sometimes I do. Sigh .... If you don't hear back from me - I am not ignoring you - I just didn't realize you paid me a visit.

Want to know what makes my heart pound as quickly as a good fiber?? Cheese!! I love cheese! Not the presliced, cello-wrapped polyester stuff you find in the grocery store ... not even the "Cabot" quarters or "Kraft" specials ... I mean, pure artisan cheeses that reflect a commitment to the art of cheesemaking as well an unadulterated way of life.

These were my conquests this weekend (clockwise, beginning with the orange wedge):Mimolette;Piave Vecchio; Westcombe Cheddar, Red and Midnight Moon.

Of course, I didn't finish all of them .... well, suffice to say, the "Mimolette" est finis! TAGS and COMMENTS .... please!

What to do when a dye experiment runs amuck??? KNIT!!

I recently did a colorway that was less than exciting to me ... didn't do anything for my inner fiber child. I surely was NOT going to sell it at The Knotty Sheep nor was I about to throw it out. (Although, I was tempted.) .... I figured socks were the way to go.

I threw caution to the wind and started to knit - hoping that they *would* fit. I can always use socks for these sized 10 beasties! If they didn't fit, I trusted that they would make their way to some deserving soul. Well, unbeknownest to me ... the fiber gremlins were working overtime - think double time and a half! Not only did they fit me perfectly ... I LOVED the colorway AND I just had to recreate it. (I *did* too - the skein is drying!) What do you think of the name Wayward Wizard?? In fact, what do you think about the color?? BTW - the second sock has already been started ... YiPpEE!! TAGS and comments .... Please!

I survived the FOURTH and all of it's glory: the fireworks (Diesel hates them!); the guests (the one bathroom thing has got to go!) and cooking for a small (ravenous) army. I shudder to think about how much was actually consumed, both food and alcohol - but I am happy to report I was crowned with the best of titles: "Martini Goddess" ... I see a new colorway in my future with that name!

I was pleased that my new doormat had arrived given the lack of deliveries. The "Sheep at the Beach" needs a doormat made out of remnants from the flip flop industry. I will actually be using it as a large bathmat ... Check it out! I feel better knowing that I am keeping something out of the landfills - especially since the "Martini Goddess" emptied a few bottles (hiccup!)

Lucky for me - I finished the second ClaPpY prior to the whole "Holiday BREW Ha-Ha"!
It is made from a limited edition colorway from Brooks Farm . Sherry says she will be taking this colorway on the road ... I say ... Frequent flyer miles - here I come!! TAGS or COMMENTS .... Please!

One of the great things about being on this earth - at this moment in time - is that one person can truly make a difference in the lives of others. Upon reflection, that *is* why we are here. To help. To motivate. To offer a hand ... be it with a hammer, a hug ... or a knitted hat!

Want some inspiration?? Check out Cousin Tom's BloG. He is in Mongolia and is one of the tour de forces behind The Dulaan Project. (I will state, he is not my cousin - but Ryan's! To think .... the initial goal was 500 warm & wearable items ... now they are closing in on 4000! Woo-WHOO!

So ... as we close in on the 4th of July - I would like to thank all of those who have helped, motivated, and offered their hands to see that Freedom Lives . Thank YOU!!
TAGS & comments .... Please!

There are days - and then there are days! I am still in the midst of my second "ClaPpY"!! The decrease section is on the horizon - to which I am eternally grateful! Once this one is finis - I have at least 1 more. 2 if I decide I want another (I already have the yarn). It is a terrific item and I am *so* happy that I found the ClaPpY pattern - but my mind is wandering to other things ....

There are 101 books I want from Amazon .

There is the Noro yarn that is just waiting to be Interweave's "Dibs on Ribs".

There is also the pattern for the Minisweater - just in case I dare to bare my arms in a 'tank' this summer!

Ah ... so many 'mind' wanderings! I have been busy doing my sock yarn dyEing & carding! Triple Bling is a member's only special that features California RED wool! MoMMa Mia - those fleeces are tres hard to get. But - all in all, busy is good!

