A Sock completed

I honestly do not know why I am having such a hard time UPdating this BloG of late. I will *really*, REALLY, try to be more engaged in doing so. I dislike the fact that I can now think of 101 reasons why I do not accomplish my goals. Take away 'fluff' and it just gets down to plain distraction.

Recently, I reviewed my 2009 Goals: suffice to say, if I don't start cracking ... they may not be completed by 2010!

I am strong! I am woman! Hear me roar!! (Or in this case, see me being productive!) I finally finished the first sock from a specialty yarn created by Black Bunny Fibers! It was a yarn called "Audacity" - after Obama's second book. This wonderful yarn appeared during the 2008 Presidential campaign.

It was a limited run, so these sox will be treasured when completed.

One down, one to go! I am hoping to complete it this weekend - amongst some spinning & carding! Wish me luck & stay tuned. I am looking forward to posting A LOT more!
WhEEEEEE!

Scattered

My thoughts have been scattered of late. I have been knitting - and spinning - and just trying to catch up on what seems to be things that have spiraled way out of reach.

The lesson I am learning from all of this is time. We certainly do not have enough of it ... spend much time complaining about it ... and waste most of it. Pretty eye opening and sobering.

All is not lost. While I want to save every dog that needs a good home - and the planet from implosion - and fellow humans from violence & disease - I know that I am one person who CAN & WILL make a difference, but I need help!

Enter .... EVERYWUN! This new FREE website helps terrific causes like "The Humane Society", "Books for Africa","Trees for the Future" & "World Vision". You learn interesting snippets on how to make the world better & you can play trivia games to learn even more. You can help plant trees by 'clicking' - or feed an animal ... or provide a book to a child that has nothing.

Today is a wonderful day to give a little something back .... do join EVERYWUN right now. While we each make a difference daily, we can change things for the better a little quicker if we do it together!

Duckie Illusion Scarf is finis!

Does this seem like the longest Winter or what??

Just when the snow & ice clear - a new storm is on the horizon. I like snow - don't get me wrong - but after a weekend with temperatures in the 60 degree f range ... snow & ice just don't 'do it' anymore.

Maybe I am just crabby. I started this winter (in November) with bronchitis. I am ending it (in March) with a sinus infection. Thank goodness - for meds!

All this has taken a toll on my knitting & spinning. I just haven't completed as many projects as I hoped I would so far this year. Hopefully, by tonight, I will be a bit more chipper and productive.

I did manage to complete the Duckie Illusion Scarf. I created it with pink & yellow Peace Fleece. It will be forwarded to Macuwita sni. I hope the person who receives it - likes it!

I did do a bit a carding too. Pedal Pushing Fairies is a pretty little colorway perfect for Spring!!!! With the sale of these battz - 20% will be donated to Muttville & 10% will be donated to Pittie Love Rescue. I just LOVE helping dogs!

Thanks, Stas, for sharing your wonderful fibers with me!!

Off to nap .... it has been a busy day!

Yikes ... it is March

March *is* here - and I will admit to being WAY far behind on stuff. Life really does slap you upside the head ... as if only to say "Wake Up!"

Sometimes personal & professional lives combine to create an explosion of atomic proportions! As the dust settles - one can only cling to what one knows best. For me, I am blessed to know that dogs are what I know best.

They are such an important part of my life and more often than not, people do not seem to understand the high value I place upon them. They expect nothing - yet deserve everything. They are my inspiration when I do not feel like dyeing, carding or spinning wool. They make me laugh and allow me to know "JOY!"

Just this past week, I "upped" The Knotty Sheep's year end donation to PittieLove Rescue from 5% to 10%. The recession is a part of everyone's life ... shelter dogs didn't create it, yet they are a victim of it.

So ... that brings me to Muttville. Senior dogs will always be a huge part of my life as they are some of the first to be discarded/abandoned. Etsy for Animals (search Etsy tags for teamefa) has chosen Muttville as their charity of choice for the month of March. In addition to the 10% I will be donating to PittieLove .... 20% of these batts & handspun yarns will be donated to Muttville! I mean, I am a wee bit partial ... but check out "Blueberry Paws" - spun from coopworth wool & chow doggie fur! Pretty??? YES!!

