Finally ... I dyed my yarn for Melanie's Mystery Stole #2!

The yarn started like this: Naked!

And before it hit the heat - it looked like this:

Now - it sits waiting for a final rinse.

I know that I will alternate skeins during the actual knitting of the stole. I am sure slight variations have occured - which will add some depth to the project. While I understand that variagated yarns do not show lace patterns well, this is yarn was dyed using the same color (Mulberry) just 3 different solution strengths.

I am really looking forward to seeing what these babies turn into! Comments, please!

I have been actively looking for vintage knitting items and sewing notions of late. I find it interesting the way things of the past are still connected to the present.

Maybe that is why so many of us still surround ourselves with antiques and childhood memories. They remind us more of innocence and simplicity rather than high tech and mechanical gadgets.

Recently, I found these Grace Ennis beauties on eBay. I don't know who actually knit the sock - but I wonder - did the knitter knit her loved one an article of clothing out of necessity or out of her passion for knitting? I will never know.

This vintage piece has been washed, needles and all and will find itself in a shadow box on the studio wall. I like the idea of immortalizing this knitter - more of us should think of our fiber art as art! Let's decorate our walls - furniture - and each other!! Comments, please!

Sparks of creativity abound!

First of all - I spun chickens!! Aren't they cute??

Lace knitting??? Melanie's Mystery Stole #2 is going to be a hoot! It is almost like knitting in the dark as you don't know where the pattern is going to lead. Probably best not to be over caffinated or over imbibed while working on it.

If you are looking for a total "Kreative BlitzKrieg" ... there is Dave's challenge! It is called " Bitchin' Mittens and it's purpose is to design ARTsy mitts! They can be wearable or not ... Sounds fun, don't you think??

Have have climbed aboard both Kreative Trains .... my goal is to complete each journey ... Toot! Toot!

Of course, then there are these patterns that my MoM gave me! "The Sweaters Around the World" is dated 1963. What fun!! And the "Great Circle Shawls" is from 1973. The interesting thing about both booklets is the designs translate well into today's
fashion. You *have* to love that!! I am curious ... the shawl booklet dictates size 13 or 15 needles - hmmmm, very interesting!

I am going to be one busy girl this summer!! Comments, please!

I received some wonderful comments/emails re: my last post. Thank you! I was a tad fearFULL to put my rant into a public forum - but, why not?? Lucky for me - the messages I received were filled with positive thoughts and reflections!

One person, who wrote me privately, (wave!!) stated: " You have challenged us to look at how we live this wonderful life we are given. " I love this!! Thank you and ALL of those who took the time to make my day. THIS is the kind of stuff that makes life grand!

On a creative note ... I have been thinking crewel work of late. Don't ask - I am just going with the flow of things. I stumbled upon Kristen's BloG a little while ago. I was mezmerized by her artwork - I had to run out and get her book!!

The colors and whimsy of her designs are fantastic! Hmmm .... it got me so excited that I had to run out and buy 6 yards of muslin. It is all washed and dried in the sunshine - just waiting for me to play with it! What will I do?? Well - do stay tuned!

Remember ... today is a GREAT day to support an artist!
Comments, please!

The last few days on Spindler's List, there has been a 'thread' re: the amount artists charge for their work.

Being an artist who dabbles in a few different mediums as well as one who tries to earn a living using my creative talents - I found it interesting. I know that there is a happy balance between living "off" creativity & creatively living. It is a balance I hope to obtain.

I will not be bashing any corporation here today. Don't get me wrong - there are a good many who do need a public flogging. It is my humble opinion that each of us needs to look in the mirror before we start slinging mud onto the corporate logos of world. We *really* need to educate the consumer as to why our goods merit top billing on an over zealous, commercialized planet.

We need to set the example ... Do we buy others art? Do we complain about the prices others charge? Do we promote a colleague when able?? Do we shop BIG stores instead of smaller MoMs & PoPs in order to save a buck?