Except of course if you are *my* window boxes! Try as I might - no life forms will establish themselves - so inanimate objects ALWAYS pick up the slack! Martha, feel free to steal my idea! TAGS & comments ..... Please!

Thank goodness it is Friday! This week was weird given the very strange weather. 90's one day - 50's the next. Hate the former - love the latter. I actually got to wear my Peace Fleece Everyday Cardi yesterday ... seriously, how cool is that??

My contribution to The Dulaan Project is finally finis! I will mail it on Monday, due to the fact that the scarf I finished last night is blocking. I look forward to creating more items for them in the future. Maybe a sweater or shawl??!! This time, I will be sending 3 hats, 2 scarves and 2 pair of sox. I used worsted weight yarns for all - so they will be plenty warm. Here is a photo:

This weekend - I hope to finish my second ClaPpY! I am only in the 'straights' section so I will need a marathon knitting session. (Hmmm .... do you think DH will cook, clean, and take care of the pet kids while I knit??) Wish me luck! TAGs and Comments .... Please!

I am finally back from the "Land of the Melting"! With temps in the 90's ... I am good for absolutely nothing. Well, I shouldn't say 'nothing' ... I mean, even heat can't keep a fiber artist down. *It* may take a wee bit longer - but in the end, for me - to create is to breathe and now that the temps have dropped almost 30 degrees TODAY - I am breathing a whole lot easier!

As an artist, I have never been one to be 'overly matchy'. While I don't tend to break the rules - I bend them with 'glee and a glass of wine'. That is why I am delighted that the world is just finding out about mismatched sox! Now, I handpaint sock yarn - so ... look out world! Check out this article:
about MISmatched SOX. And, why didn't *I* think of selling them?? I mean, how FABulous is the name SOL Mates?

But, sometimes the MUSE must run amuck. Nothing like 'amuckness' to get those juices flowing! A while back, my friend Nancie sent me this fun kit from Bonkers. Didn't I tell you the heat couldn't keep me down? Check out *MY* fun hat! I am thinking of making a lampshade out of it ... YiPpEE! My muse doesn't sweat - does yours?? Comments or TAG me .... please!

One can never have enough fiber, yarn or projects going at one time! I have started my second ClaPpY and while I truly love the pattern - I find myself wanting to do something else.

Isn't that always the way?? We work on one project and dream of another!

No respectable woman, who calls her Blog "Sheep at the Beach", should be without a Seaweed Stole!! Don't you agree??? I mean, I *need* this!

But - the Project Boxes are busting at the seams! I just received 30 lbs of wool straight from the processor AND I just reserved 2 more fleeces!! (How can anyone resist a wensleydale X and a teeswater x when dangled in front of one's nose??)

So ... what do you think?? YAY or NAY on the "Seaweed Stole" .... Comments ... please!

Alas, no photos to present to you on this fine day! My camera isn't broken - just feeling a wee bit lazy! What would I photograph?? The 30 lbs of wool that arrived on my doorstep this past week?? The *really* cute books my friend Pamela sent me from 'across the pond'?? (BTW: The Sweaterheads are *quite* funny! ... Thanks, Pamela!) OR Maybe I should photograph the winter woolies I am making for The Dulaan Project to give a final push to those who are creating for this wonderful cause as the items *must be* received by July 1. Hmmmm ....???? What to do!

Well, since the *Worldwide KNIT-OUT Day* is fast approaching, (June 11, 2005) - I thought I would point you to this: FREE CONTEST. Get those needles ready!! AND BloG photos?? I will point you here: Stasia takes the best pictures!! Comments .... please!

I am *so* ready for a long weekend!!

The weather here has been nothing short of "ark-like" ... Drenching rains! Gusty winds! Bone chilling dampness! Great for wearing wool ... Bad for the freshly planted vegetables.

After 4 days of insurmountable drudgery, I made it into the garden (read: the compost needed to be emptied). My tomatoes & eggplant look fine - the few seeds that became uncovered were happy to receive a 'tap-tap-tap' back into the soil. I am hoping the sun will make an appearance this weekend ... I need a Vitamin D fix.