Well - time to get back to work. I will be working extra hard - for both the pit bulls & the senior dogs at Muttville. Yes, Diesel tries to help too. Given his large size ... he is, in reality, 86 years old. This saddens me ... but, he still has a glint in his eye and love in his heart. He also knows how lucky he is ... just as I know how VERY lucky I am to have him in my Life. Thanks for helping me with my fiber work Diesel ... you are the best! (My beautiful Cat Spindle is hand made by my wonderful artist friend, HaLLa!

(I love helping my fellow senior dog friends- no retirement for me!)

(Oops ... chow break ... I hear treats!)

Life goes on.

Life has a way of jumping right into your face and frightening the fiber right out of you.
It also has a way of embracing you and guiding you gently into your next day.
It also has a way of ending - sometimes abruptly.

Suffice to say - this is why my posting has been non-existent.

Life also goes on - and for that, I am grateful.

Memories are captured moments in time that live forever - that is so cool.

I have been busy, occupying both my head & my hands! Sleepy Spring Flowers would be a great addition to any spinner's stash!! Featuring mohair & camel - these babies are super soft & the luster on them is nothing short of pure "WOW!"

Also ... my Diesel is hounding me to get him more votes in the
HSUS Spay & Neuter Photo Contest. I keep telling him that he must pose for some seriously cute photos so those who do not know him can appreciate his heart & soul. He looked at me indifferently, than gave me this:

.
Diesel ... rule #1 - 'don't look bored!'

Ah - men!


VOTE for Diesel!

Waiting on more Snow ....

Yep.
More snow is expected today. I have heard 4"-8". My boots are on the rug - the shovel sits by the door. The coffee pot is clean, ready for a fresh pot to be made. The wood stove has a TON of wood stacked every so carefully next to it - it will be raging soon.

Yep.
I am ready for more.

Of course - I will be dyEing wool today. Carding too. Ah .... I love a New England winter!!

Diesel is tired of the snow at this point. While we 'snow-plow' a whole path for him so he can easily do his 'business' ... the old back legs just aren't what they used to be. He is a big dog, with a nice, high clearance ... but, he is more cautious & slower when he deviates from his path. He is 11 - and recently I saw an adjusted dog-age table that suggests due to his size, in reality, he is 86 years old. WOW - that was a shocker. Here I was thinking he is a mere 77.

Needless to say - he is still hoping he will get your
VOTE! How can any spinner resist THIS shot??

Snow, rain & the Fear of Commitment

My knitting has taken a back seat to other things of late. Work has been busy & given the economy - if I am needed more, I usually accept the extra hours. That means less time for fiber - dyEing, spinning & knitting!

I did manage to card some new inventory for The Knotty Sheep. I just love how Fear of Commitment turned out! Pretty, yes??

.... Diesel is still begging for
VOTES. Here is another example of his cuteness .... a tax deductible donation (US) to the Humane Society will warm his doggie-heart!

And today ... it snowed this morning - and now, it is raining. Rumor has it that this mess will all freeze tonight. Chipping the car out of its ice block tomorrow should be eventful! WhEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Well - since the driveway is done and there is no need to leave the house tonight ... I see some 'fiber time' in my future!! YAY!

I Have been spinning a storm

January is a month that most people don't seem to like. It is cold & quite dark, but I find it energizing!

I get much done during the winter months! One of the 'goals' for the New Year is to spin a ton of wool. I have been doing a pretty decent job of it too! I just added some new inventory to the shop ... Studio Samples!

These handspun beauties are comprised of those snippets that I find in the studio ... little bits that I have savored; colors that I have loved; special fleeces that I have hugged!! Yep - I love these fun skeins .... I think they are so pretty!

Of course, since January is coming to a close, Diesel is still hoping that you will
VOTE for him in the Humane Society's Photo Contest. (His grandmother just did tonight!!) He is pretty happy about being in the contest - but a little anxious too - he would like more votes and is pulling out the cuteness to get them!

