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!