I think we all need to work together to make an artistic difference while walking less harshly upon the Earth. Maybe we should all challenge ourselves to Eat LocaL ... Maybe we should start carrying canvas, crocheted or knitted totes to the grocery instead of using those USELESS plastic bags that hold nothing ... Maybe we should compost as much as we can & grow our own vegetables ... even if it is one lonely tomato plant in a big ol' bucket ... Maybe we should seek out vendors who give back to the earth & humanity ... Maybe instead of spending our hard earned dollars on FAST food, we should spend it on ORGANIC food ... Maybe we should support all artists: community theaters, local musicians, ballet troupes, fiber artists, painters & potterers instead of the "Celebrity D'Jour" ... Maybe instead of worshipping "Celebrity Chefs" - we should start being thankful for the farmers who provide the bounty - they are artists too.

Sigh ... I digress - I didn't mean to get on the proverbial soap box.... Lord knows I could go on and on. My message: Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... I leave you with one of my pastels - I hope it inspires you.

Comments, please!

This week, I have been busy 'spinning'. My wheels have been neglected - so I am compelled to lavish love upon them. They got the proper feeding of Wood Beams. Here is a little factoid to which I am proud: did you know that I am the one who 'named' the product for Aubrey?? Yes-indeedy!

Of course, I also found this little Penquin which I would love to adopt. Hmmm - on that note, I must point you to the cyber shop. :) (Shameless, shameless plug ... sorry - but, please continue reading!)

While on sabbatical I am attempting Total Kreativity .... Here is a giggle: When was the last time YOU had a 3 Day Hangover??? Comments, please!

I have finished the back of the Jack Frost! YiPpEE!

It is a pleasing piece, one that gives practice to intarsia (or is it fair isle?) with just enough stuff in the pattern to keep you on your toes. Don't know if I will cast on the the front today - we will see.

Well, what do you think?? Comments, please!

In these first few days of sabbatical - I am amazed at how much I have relaxed. There is a strange calmness about me. My muse is *tickled* - I can hear her giggling with anticipation!

One of my first steps into being more creative is to actually enjoy some of the things that inspire me. I love vintage embroidered tea towels/kitchen linens & vintage hankies. I have a modest collection tucked away. Tucked away?? Yes - you read that right. Why would inspirations be relegated to back closets & deep drawers?

Fear! It is that simple ... I am afraid to ruin them. But, this week - my muse has asked "What am I saving them for?" Most are in 'vintage' condition. Do I actually think my nieces & nephews would want used towels & hankies in this age of game boys & Ipods??

No!

One set as made it's appearance on my kitchen counter!

They will be used with the same love & tenderness that went into their creation decades ago. Suffice to say, I won't be wiping up red wine spills with them AND I will hyperventilate a wee bit at first - but creatvity is a process.

Of course, since inspiration is vital ... these little churros arrived on my door step at a most opportune time! "Rinnie (left) & "Katherine" (right) are beautiful!! Thanks Barbara for some wonderful fleeces!

Comments, please!

It is official: I am on sabbatical!
It feels a wee bit strange knowing that I do not have to go work for a bit. It also feels lazy, decadent and SO inspiring.

I want to savor this time. I want to cultivate creativity and to spend more time on me. Sounds rich, doesn't it??

Tomorrow, I will mail out my 44 hats, 2 pair of mittens & 2 scarves for The Dulaan Project. I am delighted that this 8 pounds plus of stash has been transformed into items for those who truly need them. Wanna see the goodies?

I also will focus my knitting time on the Jack Frost! Pamela is way ahead of me. My 3" look like this:

Hmmm ... maybe if I knit ALL night ......?

But, I still am working diligently on dyEing & carding wool . I mean, who would want to take a sabbatical from fiber?
Comments, please!

Animals have became an incredible JOY for me. They brighten my heart and lift my soul.
They inspire me to work hard when I don't feel like it. They encourage me to 'do more' for both their kind and mine.

I can't ask any more from them - *with* them, I achieve bliss!

I will admit to being totally consumed, distressed and despondent over Barbaro. I offer daily prayers and good energies to better his 50/50 percent chance of survival. While I don't agree with the premise of racing animals for human enjoyment .... it isn't his fault that it was his destiny to run. Get well soon!

As for fibery content - the "Jack Frost" was started and frogged. I will attempt it again VERY soon. But, in the mean time .... I was feeling a little Batty!!
Comments, please!