Of course, this weather does NOT lend to a quick dry time of hand dyEd Sock Yarn skeins! MoMMa Mia!! I did manage to snap a 'still' of these babies!! On top, left to right:
"Creamsicles on Bicycles" and "Taffeta Tutus of the Rose Fairies".
On the bottom, left to right: "Queen of the Lavender Fairies" and "Jazzy Frogs on Electric Lily Pads". And if you are feeling Shoppie - there is no time like the present ... Wink! Wink!! Be Knotty this weekend!! Comments .... Please!

Tonight ... 24 is on TV. Both DH & I got totally hooked on this show - just this year! Now, for those of you who do NOT watch it - SHAME! It is so cool and so addictive - and it is "Season 4"! Keep in mind what I just 'said', DH & I got hooked THIS year!

What are groupies to do?? Well, purchase "Season 1", borrow "Season 2", purchase "Season 3". We couldn't find anyone to mooch the 1 & 3 off of so - eBay and Amazon won our business. Suffice to say - this show makes Kiefer Sutherland a 'hoTTie'!

So ... while I wait for 9pm to arrive - I will spin, knit AND stir the dYe pot! But don't think for a moment that "24" is my only addiction. Fiber *does* play into my psyche!! Another *new* favorite thing - dyEing sock yarn! Love it! Love it! Love it! What do you think of Cocktails on Nantucket ? Comments .... please!

I have been knitting - much to the chagrin of my dyEing & carding.

Earlier this week, I had lunch with my parents (who live out of state). My ClaPpY was resting ever so gingerly upon my shoulders. I admit to looking a tad cosmopolitan! (Suffice to say - I looked *good*!) Anywhoo - dear MoM announced that said ClaPpY is just the thing she needs to keep the chill at bay when she does her VEGAS junket. You guys to know that I live in New England, right?? Well - she gets chilly playing the slots.

More Brooks Farm yarn will be ordered. It will be an early Bday gift.

Since I am not "Slap-CLAP-HaPpY" at the moment - I decided to use a wee bit of my handspun for a scarf. I recently became aware of the neatest charity:
The Dulaan Project. They ship warm woolies to Mongolia! Perfect for all the sox, mittens & scarves that tend to accumulate in a knitter's stash. The next shipment must be received by July 1 (snail mail is on their web site) - plenty of time for a pair of sox or 2. Currently, I am working on The Morning Surf Scarf - yes - there are dropped stitches - but it is spun from alpaca & silk - so it provides lightweight warmth! I buy yarn/fleece - I donate to a charity who needs it! It keeps a wonderful balance in my Universe! Comments - please!

I am HaPpY for several reasons today!!

First, it is Friday. Granted, on *this* particular weekend, weather forecasters are predicting that an ARK will be needed for transportation. I am quite despondent about the forth coming gloom & doom as I was traveling a wee distance for a yarn & bead pilgrimage. Won't happen this weekend .... woe is me!

Second, The Knotty Sheep has now collected over $200 for the
Southeast Llama Rescue! I am delighted, but I still hope to do a lot better by the time my self imposed deadline of October 31,2005 arrives.

And last, but not least .... I am ClaPpY HaPpY!! My Clapotis is FINIS! I love it and plan to make one or two more. I *know* I need to make one for a friend for Christmas .... but, this could become a staple in *my* wardrobe. I used Harmony yarn in the Amarillo colorway from Brooks Farm Yarn. I chose it due to my penchant for wearing jeans every day. I recommend the yarn highly. Wonderful softness - high luster! Well, what do you think of my newest FO?? ..... Comments, please!

I have been SO busy knitting my Clapotis that I haven't truly focused on anything else!! I started said "ClaPpY" last Thursday - I would like it to be FINIS tomorrow. How cool is a one week FO??

Of course that means I will be doing a little marathon knitting session tonight .... C'est la vie!

But while I am suffering from the "Clap" - my mind has also been wandering to the out of doors. I guess I am lucky (??) that the weather hasn't been overwhelmingly beautiful of late. While I am able to satisfy my "ClaPpY" cravings - I truly enjoy springtime flowers and the beauty they bring. You can too ... not only will you be helping those with disabilities - your yard will be beautiful ... you will also be saving plants from being destroyed AND - did I mention, they are FREE?? (OK - there *is* a $6.95 processing/shipping fee - so, they are *almost* free!)