When you make a contribution in the voting process - you are helping the Humane Society lessen pet overpopulation with the all important 'spay & neuters'. Contributions are tax deductible too!! (US residents!!)

Vote for Diesel! Vote for Diesel! February is Spay & Neuter Month!!

Diesel's Birthday

Yesterday, January 22 - my Diesel-dog turned 11!

Yes - it does seem like yesterday that he was just a wee pup!! All that has changed - my love for him has too. Just like his size - my love has GROWN!

I figure the best way to honor him is to help other dogs. February is "Spay & Neuter" month. With shelters splitting at the seams due to over crowding, maybe if we control the over population problem - things just might get a little better!
Diesel, himself, was actually born in a shelter to a full-blooded
rotti mom. She delivered 9 pups, 7 survived.
My boy is a 103 pound lap dog ... he is my absolute world!!

With that in mind, my Diesel is in a HSUS photo contest to help raise $$ for spay & neuter!!

If you are so inclined ...Diesel & I would love to help raise money
for this worthy endeavor ... and well, if you could make a donation to
vote for Diesel's cuteness ... that would be FABulous!!

Check out his photo: (please type in my last name: miksis )

HERE
Isn't he the sweetest?? VOTE 4 DIESEL!!!

HaPpY 2009!

I truly can not believe that I have yet to post in 2009. YiKeS!

Well - onward & UPward I say. It is time to get busy & be productive. Creating is one of my top priorities this year. Since it is easy for me to get distracted I am truly trying to spin, knit & draw more. Sometimes it *is* very hard to get all of that in - with household chores, animal care, outside the house employment - but things are working out. The more I wrap myself around my priorities - the more I will get done.

Of course, I want to raise more $$ for Pittie Love Rescue this year. In 2008, the donation from The Knotty Sheep totaled $137. Not bad - but not great!

To my customers ... thank you SO much for your purchases!! In 2009 - look for even MORE goodies as I plan to 'knock your knitted sox' off! Hoo-RAY!

So - there is my incentive to DO MORE this year. I am accepting the challenge to get out there and show the world my WOOL-BLISS! Wish me luck! There have been many animals forced into shelters & unfortunately - on to the streets due to the foreclosure crisis. So - if you are feeling like you need a little wool-boost in your life .... how about some Green Beer with Foam!
Seriously, green beer isn't just for leprechauns anymore! WhEEE!

One scarf finis!

Christmas has already become a wonderful memory. The tree is still up - and it will be so for a while. I am just not ready to say 'good bye' to such a wonderful time of year.

I like the New Year too. Not the whole "Eve" thing ... DH & I will be staying at home without all the fanfare of this one night. The only thing a like about this holiday is that it reaffirms 'new beginnings'. That it is absolutely 'ok' to start over.

This weekend, I created a few things! One is the red, white & blue scarf from yarn I received from "Berti". I love the way the colors have randomly created *the* most unique pattern. ( Great job, Berti & thank you! ... I still have 2 more skeins!) Being that it is Patriotic in nature - I will be gifting it to a friend who's son is in Iraq.

I also managed to card up "I Met an Angel at Breakfast!" This is one celestial colorway. I am thinking *this* would make a glorious scarf too!!

I have much to do this coming year ... more carding! More knitting! More charity stuff and, actually, more living! Life is to short not to celebrate daily! N~joY!

Christmas EVE

How I adore Christmas Eve!

As a child, the anticipation of the following day was a heart-stopper! As an adult, without children, I have been trying to recreate the magic. I am not quite there, yet, but I will be - hopefully next year.

I have extremely high hopes for the coming year. While it is easy to say I wish for 'world peace' and the 'end of hunger/disease' and a kindler & gentler Universe - I understand that *I* have to be more at peace. That *I* have to do my part to end hunger/disease AND that *I* must be kinder & gentler to all living things.

These tasks will not come easy - but they are tasks that I will *really* try to achieve.

Recently, I found this beautiful stashed handspun that I received from "Berti" in a Spindler's Secret Santa Swap from 2005. Berti, if you are out there ... this stuff is SO soft - and the red/white & blue colors are striking quite a pose on the scarf I am making with 2 of the skeins sent.