My friend, NANnette is bringing home her new shelter pup today!! I am just THRILLED that "Gump" has found a wonderful forever home. Stop by her BloG to send "HaPpY PuPpY" wishes ... and for all of those pups who wait for their forever homes, please CLICK HERE - it is FREE & each click helps to provide these pups the essentials!

Now, given the fact it has been raining for a week - I haven't done as much fiber play as I had hoped. C'est la vie .... the first photo is a new sock I have started. It is made from "Opal" and I missed the boat on this one ... this sock is crying for texture! I refuse to frog it!

The second photo is one of the new KAL my friend Pamela and I are doing. It is Lucinda Guy's "Jack Frost" jacket. Since I am the Queen of Peace Fleece - mine will be created with: "Georgia Pink, Firebird Orange and Antarctica White".
WhEEEEEE!!!!

Feel free to join us! I am looking forward to the challenge! Comments, please!

Certain events of the last few days bring to mind how much I value my dogs. I simply love them. There is no other word for it.

They are my family, my children and my friends. Do not think for a moment, that I don't know that they are dogs. But, given the fact that I have asked them to live in my world, I take that responsibility seriously. They are well cared for - they are fed well - they have ample toys, room, and medical care.

Even though they have been a part of my life for the last 11 and 8 years, respectively - training is still an on going thing. To be well mannered in life, is to live well!

If you are thinking of adding a pet friend to your life - it is my hope that you will consider your life style. Since I always am on the side of 'shelter-dogs',Petfinder is a great way to find a good dog (or other pets!) that need a loving home.

On the fiber front ... my sox are finis!! I am thinking I need to make more ... Comments, please!

One sock done .... one to go!
I hope to finish the second this coming weekend. Just like you, my next project is already planned. My friend, Pamela and I will be doing a fun little something .... stay tuned!

As incentive to complete them, I thought I would show you the sox. While this pattern had various textured stitches running thru it, I decided to just do a plain stockinette stitch. I think it shows the yarn off nicely. Comments, please!

In trying to decide the next project - I took into consideration the time factor. Not that "Snowstar" took me all that long - but with the ever growing list of fleeces that are arriving on my doorstep, I need to think of space.

Yes - even a smallest ball of yarn takes up valuable studio space.

I decided on sox - hopefully, I will complete them ASAP as my mind is wandering to other things. Granted, my friend Pamela has some things planned. (WhEEEEE! - more on that later!) but, sox are the 'quick fix' in the knitting world.

I must mention that Christine is sponsoring a wonderful contest for super star Christie who is a participant in Revlon's Run/Walk next month. This event helps to raise money to beat Women's Cancers - cervical, ovarian and so forth! So ... don't walk .... RUN to her pledge page - Ruth Ricks.

I offer these wonderful, one of a kind "Swingin' Singles" as a prize! Go Christie! Go Christine! Comments, please!

It was a glorious weekend ... I finished the SnowStar! I am truly excited - and I do love the way it turned out. Eventually, it will be sent to The Tibetan Children's Village. Thanks Stas for finding this wonderful organization which embraces the mantra of Peace! (You MUST check out Stas' wonderful dyEing journey!)

I really cranked this baby out - of course, listening to some good music helps. Over the last week, I must have listened to my Bo Bice CD at least 100 times. What a great compliation of new Southern Rock. And what a VOICE. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

Trying to decide what is next?? Sox or another sweater??? Comments, please!

I find it curious that most knitting magazines & catalogs that I have been seeing of late - have been less than motivating for me.

Bland patterns with exceptionally priced yarns provide little inspiration for my Muse.

I offer thanks to the Cyber-gods daily for the internet. I truly appreciate & am mezmerized by the talent & knowledge shared on the Ezines & BloGs. Merci!

Today, I happened to receive my print copy of The Woodland Woolworks Catalog. I experienced a surreal moment - many of the items pictured were items that I actually *wanted* to create. Some patterns were challenging - some were pretty - some were things that I think would actually look good on me!

Off I go to peruse the catalog for the 4th time! I am feeling a wee bit euphoric. Comments, please!

Well - finally ... a photo of the Snowstar! The Lena's Meadow Peace Fleece makes a wonderful background for the intarsia design! I love the tiny colorbursts of lavender & olive embedded in the subtle blue-green - it truly looks like a meadow.