FREETrees&Plants.com was brought to my attention by a local news station. Thank you Channel 5!! So - the next time you surf the internet for fleeces & fibers - surf a bit for some flowers too! N~joY!! Comments ..... Please!

I have been a *very* busy little bee of late .... Today, I embarked on a new venture at The Knotty Sheep: sock yarn.

The "Painted Toes" line has been unveiled! Toes & feet around the world will know a little slice of stylish heaven. Color, color & more color - dancing on a canvas that is merino wool! OOOO - La-LA! The two colorways which made their debut were "Jazzy Frogs on Electric Lily Pads" and "Skinny Dipping on Clouds"! (I think you will be able to tell which is which!) Please take a peek .... and as always - Comments, please!

Here I sit, with a stack of clean fiber to my right. After I finish typing - I will place my left hand ever so gently on said fiber and then I will raise my right hand. I will recite "I will never ask my husband for permission ... again"!.

Seems strong, I know. But, to give a wee bit of background ... I wasn't asking for a new wheel, new car or diamonds. I wasn't asking for a new house, a large stock portfolio or a boat. I wasn't even asking for a trip to Tahiti or an a bottle of 1787 Chateau Lafite ... all I was asking for was a night off from dinner planning, cooking & cleaning. Truth be told, I was asking for a "large, Buffalo Chicken Pizza" - to the tune of $15.23 (that *is* tax included).

Don't get me wrong - my husband is a nice guy. He puts up with my wool, yarns, wheels, spindles & needles all over the house. And, he is the first to get tickets to a local pro sporting events (think NE Patriots or Boston Red Sox) - but, the pizza? ... Just don't go there!!!

Next time, I will call and have it delivered. Sometimes it is just easier to ask for forgiveness - than it is to ask permission. (BTW - the pizza *was* most excellent!) Comments .... please!

One of the most tedious parts of anything is the planning. Sometimes I like to plan - other times I don't. Knitting, to me, is an adventure .... why plan? All it takes is some needles - and fiber - and the journey begins. Alas, lack of planning has doomed the most mighty of warriors ... I am no exception. Not that I am a warrior - I prefer to think of myself as someone who takes risks in sensible shoes.

I just finished turning the heel of my second sock ... notice how much yarn I have left. Granted, my size 10s do take a more than modest amount of yardage - but, I acted on faith (translate that statement to 'lack of planning', please see above) and much to my chagrin - I am WAY short. Off to the Frog Pond they will go. Now the question becomes - do I restart the sox OR do I start the
Clapotis??

See that case of wine?? Well, I found an incredible Pinot Grigio that is INexpensive - ok - it is down right cheap! Don't you just love the name Fish Eye Winery? Anywhoo .... I stuffed my second sock in an empty slot. Now, why is it an "empty slot" you may ask?? The Pinot is chilling - after all - I *do* plan sometimes! Comments .... Please!

I am pretty excited ... I finished ONE WHOLE SOCK this weekend! The other will be cast on tonight so I may not suffer from the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome !

Why is this exciting you may ask? Well, check out those colors! I dyEd this colorway and I love it. "Simple Glory" is perfect for those denim days ... Pure 100% merino wool socks , my toes will be in heaven! Stay tuned ... more toes will be heaven bound soon ...... Comments .... Please!

There always seems to be something new I either want to do, need or try! Such is life when you play with fiber and yarns! But, I take solace in the fact that I am not alone. Most of us have more than one project on the needles at one time! Most of us have more than one fleece to play with at one time! And most of crave more, each and every day.

Sigh .... I have finished one sock (for charity) and I have started its mate. My aran sits woefully neglected! My Clapotis is just a twinkle in my eye! And, my Project Box has yet to shrink. I understand that increased daily sunshine makes everything grow ... this box is no different than any other life form!

Should I mention the new fleece that arrived this afternoon? A Karakul lamb!! Check out that staple length!! Holey Moley ... isn't it grand?? Comments .... Please!

