Hooked on Knitting

Maisy's Sweater

2009-04-05T16:26:00.005-04:00

Maisy was a rather tired, reluctant model for her new sweater. I based it on the one I made for Emmie (see my previous post). I used up the last of some Caron One Pound acrylic yarn in mint green.

In spite of her obvious tiredness in the photos, Maisy does like her new sweater. I don't think she'll wear it many more days now, though... It's 60 degrees today, and Spring is making itself more evident everywhere - there are lots of flowers out now, and the trees are ready to burst into bloom. Yay Spring!

Emmie's Sweater

2009-03-25T19:04:00.010-04:00

I made another dog sweater, this time for my friend's second chihuahua, Emmie. The pattern is from the April 2009 issue of Crochet World, "Walking the Dogs" by Treva McCain (the male dog sweater) (pg 46). I used a bright multi yarn because it is actually for a female chihuahua. I gave the sweater to my friend, for a fitting - to try on her dog, Emmie... (I made a different one for Bambi, her other chihuahua, in 2007).

It turned out that after a fitting, the measurements needed to be adjusted - the coat was too long. I shortened it, then added a turtleneck collar (requested by my friend) and a little ruffle at the bottom (since it is for a female dog). I should have pics of Emmie modeling it soon, too.

The colors were a big hit, and since it is 100% acrylic, it's machine washable, a big must for dog sweaters!!!

This was a super fast, fun project, even with the fitting and adjustments I made. Now I am wanting another one, this time for my "baby", Maisy!

Maisy

Eye Candy...

2009-03-15T10:20:00.003-04:00

Yesterday my yarn order arrived from Three Waters Farm. I ordered two skeins of their Superwash Merino Fingering Weight yarn, one in "Semi Precious" and the other in "Semi Pink". They are for the Ripple scarf in the Spring '09 issue of Knitty. Aren't they gorgeous, with their jewel-like colors?? They remind me of spring flowers (crocuses and daffodils).

I haven't knit a project on two circular needles before, so this will be interesting, and a bit of a learning experience for me. We'll see how it goes!

Phat Fiber

2009-03-13T16:36:00.005-04:00

There is a wonderful blog by the name Phat Fiber, and they offer a sampler box of products for sale once a month (through their Etsy shop) that contains products from various independent fiber, yarn and related needlecraft companies and artisans. It's their unique way of allowing us fiber/yarn customers to try a small sampling of their various products, so that when we are looking for just the right thing for a substantial project, we will already be familiar with the artisans and the quality of their work and products. What a great idea!

They are also currently sponsoring two givaways (click links for more info):
Phat Fiber Sample Box: Spincerely Yours and *Giveaway*

and another here:
Phat Fiber Sample Box: Dyed by Danido and *Giveaway*

Check them out!!

Spring Calls...

2009-03-12T17:20:00.004-04:00

Have you seen the Spring 2009 Issue of Knitty yet??? I was smitten with a desire to knit Ripple, the new scarf pattern by Lynne Vogel, and immediately ordered some yarn from Three Waters Farm Lynne Vogel Editions and put the pattern on my Ravelry queue.

In the meantime, I am searching my stash for a good yarn for the Lacy Crochet Kerchief by Kristen TenDyke (printed in Classic EliteYarns WebLetter. It's another pattern that will be lovely for spring...

Booga Bags - Completed

2009-03-09T09:01:00.005-04:00

Yes, my new washing machine arrived bright and early yesterday, as scheduled. So, after catching up on the family laundry, I decided to felt the Booga Bags I completed last weekend. It took a little more than one full cycle to felt them to the point that you see in the photo. I am pleased with the results, although there were a fair amount of fuzz balls to remove. The i-cords got a bit tangled, but felted pretty well too. The blue bag will be for my niece (we are celebrating her Sweet 16 in a couple of weeks) and the other is mine! ;)

I can easily see making more of these as gifts - they are fast, fun and easy to do. Maybe for Christmas...

Snow Day!

2009-03-02T11:59:00.006-05:00

Yep...No sitting out in the backyard anytime soon! LOL! The kids and I are taking a page from the pups, and just hanging out at home:
Spike

Maisy

Booga Bags

I finally finished all the knitting on the Booga Bags - I seem to have an urge to complete some of those UFO's that have been lying around - so I can start some new projects guilt-free! The felting on these will have to wait just a bit, though - I am in need of a new washing machine, which will arrive this coming weekend. In the meantime, I guess I'll continue with organizing my knitting patterns (I am scanning a lot from the many magazines I had accumulated, so I can toss/recycle all the paper. Plus it frees up lots of space on my bookshelves, and makes browsing a lot easier. (I have kept the paper copies of the patterns I expect to use soonest, so I don't have to print out yet more copies on more paper.) For now I'm off to work on more UFO's.