Obviously, more photos to come!

As I contemplate the year passed as I celebrate JOYously (yet responsibly!) over the next few days ... I also look forward to the anticipation of 2009. The coming year is sure to be a heart stopper too! HaPpY Christmas EVE!!

The First Snow

It seems a little strange to post about snow & not show photos. I will save that for a later date ...... seems we will move beyond the 8" we received yesterday afternoon as early as tomorrow.

I don't mind. This day is being spent seeing Diesel having a blast in the snow ... and then retiring near the wood stove.

It is a day to wrap gifts while listening to familiar Christmas songs. It is a day that I will prepare a small turkey dinner for me & hubby ... to eat it in the dining room, on 'the good stuff' - just because today is a JOY!

This is part of the magic of the season!

It is also a day to knit & spin. Recently, it was MINUS 20 degrees on the reservation of the Cheyenne River Sioux, South Dakota. Both school & work were closed as the wind chills made the temps even more frosty!! Yes, I must knit faster for Macuwita sni - warm wool items are so needed this time of year!!

But, I will also take time to do some spinning in front of the wood stove too (move over Diesel!) I love the rhythm that the wheel produces - and with the warmth of the stove, it brings me to a simpler time. I love that!
My latest creation: Christmas Trees in January! After the snows of this weekend, I think the trees will be covered with snow for quite some time! WhEEEEEE!

10 days til' Christmas

The fact that we are 10 days from Christmas is ..... WOW!

My tree is up and the music is playing. Lights are blinking and the woodstove is roaring. The Spirit of the Season is here .... it is a time to share & love. It is time to give more than we can ever dream of receiving.

My scarf for "The Giving Tree" has been finished a placed under the Church tree. I am glad that it will warm someone soon.

I immediately casted on another for the Cheyenne River Sioux. Macuwita sni is warming many a resident on the Rez!

Also, this year, many of my gifts will be donations to causes & charities. Most of the people I buy for need absolutely nothing. I hope they don't mind if the fist full of dollars I usually relegate for them - goes to an animal in need. A few of my favorites:
German Shepherd Rescue League of NE; Pittie Love Rescue; The Elephant Sanctuary; and Greyhound Friends. And trust me - there are many others organizations who could use donations too.

I look forward to giving & sharing this Christmas!! In fact, I hope that over the course of this coming year - I can give my most precious gift .... a gift of time. There are people to visit, neighbors who need assistance, and animals who need love. There are strangers who need a kind word & a hot meal. Yes ... Christmas is a time give ... I do hope to keep Christmas in my heart all year long!

Catching up with Christmas

One of the things I love most about this season is all the fun mail one gets: richly colored Christmas cards, cheery holiday notes, on line purchases delivered by the UPS man & fabulous surprises from loved ones. I do love happy mail!

One of the things I always do - is save my Christmas cards from one year to the next. After I review the previous year's collection - I cut them to make *this* season's Christmas tags! Ah ... recycling at it's best!

Here are some prior to cutting:

Here is some examples after they had their snips:

Fun, easy, good for the environment & a nice project to keep the kids busy (if you trust them with scissors!)

Moving on to 'fun mail' .... my ornament project for an Etsy BBEST team pal is finally done. This sheepie is totally free standing ... I used wool from a real sheepie named "Maude". Of course her little red & green scarf was handspun by moi!!

(Shhhh .... this Christmas sheepie is going into the mail tomorrow ....WhEEEE! I hope my pal loves her!)

Slow & Steady

Christmas is in 20 days! I am just SO EXCITED! Soon - my tree will be UP - but until then, I feast my eyes on the corner of my dining room table. Who can resist a very large Santa??

As an adult, there is no other time of year that one can just be JOYous & giddy without the folks in the white coats being called in. I am *that* delighted that it *is* Christmas!

Sure, the economy is tough - sales are down everywhere. My "day job" is still in existence and I am grateful for that. I am also coming to realize 2009 will most likely steer me down a new path. While a tad fearful - I do trust myself to always use common sense. Got to love a new adventure!!!