I started the first sleeve last night. Hopefully, I will finish the whole sweater (including seaming ) within the week. As you know - the sweater will be sent to The Tibetan Children's Village. Hopefully, I will be able to send an addtional sweater at some point.

Back to the needles ... for some reason, I have the hankering to knit sox!
Comments .... please!

There is no fibery content here today. Why?? Well, I am still plugging along on the "Snowstar"! It is coming along nicely - although, my lack of concentration did me in. Yes - the front of the sweater made a trip to the frog pond.

C'est la vie. It was a learning experience. *I must not try to complete a project so quickly that I forgo reading the pattern directions!* N'UFF said.

Anywhoo ... who was the brain child who developed the term "designer dogs"? Why would you purchase THIS baby from a pet store??
When you could adopt THIS baby from a shelter?? N'UFF said. Comments please!

Epiphany! Yes - has been one of those days. Today, I realized that Easter is just 10 days away.

I knew it was coming ... DH & I play host/hostess each year. But, for some reason - it snuck up on me. Have I been to busy?? Have I NOT been paying attention??

Needless to say, I will be even MORE busy this coming week!!

What have I been doing?? Why, dyEing sock yarn, of course. Check out my latest beauties ... and if interested in sales and member's only specials, sign up for my YahOO Group. You just never know what you may find! WhEEEEE!!!! Comments, please!

Those who dabble in the fiber arts are most giving! While the world is filled with horror shows & horror stories - the quiet 'whir' of the spinning wheel and the strong pulse of the knitting needle can be heard echoing within the confines of the Universe.

As you know ... there are many charities to which to donate hand made items. My forte is wool & natural fibers, so I eagerly knit and spin for those who LOVE the warmth of wool! Enter my dear friend, Stasia.

Please read her BloG as she informs us of another wonderful charity who deservedly needs our wonderfully warm knitted items - the refugee children of Tibet.

Me?? Sure, I accept a challenge!! Since the Tibetan Children's Village needs sweaters - this Peace Fleece yarn
will be turned into this amazing Retro SKI Sweater!

Truth be told - I LOVE this sweater design so much - I am thinking *I* need one for ME!!
Comments please!

I just completed *the* cutest infant socks!! Look!


I used my very own - hand painted "Painted Toes" sock yarn. Didn't they come out so sweet & tiny?? (Pattern may be found here. - I plan on making several pair for various charities as they take minimal time on a size 1 needle.)

Check them out against my vintage "Forget-Me-Not" Knitter's Computer ! There is something charming about 'low tech'! Comments, please!

I just completed 2 more hats for Dulaan. It is pretty exciting as I have used over 7 pounds of yarn stash. With fleeces arriving on my doorstep- almost daily - (surprise! surprise!) - I doubt if there will be a fiber shortage anytime soon.

Knitters, crocheters and spinners have a myriad of charity choices to which they can contribute. While surfing today, I discovered another worthy organization: Warm Woolies. Would you please join me in making a difference in the lives of those on the Pine Ridge and/or Rosebud Reservations (orphanages in Russia & Kazakhstan are helped too)?

The hats?? Well, here is a photo. The left is done totally of my dyEd handspun. The one on the right is Ukranian Red Peace Fleece combined with one of my "Swingin' Singles". WhEEEEE!! Toasty TOT Heads, anyone??
Comments, please!

HaPpY Spring!

OK ... so here in the Northeast, the temperatures hovered in the low 30's with the wind chill making those 30's feel a wee bit more like the TEENS. Yep - baby, it is *still* cold outside.

Look who was waiting on my doorstep this afternoon in the sunshine and wind??? Why, Dobbie, the tunis ram lamb!! Isn't he handsome??
Thanks a zillion Laurie!



Both the chilly temps and March Madness worked in my favor over the last few days! I was able to complete one hat for Dulaan - another is on the needles. The fair isle mittens were finished as well! They came out fine - but I hope, with practice, I will overcome the tension issues which plagued me. (Photo will come after blocking, but, suffice to say, I am having fun wearing them.)

I was also able to dye & card .... while wool may be my love, dogs are my passion. They go hand & hand as the former helps me to raise money and awareness for the later. Did you know black dogs are the least likely to be adopted?? They actually call it Black Dog Syndrome. Well, if you are looking for a forever friend .... who wouldn't love a Black Pearl? Comments, please!