2009-02-22T07:52:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! A lot has happened since my last post, most of it non-knitting related. As a result of an increase in my work hours, my knitting has been curtailed in the last several months, but I haven't stopped entirely. I completed two main projects, both for Christmas - a sweater for a co-worker (Kris Kringle gift) and a scarf for a friend. The scarf is the Sparkly Scarf from Crochet Today! Nov/Dec 2008, and the sweater is a shortened version of the Long Coat (#23) from Vogue Knitting Fall 2005 . More details on each one are in my Ravelry notebook. I also made a second scarf without the sparkles for myself!

Here Comes Fall!

2008-09-01T08:12:00.007-04:00

Well, summer saw a real drop-off in my knitting urges. I guess the heat and the call of other activities was too much. I did enjoy browsing some knitting magazines and even buying a few things, but for the most part I had little desire to work on projects. As I noted in mylast entry, I did complete the knitting portion of the Booga Bags (except for the I-cords). I am working on the cords now, so I can felt them together with the bags.

I've also picked up a Montparnasse sweater I began a few months ago, in Reynolds Saucy (cotton worsted yarn). I want to finish it, and then get busy on some fall sweaters (the yarn was purchased at a big sale several months ago, as a local yarn store emptied out its existing stock to make room to remodel). I have yarn for three sweaters, one to be knit for hubby.

Most recently, though, I have been crocheting a bit. It started in the car on our recent vacation to the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area and has continued since we returned home. I've made a market bag, and some washcloths and soap holders... Nothing fancy, just stuff I can crochet or knit without a pattern. One washcloth (granny square) was crocheted with a pattern from Lily. Sometimes, though, I just don't want to be bothered with complicated designs or following pattern directions, and I just play. Mostly this happens with crochet, because I am more comfortable improvising with crocheting than knitting. Do you like to improvise?

Booga Bags and Some Amazing Reading

2008-07-28T09:50:00.008-04:00

(On the left is Noro Kureyon colorway #154, and on the right is #182.)

I am working on the two Booga Bags as time allows. They are quick, easy and fun to do. So far I have finished one bag and started the second (so I can save time - and water - by felting them together in one wash load). I still have both I-cord straps to make, also.

Lately I have been doing a lot of cleaning, organizing and decluttering around the house and yard. I'm enjoying the progress I've made, and feel energized by it, though I have a long way to go. I really want to simplify my life!

I read a fantastic book this weekend, one that I just couldn't put down once I started it. It's called The Shack, and it's a real page-turner. (It's also on the N.Y. Times Bestseller List, which gives you an idea of what others think about it, too.) You can read an excerpt and learn more about the book at the link above.

2008-07-11T17:27:00.009-04:00

Well, I spoke a few weeks back about hoping to adopt a rescue dog. We did, though not the dog we originally intended to adopt. The dog that captured my heart initially was a puppy who had a broken leg - her hind right leg was useless. Apparently the "owner" had never bothered to take her to a vet when it happened - she was simply tied outside on a 2 foot leash next to a bowl of rancid food, and left there.

The local rescue organization that brought her here sponsored an operation on her leg, but it was unclear whether it would be successful. We were ready to take her whether it was a success or not (if not, they'd end up having to amputate). It turned out, however, that the vet who did the surgery also fell in love with her. She was in a position to give her far more than we could - additional rehab, surgery, etc. as needed, and this vet was determined to try and save the leg. With a home that great to go to, we couldn't be upset about not getting her. Instead, we adopted another rescue from the same organization, Maisy. Maisy is a 13 lb, 2-3 year old Yorkshire Terrier mix. She is as sweet as sugar, and quiet as a mouse. As we've gotten to know her, she has warmed up even more. She's friendly, cute and very cuddly... We are very happy with her! She gets along well with Spike, too, although they are opposites in so many ways!

Anyway, my knitting mojo got rolling again, and I knit two sweaters for her from leftover yarn I had - Lion Homespun in a red colorway and a blue one, too. (Photos below.)

I also got the purse handles I ordered, and the Noro Kureyon. I replaced the handles on a bag I knit earlier this year, since they weren't working well, and added some crocheted flowers, too. It's much better with these than with the old handles I had on it before. (They slipped off every time I put the bag down!)