Anyway - this past weekend - I selected a card off the "Giving Tree" at Church. Naturally, my eyes quickly focused on a card that read 'woman's scarf.' Once home, I climbed the Stash Mountain to see what I could find.

Interestingly - I found a hank of lace weight merino that I dyEd as well as an 'eyelashy' wonder. They will make for a fun yet functional beauty! Yes - I am aware that I now have limited time to create it ... but I also know that maybe, just maybe - this might be the only gift that this person receives. I am honored & blessed to think that my handiwork will be worn on Christmas Day.

Well - off to knit. Did I mention Christmas is in 20 days?? HO HO HO!

Busy Izzy

I know a little girl who is as cute as can be. She is a wee 'toddler' and like most toddlers, she knows what she wants, when she wants it!! But, also like a toddler ... she has an attention span that flickers in nano seconds. I call her "Buzy Izzy".

"Buzy Izzy" is also my new persona. I have been trying to get tons accomplished - and, hopefully, I am succeeding. (Will let you know more how that is working for me *after* Christmas!)

It is hard to believe that mighty holiday is right around the corner. That said, I need to turn my eggnog into a few jumbo shots of espresso to kick some elf-butt. "Buzy Izzy" needs to up-her-game: I am playing Christmas music ... thinking thoughts of red & green ... and knitting like a banshee on a sweater that I wanted to wear on Thanksgiving.

Just so you know - that isn't going to happen. Please see my photo - may I present *The Back*:

All is not lost though ... my friend Joan, AKA Six Sisters creates wonderful art. Her talent is amazing - and I was lucky enough to be the recipient of one of her pieces ... a fabulous mixed media angel ornament. Yes ... this precious angel was all I need to get back on track - to pick up my sagging candy-canes, brush my tinseled hair and jingle my bells and say .... "HO HO HO!" Diesel is NOW pretty festive about the season too!

Thanks Six for this wonderful piece! I love her!!

What to do next??

I haven't been an active Blogger. Most of that stems from the fact that THE election is over , the global economy is a mess, Christmas is coming and I am just exhausted!

All is good though! As the old saying goes: "Everything happens for a reason." I couldn't agree more.

Sales have been slow at The Knotty Sheep. Again, the market *is* flooded with those who dye, spin & card to 'eek' out a modest paycheck. AND ... handspun yarn is a luxury during this trying economic time. I feel a tad despondent though ... meager sales mean a meager donation to Pittie Love Rescue.

I will persist though ... with one exception. I hope to spend MORE time drawing/less time playing with wool. The choice is a difficult one ... but - as 'everything happens for a reason' ... this just might be my wakeup call to do more ART. Please wish me luck ... and (shameless plug ----> ) Let's keep the economy going ... do Shop! WHEEEEEEE!

Starry Night Lover

Ah ... it is Friday!
The end of what feels like a very long work week. I have been battling bronchitis this week as my dad battles pneumonia. It is tough not being able to visit him ... he isn't the MOST healthiest branch on my family tree at this stage in his life. Unfortunately, the 'apple doesn't fall far from said tree!"

Today, I discovered a local radio station that is already playing Christmas music! Yes - I listened for several hours. I don't think Diesel will take to kindly to 7 weeks of Christmas carols ... but, he survived almost 2 years of listening to political campaigning on my radio & tv ... I think HE will think that the music is much nicer.

This weekend will be spent finishing my first Amaryllis mitten and spinning!! It is supposed to be a wee bit dreary in these parts .... perfect weather for creating with wool!
Starry Night Lover would make for good spinning .... but, of course - YOU may have first dibs at spinning it! WhEEEEEE!

The Fair Isle Continues!

The weather has chilled a wee bit - finally, it seems that all those outdoor bugs have either buried themselves for the winter or they have been released from their Earthly existence.
I like that - so does Diesel. Seriously, this dog makes my heart glow!

Tonight, as I watch the election results - I hope to finish the first Amaryllis Mitten! I am pretty sure that I will .... I don't really have all that much left!

SO - for those of you who are registered to vote in the US ... GET OUT THERE TODAY and VOTE!! In fact - it is an incredible KNOTTY thing to do!