Hmmm .... you all know that I am UP for a good charity.
Save the World! Save the Whales! Save the Wolves .... my list is long and worthy. I admit to being a little biased - most of my charities concern animals - all that just might have to change - ASAP!

Enter, Dr. Dave Patterson! A Scottish born, Harvard trained PHd - this cutie is not only running THE BOSTON MARATHON he is running to benefit Children's Hospital.

Now, ladies .... hold onto your yarn - Dr. Dave is auctioning himself off on eBay!! Got to love a lad who is smart, kind, athletic AND is up for taking the winning bidder out to dinner!!

If you weren't light headed before - drop the knitting needles now and slowly step aside. I can't let you faint with anything in your hands!! .... It is my civic duty to mention Dr. Dave is running said 26 mile marathon in a KILT! BID NOW - then pass those smelling salts! Comments, please!!

Tomorrow is a scheduled rally day to boycott the Canadian Seal Hunt. I urge you to join via voice or dollar! Tell your local resturants and grocery shops that if they carry Canadian seafood, your disposable income will end up somewhere else.

We the People need to raise the bar and hold accountability to a higher standard.

OK - I am off my soap box now. Sorry - but I feel it necessary to scream about certain things in the hopes of being heard. :)

On a knitting note, my fair isle mittens - might and I do mean *might* be completed today. I will be over joyed ... and I already find myself thinking about 'what to do next'. Hmmm.... I just dyed these leicester longwool locks .... what kind of trouble can I get into with these??? Comments, please!

My Creative journey didn't begin with spinning or knitting. It actually began with me being an "artist". I can remember being very young and coloring when a small peer/child asked me "Do you think you are an artist or something?" - the remark was due to the way I was using my crayons. Smart child .... how did she know at such an early age that I am an artist?? Hmmm ....

The tools that we use to create can either enhance or detract from the final piece. This runs the gammet from canvas to papers to wools - anything that we use to create art should offer diversity and uniqueness and quality to capture our own individual personalities. I have been doing quite a bit of knitting recently (remember the fair isle mittens?) - and it dawned on me .... knitters do not have the same access to the wonderful wools that spinners do!!

Knitters, weavers, crocheters get banded skeins with generic ancestry. Sure, one might find 'merino' or 'shetland' .... but what about clun forest or gotland or teeswater or cheviot or churro??

Realizing the deficit - I am creating Buck Naked Sheep Skeins!! Beautiful skeins that feature the glorious colorways of sheepies that nature intended. (Sorry for the shameless plug, but I am thinking knitters need to know this!)

What do you think?? Good idea?? Comments, please!

The Olympics are FINIS for another 2 years. I have mixed emotions over their ending - well, now it is on to Beijing, 2008.

My knitting wasn't 'gangbusters', just one solo fair isle mitten was complete. Did you happen to see Melanie's Parade? MoMMa Mia, I am in awe ... I can't wait until she posts the pattern for the "Olympic Flame" socks!! (I did mention Beijing in 2008, right? If I start them as soon as she posts the pattern - I am pretty confident they will be done in time!)

Now I am on to mitten #2, plus I will continue to spin & card wool too. I call it "Cross Training"! Comments, please.

How are your knitting Olympics progressing??

Suffice to say, I am glad to be an UNofficial athlete. My fair isle mittens bit the Big One. I crashed & burned. I fell on the ice. I 'yard saled' (hip snow boarding lingo!) I straddled a gate. In knitting terms ... they got frogged.

I am currently using a size 5 needle as opposed to 4 - and they are looking so much better. Will keep you posted.

But, I have been having fun playing too. Check out my latest
Swingin' Singles! Aren't they pretty?

I am having a ball creating them!!

And for those of you who love animals - I thought that I would share a wonderful on line resource: Animal Voice. Poke around in this site - your emotions will run the gammet. My friend Alicia, who is a REAL LIFE inspiration to me - pointed me to this horrific situation: Save the Horses! . While you & I may not be able to save the Whole World this minute - maybe we can start by saving a little piece of it this second. Comments, please!