I ordered 6 skeins of the Noro Kureyon (3 of each color), and I intend to make the Booga Bag, one for me, and one as a gift... probably a Christmas gift. You can see a wonderful and inspiring Booga Bag Gallery here.

The black wooden bag handles and a second set of bamboo handles are for other bags... as yet undetermined!

Hot Lazy Days...

2008-06-28T19:33:00.005-04:00

School's out, the temp's up, humidity's high... The knitting mojo? A little slow. I have been making a pair of fingerless mitts with leftover sock yarn, and "futzing around" with a couple of UFO's, but haven't had the ambition to start anything big. I did purchase some more yarn (6 skeins of Noro Kureyon) from Little Knits (who I found through their ad in knitty). I also purchased some rattan bag (purse) handles, to possibly use on an existing purse (I don't really like the current ones) and to make the Bramble Tote and/or Knitting Tote from Berocco. (Another stash project.)

Seems all I can muster energy for is mitts or socks, at least for right now. I do have the yarn to make several sweaters (including one for hubby) and an afghan, but big undertakings seem too much to work on right now.

I have continued scanning my magazines. Not only has it cleaned up the bookshelves a bit, but it also allowed me to come across more than a few nice patterns I'd forgotten about, which have now been added to my knitting queue - two reasons to feel good about getting organized!

Betwixt and Between...

2008-06-20T10:09:00.007-04:00

Miniature Rose

The weather has been all over the map lately - from a heat wave to thunderstorms and now finally some beautiful cooler, less humid summer weather - the kind I'd love to have all summer long. I have been out with my camera a bit (recent shots are interspersed here in this post), as well as going to my son's baseball playoffs and dealing with the schedule changes of the last weeks of school. We have also been preparing for a possible new family member - a rescue dog from a local animal rescue organization. This sweet dog has some health issues, though, and recently underwent corrective surgery, so we are unsure how things will proceed. Of course, as soon as it's official, I will be blogging all the details!

Weed Seeds

Since finishing my Takhi "Bali" summer top, I have been "betwixt and between" trying to decide what to start next. I have been playing with some Patons Grace and got my order from Little Knits this week, but so far nothing has "stuck"... I have not even made much progress on the Jaywalker socks since my last post. I have continued to scan my collection of patterns and magazines - what freedom and space! It is easier to search for things, too, because I've categorized the patterns by type. Now searching for a sweater or scarf pattern is a breeze! No more thumbing through piles of papers. I am only keeping the hard copies of the things I plan to make very soon - So I don't have to waste paper re-printing a copy to work from while knitting.

My husband has scanned a lot of his technical reference books, but I don't see myself doing that with my lovely knitting books. Those I will keep and maybe eventually swap, lend or trade.

"Hi!" from Spike!

F. O. - Takhi "Bali" Top

2008-06-09T11:49:00.003-04:00

This was a super-simple top to make. It's nothing more than two rectangles sewn together! There is a garter stitch border on top and bottom, stockinette in the middle (and on the front I added a center garter stitch column for interest). It's the soft, silky drape of the Bali yarn makes it work so nicely. You could also add short sleeves quite easily. It's so hot here right now (95 degrees today)that I left off the sleeves and kept it as a boatneck shell.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back...

2008-06-06T10:14:00.004-04:00

I found these cute little frog magnets in Borders the other day, and couldn't resist them... since frogging is a concept I am quite familiar with! ;^)

In fact, my progress on the Jaywalker socks was slowed down this week when I found that somehow my stitch count was off after some stitches slipped off the needles in my knitting bag... But I am back on track and making progress once again. Jaywalker has been my project of choice this week, because it's portable and easy to do anywhere: at my son's baseball games, in the waiting room at the doctor's office, etc.

It seems that this area is headed for a heat wave this weekend, with temps well over 90°F all weekend. (Sounds like an invitation to relax with a cool drink and knit to me!) Have a great weekend, everyone!

Have You Had YOURS?

2008-06-03T19:20:00.005-04:00

Yes, I am making progress...I took the Jaywalker project with me to work today, because afterwards I had an appointment for a mammogram and didn't know how long I'd have to wait. Fortunately, it went very quickly. I must admit, I have been very bad... It was too long since my last one, and I know better. I have two friends who are currently battling breast cancer. My mother is also a survivor. (She took HRT during menopause, before it was discovered HRT could increase breast cancer risk).