Since I refuse to start another Project Box at this time ... (truth be told, I need to *find* another box in simliar dimension to the original PB) .... Now is the time to hurry and work on projects that are waiting in the wings.

I am haPpY to announce, I finished my first Red item for the Knit Red Along! This group is helping to promote awareness of women in respect to heart disease. I will be creating at least 6 different red items for Christmas gifts - all with tags with heart related information. You can peek at my
Red Irish Hiking Scarf below. Isn't it YuMMy?? I used 2 skeins of Ukranian Red Peace Fleece yarn. The cables show up so nicely.

But, if I could just return to the Project Box for one second. Since PB #2 already has a waiting list .... check out the fun stuff I have received in TRADES (well, 2 of the books I did buy) the last several weeks. MoMMa Mia .... I will be busy! Busy! Busy! These babies are in the queue! Comments ..... please!

I have been extra busy of late! Working (day job), working (fiber job), spinning & knitting. That doesn't take into consideration household chores and other assorted responsibilities. Top it all off with cruising the internet and finding wonderful free patterns just waiting to be created. (OK - some need to be purchased - but, Hey! - I share the love!) Yes - I am busy!

Of course, when I find a pattern that peeks my curiosity, I print it for my 3" binders. I splash the word free in the upper right hand corner, so I know I may share it at some future date. Being an artist that holds several copyrights - I uphold my fellow artists' creations with deep consideration!

Now, knowing me, the way that "I am" - I go off to search for the appropriate yarns that make my heart sing. What is more glorious than a wonderful pattern complimented by the most perfect of yarns?? But, knowing me the way that "I do" - I forget 'what yarn' is for 'what pattern' and I end up by doing something totally nuts with it!

Enter "Project Box"! My "Project Box" has patterns bagged with appropriate yarn! Kits awaiting for the touch of my finger tips! Special skeins waiting to be united with the most wonderous of patterns! My "box" was loaded within 5 mins - and it is 36" long. Sigh ...

Well, I must get cracking! I find at least 3 new patterns a day! That is almost 1100 patterns in a year! Woe is me ... it is already April! Comments .... Please!

I am delighted that it is Friday! Sad that we are expected 2"-5" of rain tomorrow as it has already ruined my plans - but, I am glad that it is Friday!

I was all set to write about artists. Performance artists! Musical artists! Fiber artists! Writers! All who try to earn an income playing with what ignites their souls! It is hard in this day & age of Walmarts and fast foods. But, I digress - I decided NOT to write about it.

Instead - I received my new tote from a wonderful lady named SallEE! It has tons o'pockets to stash my stash in! And it is made with 2 hands and a big heart - and it is "retro" Paris! It is an objet d'art! And - it was made just for ME!! You just can't buy *that* at Walmart!

Thanks SallEE for the wonderful
objet d'art. Hey, you know what?? She would be delighted to make one for you too!
Comments ....please!

I survived the holiday! YiPpEE! Now, it is back to work! Seriously - shearing season is here ... and there will be an influx of wool arriving. Might be today - might be tomorrow - but, I know it is coming.

I have been busy both knitting & spinning. Carding & dyEing too. (You can see the fruits of my labor HERE - sorry for the plug, but see above paragraph! :)

The one thing that I haven't been doing is my pastel artwork. I just seems like it is not fitting into my schedule right now. Could it be lack of interest?? Lack of space?? Lack of desire?? Well, I thought I would share an art piece I did a while back ... subtle urging by the general public never hurt. Comments ... please!

I have been busy doing 101 things. Yes - Easter is Sunday and I am hosting the festivities. Not the worst thing in the world - but - all my beautiful fleeces are in 'limbo' until the beginning of next week.

Seriously, how can I dYe a ton of wool *this* week?? I would be a nervous wreck fearing that an errant furball would meet its demise on a guest's dinner plate!!

Thankfully, I can still knit (Irish Hiking Scarf) and spin. Isn't it great that my dog is as passionate as I about spinning?? Comments .... Please!