EARTH DAY is right around the corner!! While once thought to be a haven for hippie celebrations and granola- loving tree huggers - Earth Day is a reminder for all of us that we each share both an equal & important part in our planet's future.

So - in the coming weeks, I ask that you consider how YOU can improve your little part of the world. Recycle more?? Bring your canvas/knitted/felted market bags to the grocery store?? Compost organic waste?? Walk instead of ride when you can?? Turn down your household thermostat a few degrees?? ME?? I am starting something new today: a 5 minute shower!! The timer is coming in with me and when it goes off, I come out! (While some of you may already take a 5 minute shower, I like to grow webbed feet!) This should be interesting!
Wish me luck!

Progress is being made on my Fana Mittens. My tension is tight - which is causing me a wee bit of grief .... my hand barely fits!! I doubt that blocking will do the trick. And the thumb?? MoMMa Mia - I still don't know if I am doing it right. C'est la vie ... if not, off to the frog pond they will go, then Lo' and Behold, if I redo them, they may actually fit!! Comments, please!

How are your Olympics going??

Well, on the Torino front ... I am confused. Sometimes I hear "Turin" - most often I hear "Torino". Feel free to enlighten me. I am geographically challenged.

So far, I haven't minded the coverage. I usually worry about mass-market showmanship as it pertains to the "host network". Bob Costas is no Jim McKay. Short of seeing "Punk Rock Cardio Man" at the Opening (someone can enlighten me here too - what *was* up with that??) ... I have been faithful to them everynight - at least until 10:30 pm.

On the knitting front - I started a pair of fair isle mittens out of my handspun. No pictures yet! The way the bottom is curling - I might need to block them before public viewing!

I did manage to dYe/card a bit! I introduce you to Lillette .... Comments, please!

The Opening Ceremonies have started ... and well, I just couldn't decide what event to enter in the Knitting Olympics.

Fair Isle?? Spinning?? Sox?? Mittens?? Each event has it's own technical requirements - it's own fantastic challenge with an equal time constraint.

So, during this Winter Olympics, I will sit on the sidelines, cheering for the good Ol' U S of A - with my knitted fair isle cap gracing my head and quite possibly my Dale of Norway "Lillehammer" adorning my soul.

I will spin - I will knit - and I will collect these achievements like medals earned ... only to display them proudly at the closing ceremonies!

I raise my needles to the wind and tap them loudly - to cheer all the athletes & knitters a like. May all your dreams be fulfilled over these next 2 weeks.

And while I sit and contemplate which projects to do - I take solace in the fact that I have a least one thing (oops - 2 things, we are both from NH!) - in common with Bode Miller (who, by the way - I REALLY, REALLY like.) - we will both be toasting (hiccup!) the athletes - Olympic Style. Luge, here we come! Comments, please!

Today, I made my doggies cookies.

That is right, home baked, fresh (almost) organic cookies. They deserve it. They don't ask for anything ... and yet, they are always there to comfort, to console and to love. My Motu & Diesel ... you are the best!


Now - I mentioned these home baked cookies are "almost" organic ... seems like my flour is *not*. Sigh ... try as I might, organics are difficult to locate. But, here is a tip I will share concerning the produce you see at your grocery store: (courtesy of "Vegetarian Times", March 2005)... Produce Stickers, Buy the Numbers ....

** 5 digits, starting with 8 ... The produce was genetically modified. (My interpretation ... STAY AWAY!)

** 5 digits, starting with 9 ... The produce was grown organically.

** 4 digits , the produce was grown conventionally.

Oh the doggie cookies??? Aren't they cute?? Comments, please!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

Now that I have achieved Fair Isle Nirvana - this past weekend was spent creating, once again for The Dulaan Project. To date - I have used over 7 POUNDS of STASH! Holey Moley! I still have much to do - but the process is fun.

Check out the "Onion Dome" hat made from Peace Fleece. Sturdy and warm ... I love the way it worked up. The pattern called for a picot crochet edging - well, that is a wee bit above my head. I managed some type of 'crochetness' to soften the edges ... I looks *really* nice if I do say so myself!


I also was playing in the DyE Pots!! Can you believe that Ola Lola came out of ONE pot??
I am in OVER-drive .... Look out!! Comments, please!