Now this year I am trying to take better care of myself, by making those important appointments we women all need: mammogram, pap test, annual physical, and colonoscopy (for us more mature ladies!). We all know regular screenings are so important, and early detection of any changes in our bodies can make a huge difference in the treatment of cancer, heart disease, and many other illnesses.

Ladies, make sure you take time out to take care of YOU!

Good Morning!

2008-06-02T06:29:00.004-04:00

This weekend was a busy one. On Saturday we went to Long Island, to celebrate my nephew's birthday. Yesterday was another picture-perfect day. I spent some time working in the garden, and then continued scanning my (many) accumulated patterns printed off the Web. I am glad I kept my copies of Jaywalker (socks) and Amulet (necklace pouch), now that MagKnits is no more. From what I understand, though, the various designers who published patterns in MagKnits will be making their designs available elsewhere... The best place to check for info on that is probably Ravelry, unless you know the designer and can look up his/her own website.

Speaking of Jaywalker, it is already a free Ravelry download. I am working on a pair now, actually, using Koigu KPPPM. It's the third pair of socks I have started with this yarn in the last few days, knitting and frogging as I was trying to decide what I wanted to make. Finally I settled on a pair of Jaywalkers with the picot edge as described in Anna's blog My Fashionable Life. It really makes the socks rock, and accents the zigzag pattern so beautifully, doesn't it?

I also worked a lot this past week on my Summer Tee:

The front is finished, and half the back. I am thinking about whether I want the sleeves to be bordered stockinette, like the front and back, or all garter stitch for contrast... I haven't made up my mind yet.

Finally, I added Brisa (a shell from knitty) to my Ravelry queue. I think it will be perfect for the other yarn I picked up at WEBS, the Classic Elite Four Seasons Cotton. (Hmmm... it's been reduced even further now...) I plan to start Brisa as soon as I finish the tee.

Beautiful Holiday Weekend!

2008-05-27T12:23:00.007-04:00

What a PERFECT weekend we had! The weather was just gorgeous! I worked on my latest project, a summer top I am making in "Bali", a worsted-weight bamboo tape yarn from Tahki/Stacy Charles Yarns. I have never worked with a bamboo tape before, and this is lovely to knit. I really like the feel and drape of it. It's one of the yarns I bought from WEBS during their anniversary sale. I can't wait to finish it so I can try it on! It's going to be a simple short sleeved t-style, a bit of my own creation based on body measurements and gauge... We'll see how it works out.

I've been doing some cleaning and organizing of my craft space this weekend. My hubby bought a small but amazing two-sided scanner a few weeks ago, and I started scanning a lot of my stash of patterns printed out from the Internet. I had already saved some of my favorites from the Berroco and Interweave Knits Knitting Daily website onto another disk, so I can access them anytime. It makes browsing easier, and I don't have to worry if I lose or misplace the paper copy of the pattern. He also suggested I scan my collection of magazines, but I can't bear to cut them up... and I love to just sit and browse through them looking for new ideas and projects to work on.

On Sunday I visited my favorite LYS, Flying Fingers, to pick up two skeins of Classic Elite Alpaca Sox yarn, for the Lace Ribbon scarf from the most recent issue of Knitty. I chose a green shade instead of the sky blue shown in the model. I also picked up a pair of Brittany size 3 needles - they are so pretty and delicate, with their fancy ends. Now I have plenty to keep me busy - no excuse for idle fingers!

Sunny and Bright!

2008-05-23T08:04:00.004-04:00

Yay! Looks like we are in for a beautiful weekend! The photo above shows the morning sun on my basket of petunias... I am looking forward to a weekend of knitting, gardening, and other relaxing pursuits.

Here are the finished socks:

Now it's back to other regularly scheduled projects... I have a number of them hanging out in the WIP basket. Time to pull out a few and get them to FO status!

Post-War Sox...

2008-05-21T10:45:00.004-04:00

These are the socks I am making for myself after my Sock Wars III assassination. I am moving along faster with these than any other socks I've knit, I think. The colors aren't showing up too well with the cellphone camera - they are bright and cheerful - green, blue, lilac and purple. It's some sock yarn I had in my stash for a long time - Bernat's Sox in Hippi Hot. It is acrylic (I know, "yarn snobs" hate acrylic, but this yarn isn't bad). And of course I can throw them in the washer & dryer with no prob.

My sister sent me an email this morning - she was killed in Sock Wars III yesterday. She wasn't too happy with the socks she received, but I haven't seen them yet. I'm not sure how far she got with the ones she was knitting, either...

Here's a better photo of the socks taken with a flash, so the colors are better:

Kiss of Death...