Nothing cheers up a "krabby" fiber artist (don't ask) quicker than goodies in the mail! My second order from Earth Faire arrived. YiPpEE!

You must stop by this wonderful cyber-store! Ellen is a PEACH! Here are my goodies: Maple Leaf Scarf pattern; Hanging Vines Scarf Kit; Diamond Patch Mittens; and the Lost Points Shawl Kit! This features a red colorway ... perfect for the Knit Red Along - this is to raise awareness of Women & Heart Disease. Do join us! (Did I mention, the shawl will be for ME??)

And check out my progress on the Irish Hiking Scarf. I know - you can barely see the cables! Alas .... but, I am using my handspun which features an Old English Sheep dog named "Rocky". (Thanks - "Rocky"!!) It will be gifted to my neighbor this coming Christmas. (Yes ... I am planning ahead!) Comments .... please!

It takes me a while to climb aboard things. Maybe it is due to procrastination. Maybe it is due to individuality. Who knows?? But, as of the very near future - I will be climbing aboard the ClapotisTrain. Isn't it neat?? Love the pattern and the wideness of it.

I will spinning the yarn for it - so it will be done by NEXT fall. (Notice, I *did* say very near future in the first paragraph!) I still have some suffolk on the wheel that I would like to finish first. But, I have decided to use some wonderful wool that I purchased from The Silkworker 100 years ago. Yes ... this was before I started mine own little fiber biz & something this wonderful should not be wasted. Won't this make a perfect Clapotis?? Comments ... please!

Cold! Cold! Cold! MoMMa Mia has it been cold! Feels more like January than March. Isn't Spring sometime this month??

Since Fiber Fest season is upon us ... my new & improved Cafe Press store is now OPEN !! Shop til you "drop spindle"!!! I wore my official "Be Knotty" T shirt the other day - albeit with a turtle neck underneath - I felt down right whimsical! :)

AND - I did want to show you a FABulous GOTLAND fleece I just purchased from Southwest Trading. This is Clasina - isn't she a beauty?? Comments .... please!

With shearing season upon us - I should be telling you of the wonderful goodies arriving at my doorstep! California Red!, Cotswold lamb! YuMMy! I should be taking pictures - but, at this point - they are traveling onward to the processor. (I do not *DO* dirty fleeces!) :)

But instead of telling you of my wonderful finds - I shall spare you the drooling and will turn my attentions on a wonderful writing class I am taking. It is via email - & it has been an eye-opener! I am telling you about it here - because when
Maitri's book is finis - I am sure everyone will be clamoring for her attentions. I envision an invitation to appear on "Oprah"!! It is THAT good!

I invite you to travel down the road of self discovery - it will be an interesting journey. AND the really cool thing is - you can take the journey in bed slippers! A portion of her proceeds go to various charities (check her BloG!) - giving back makes the Universe sing a little louder.

Feel free to take a peek at Wabi Sabi Writing I am REALLY glad I did! ..... Comments! Please. (No affiliation with Maitri - just a happy student and honored to have her as a friend!)

The weather outside is frightful - but the woodstove is so delightful! I LOVE our wood stove ... it makes these New England winter nights cozy & comforting. Yes - we received another blast of snow. Not to much - just about 5". I am wearing 2 sweaters - a pull over I knit a few years ago from North Islands Designs - and a cardigan that was bought in a mall kiosk at an 'after Christmas sale', also a few years ago. You know the type of sweater I am talking about: thick, bulky, scratchy. It was knit with something tantamount to airplane upholstery fabric. Heck, made shoveling the driveway bearable. I actually broke a sweat!

Tonight - "24" is on. Woo-Whoo! I will be sitting near the woodstove, spinning some merino & silk with sleeping doggies at my feet. I hope you N~joY your night too! Comments .... Please!

February has come in with a bang! After receiving almost 3' of snow last month - Mother Nature gifted us with another 6" yesterday. I am glad the water tables will be 'topped off' for spring/summer gardening. I was thinking of gardening today while shoveling ... guess I have tomatoes on my mind.