Since my last posting - I have been busy learning Fair Isle. Just to inform the interested public: I LOVE doing it!

Below, you will find a picture of my completed
Bea Ellis Hat!
The pattern is well written. I highly recommend her kits - both the novice and the 'hard core' FI knitter will love them.

As you know - dogs are an important part of my life. So, as you can see - I chose "The Dog" hat. (BTW: please click
HERE for homeless pets. My Motu & Diesel say "Woof!" - thank you! )

Isn't this a GREAT hat?? Comments, please!

Just so you know - I have completed my first Fair Isle project.

Yes - I am excited! Yes - I am thinking that I am pretty cool!

Of course, certain swear words were yelled across the den as my husband tried to talk to me. Of course, my shoulders ached for a full 24 hours as I was gripping the yarn tightly - as if my life depended upon those 2 thin strands. Proper floats are important, you know!

But, I did it and I am proud. Now my friend, Pamela, is suggesting that a Jack Frost Jacket by Lucinda Guy (scroll down here a wee bit) is in order for the Yarn Harlot's Olympic Challenge. I am feeling a wee bit faint. I guess it is the same feeling I would get if I were a member of the US Skeleton Team. You know the feeling of sledding down an icy slope at 100+ mph, FACE FIRST?

I should let you know, that I do love this little jacket. Since I don't have kids - off to a charity it would go upon completion. But, is it to ambitious?? Hmmm???

Oh - you want to see the Fair Isle I did?? - Remember: no laughing allowed. Olympic athletes take their training seriously. :) Comments, please!

Weather in New England is nuts! .... We went from almost 60 degrees to 8 in the span of 48 hours. With howling winds, pouring rain and a wee bit of snow - fiber was the word of the weekend! (OK - football was right up there too - but with the Patriots loss - sigh ... )

Cold temps and weekends set the scene as a grand playground for wool!

My friend Stasia doesn't live in NE - but her chilly temps sparked a wonderful scarf. (I am boasting a wee bit as I painted the yarn!) I am *really* thinking I need a Rigid Heddle Loom now - her art piece is simply amazing!

My friend Pamela has been busy doing vests for the CIC . Aren't they wonderful??

Me? Well ... I finished my 39th hat for Dulaan. AND - I have decided to change my goal just a tad. I am getting BORED doing hats ... so my challenge has become "100 Woolies." This way, I can do scarves or mittens or vests or sox. I just don't like being bored.

I also spun some wonderful romney from a sheepie named "Handsome". His fleece is glorious. I am pretty sure these will see the dye pots .... but right now, I just like looking at 15 oz of woolie bliss. Look at that luster! Comments, please!

I have been BloG hopping! I love reading BloGs and find the amount of talent in the world is incredible to say the least. The amount of spinning and knitting some folks do is nothing short of amazing.

I am not one to usually suffer from completion issues - I find I don't have the room in the studio (or the house for that matter) to leave tons of UFOs lying around. DH is good about the bags of fleece (currently 36 in in-house inventory, 3 still at the processors and 4 ready to go!) - but I dread to think of what would happen if he sits on a knitting needle unawares.

Since we are 10 days into the New Year - I have found myself already uttering "If I only had more time". I admire those knitters who can create a whole fair isle - Dale - type sweater in a 2 day time span! Well, God isn't going to add 3 hours onto a 24 day for me ... so I must pull myself up by worsted weight and deal.

Little snippets of time do add up. My spindle usually travels with me - as well as an 'in progress' hat or sox. My
Stasia #33 Spindle is full with singles ready to be plied. This was done at work yesterday ... and my 38th Dulaan hat was created from a skein that I wheel spun and tucked into a vat of dye while doing some "Kitchen Sinks". See, snippets of time?? I have used almost 7 pounds of stash to create these hats - YiPpEE!


Which is a 'good thing' - given the fact that this wool & chiengora blend from Firefly Fields just found it's way to my doorstep!
Time management is important .... I can't do everything! :) Comments, please!

My first post of 2006!! I am hoping that this year will be one of gentle walking & talking amongst my fellow beings upon the Earth.

I am also hoping that it will a year complete with Finished Objects! So far - 35 hats have been completed for Dulaan 2006! I am pretty darn excited - but I still have a long way to go!