Tonight, will be a toss up between knitting & spinning. I started sox on the way to the Superbowl last week - and I have only completed about 4" of one tube. (The 'Spiral Tubes' from Socks! Socks! Socks!) Weird - but they are actually in Philadelphia colors - what WAS I thinking???

Tomorrow will be spent carding & dyEing. After all, vacation is over! If you are feeling Shoppie - I am really proud of "A Song is Born"!

Comments ... please!

HaPpY February!

In all respects - where exactly did January go? So, it was cold, dark & snowy - but it still flew by. C'est la vie!

I will be starting some sox this week!! Straight out of the "Socks! Socks! Socks!" book. Something EZ PZ ... a totally mindless venture. I have chosen the simple 'Spiral Tubes'. My mind is in a flux ... simple pattern, no heel - this should suit me for the upcoming week!

Do I have to remind anyone that the Superbowl is this coming Sunday??? Woo-WHOO! Two words ... "GO PATRIOTS"!!

Over the next few days - I will be headed to Florida to cheer the Pats on. NO! I don't have tickets to the actual game - just a cheapo flight & a nice room on the beach in St. Augustine. I hear the Fountain of Youth is there! YiPpEE ... maybe if I jump in I will get carded when I hit the bar! Comments ... please!

Verizon decided to 'wig-out' - so, at this time, I am pictureless. Seems kind of weird to look at those little red x's and know that they are hollow shells of what WAS there. Sigh ...

Well, I have counted ... as of this date - I have 10 fleeces coming this spring! YiPpEE! Haven't even used all my stock from LAST year, but that is ok. All in good time. Did I mention some "Paco-Vicuna" is coming to live with me?? YiPpEE, again!

My friend, Maitri, has created a Fiber Ministries BloG where you can reference all sorts of interesting tidbits! Do stop by - the world could use a "Woolen Hug" from you. Comments, please!

I have to say ... I am *SO* excited that The Patriots won their game this past Sunday!! Payton Manning?? Who *is* that?? (Of course, he is the NFL MVP - with a ton of nice stats & a huge paycheck to boot - but I ask you ... where is his Superbowl ring??? Hmmm???)

'Nuff said!

Been busy doing all sorts of fibery things! I mailed off 2 hats for "Afghans 4 Afghans" - spinning - dyEing - carding and knitting! Yes siree .... before Christmas I received 10 orders for my scarves. Three more just came in! (YiPpEE!!) So - here I would like to present "Hot Flashes"! Well ... what do you think?? Comments please!

I am going to do something wild & crazy in the "Shoppie" department this year: to satisfy said shoppies for myself and others by purchasing on eBay! I won't hold myself strictly accountable for ONLY purchasing on eBay - but, it is such an amazing GLOBAL retail force.

Since I have decided that my mantra for 2005 is to "Enjoy Every Moment" - I can best enjoy each moment if I don't deal with malls & mall traffic. I like shopping in my slippers! And the ideas that come from all the wonderful things I see .... MoMMa Mia!!! (Of course - I *do* sell on eBay too - but, that is a different story!)

Check out the Colinette I just bought (off eBay) ... doesn't it scream seaweed to you?? Comments .... please!

A belated "HaPpY New Year" to you!

With each passing year - the time flies by! MoM was right, the older you get, the faster it zooms. C'est la vie.

I hesitate to admit to any 'resolutions' - they are nothing more than unobtainable wishes. Instead - I commit to the philosophy of "Enjoy every moment"! Life is to short NOT to comprehend the nuances of each precious second ... especially since the devastation a world away.

I also commit to involving myself more with others. I need to get out of my own way - and out of my own head - and into the lives of others. It is only with sharing of ourselves that we truly receive the gift of humanity. With that - I have joined two lists which have evolved out of love for our sisters & brothers! Wanna join too??
All Crafts 4 Charity accepts a wide range of knitted/crocheted items. First on their agenda - woolies for "Afghans 4 Afghans"! I can *do* that!!

Artist Noreen Crone-Findlay has started recruiting fellow artisians to create dolls for sale with a portion of the proceeds being donated to various charities (ie: The Red Cross, Americares, etc) - I have never really made a doll before -but, I am willing to try!!

Be alive in 2005!!