I am also hoping that 2006 will be a year of Creativity! I will try to venture down the Fair Isle road ... Thank you Nanette for being such a great resource. If you would like to venture down the Fair Isle road with me ... Nanette's Ebooks are FAB!! (Please check her BloG for ordering info!!) The proceeds go to rabbit rescue ... how wonderful is that?? (BTW - could you help more animals by clicking HERE - thanks!

And speaking of being creative .... check out my latest creations!! The Knotty Sheep is always open for business!!

I hope that while you are making your resolutions for '06 - pen in some creative time for YOU .... it does a body good! Comments, please!

I scored BIG TIME this Christmas! Woo-WHOO!

It does help when one buys their own gifties! DH is *good* ... but, never would he or could he purchase knitting or spinning goodies. Enter MOI!

Since I will be learning fair isle this year - might as well DIVE IN head first!

HO! HO! HO!


And - if you would be so kind as to CLICK for the animals - I would be as happy as an Elf swimming in NOG!! Merci!
Comments, please.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Here is hoping that Santa left dreams in your stocking for a wonderfully Kreative New Year! Ho! Ho! HO!

So, are you ready for your Holiday Celebrations?

I am getting there - although I have 101 ideas rolling in my head for next year. Truly, what is up with that?? I will be diving head first into fair isle in 2006. (At least as this writing, that is my intent.) Time changes feelings & desires. (Never mind the fact that I have 72 hats to go!)

But - look what my Secret Spindler Pal sent me!!! A Beautiful Spinnable from Grafton Fibers. Isn't it lovely? Won't this colorway look FABulous in fair isle?




Thank you so much SSP .... it an especially glorious gift since these books are finding their way under my tree!




There is still much to do in the 4 days remaining. But, there is always time to CLICK to help animals in need. (Thanks!)

Comments, please!

Things have been hectic. After all Christmas is just around the corner - there is still much to do! But, how I love the excitement and anticipation!!!

With all the running to and fro - I am beginning to feel like I *might* not accomplish my goal of 100 hats for Dulaan!! I figured that I should do 3 a week (minimum) in order to make the shipping deadline. This week, I have only been able to complete one! MoMMa Mia ... may the hat gods be with me!!

At least I only have one more Christmas giftie to do. One of those 'fun fur' scarves for my niece ... other than that, DH's hat is finis! (Remember, I spun the black blend yarn out of our doggie's fur?? AND - speaking of doggie fur - if you would be so kind as to click HERE - it helps animals in need! ) Well - here is DH's new chapeau - Comments, please!

HaPpY Friday to everyone. We are in the midst of a snowstorm - and I am absolutely delighted. What a glorious way to start the weekend! I know there are those who prefer warmer climates and sultry breezes - but, give me a good old fashioned
N'OReaster anyday! (Well, maybe except for Christmas!)

Speaking of Christmas .... for those searching for a gift for the knitter/dog lover ... you must get this Calendar! How cute ... pups posing for charity as well as wee doggie knitted sweaters!

And, while I am mentioning pups - please click HERE! It is fast, FREE, and it sure does help!

Now, just to let you know I haven't been swilling the NOG (all week .... ggg!) ... I completed my 21st hat for Dulaan AND I spun this dandy! "An Angel's Nightgown" contains shredded bits of vintage linens and it is HUGE .... Comments, Please!

Last week, I finished my 20th hat for Dulaan! I am *really* excited. Tonight - I will spin as I just learned, 8 fleeces are to arrive from the processor ANY day now. MoMMa Mia!

Yes ... I should be dyEing & carding. But, to make room in the studio - one must decrease the stash!! So, I will spin, in order to knit. Not so bad.

But, in a shameless self-plug ...AND - for your viewing pleasure .... I would like to present Sliding Down Stars!
I am drawing your attention to my fiber art as I am donating 5% of my sales to Noah's Wish. If you scroll down on the left side of my BloG - you will notice that in 2004, I donated $300+ to Heifer International. In 2005, $300 to Southeast Llama Rescue. I am stuck in the 300's ... so *this* year - I want to kick fiber butt!! I want to donate MORE!! It is always a good time to cyber-shop! Retail therapy, anyone?? Comments - please!