2008-05-20T11:37:00.011-04:00

Well, I lasted a little over a week in Sock Wars III! The Package of Death arrived on Saturday, while I was out visiting my sister in Queens, NYC. I have mailed my target's socks to my assassin (yesterday) along with a few goodies. She was kind enough to send a bag of Hershey's Kisses (the "kiss(es) of death") and a lovely assortment of body lotion samples to soften the death blow.

Here's a photo of her package:

And a closeup of my cool new "Detonation" pattern socks:

My sis and I spent Saturday afternoon in knitting pursuits. First we hit a LYS that was having a blowout sale, to get rid of their large inventory before closing for renovation. The line was out the door at the LYS, and new people were being admitted as people inside came out. The checkout line stretched around the entire circumference of the store, but moved fairly quickly (they had only 2 cashiers). I spent about $65 and bought enough yarn for at least 3 sweaters. It filled two shopping bags. Others were buying up yarn for afghans, etc., and had as much as two laundry baskets full of yarn! (The store uses plastic laundry baskets as shopping baskets.) Everything in the store was $1.00 or $1.99 a ball (or skein).

My husband asked me to make a sweater for him, so I bought some nice black worsted wool(his color choice). They also had dark gray Wool-Ease Sport and a lovely beige wool that will make nice sweaters, but stuff was really flying off the shelves - more than half were empty when we got in! Still, it was a very productive outing all the same. Afterwards we spent time knitting our Sock Wars III socks at a local Starbucks near my sister's place.

So, now that I am officially "assassinated" and I'm no longer knitting "killer" socks, I will be returning to my other projects. I did have the urge to actually knit and finish a pair for myself, though, so I am doing those first. A plain, no-frills sock pattern, but in a cute colorful yarn from my stash - Bernat Sock yarn in Hippi Hop. I'll post about my current WIPs in my next entry, after I have had a chance to take some pics.

For now I'll leave you with a pic of Spike checking out the socks:

(No harm done - he didn't actually bite them! Just a sniff ...and a lick!) :^P

Wow, It's Been a While!

2008-05-12T15:34:00.007-04:00

Time sure flies - whether or not you are having fun, it seems! :^P I have been offline due to arm/neck problems, but I am hoping to get back into the swing regularly again.

The bottom line after an MRI and nerve conduction test is that I do NOT have carpal tunnel (yay!). I DO have arthritis in the cervical spine (neck) on multiple vertebrae. That is most likely causing a pinched nerve in the neck, and is the root cause of the numbness, tingling, and pain in the left arm. I have been going to PT twice a week (one more thing to do on my already long list, LOL). Included in the PT is traction, to help relieve the pressure on the nerve. So far Progress has been slow, but at least I don't have to worry about carpal tunnel and what that means for my knitting.

I had actually begun to knit a little again about a week ago. I started a summer shawl and another Montparnasse (this time in a summer yarn, Reynolds "Saucy"). However, that is all on hold now, because SOCK WARS III officially began last Friday! I have my target, who happens to be male, and I am busily working on the "Detonator" Sock pattern designed especially for Sock Wars III. Unfortunately, I have to knit a pair of large men's socks (U.S. size 12), which is something of a disadvantage speedwise. The "assassin" who's after me will have an easier time of it... Still, I am in it for fun, and don't really expect to last long - I am not an expert or especially speedy sock knitter. Once I finish my target's socks, I will be able to post more about my other projects currently on the needles. Until then, wish me luck!!

Koigu, Spinning and a New Fingerless Glove

2008-04-13T11:49:00.011-04:00

This is the balance of my order from Patternworks - the Koigu PPPM that ran out of stock. They were really great about shipping it as soon as new stock arrived - I got it Thursday, and it was promised by 4/15. I love the colorway - very Springy. Makes me think of Easter candy and spring flowers.

My wool battlets also arrived from Keri's Etsy shop on Friday, and she threw in a surprise for me - a lovely handmade and decorated spindle of hers (she now has a spinning wheel, which I understand is the next phase of spinning addiction...). The colorway of the wool is Carribean Sea - perfect name with all the pretty shades of blue!

UNfortunately, I have a new fingerless glove I need to wear - and it's not knitted! I have been having intermittent pain and numbness in my left arm, from fingertips to neck and shoulder blade. It seems after an orthopedic exam and x-rays that I have both carpal tunnel (in the left wrist) and a pinched nerve due to arthritis in the neck. :( I have known about both problems and had issues in the past, but with restarting my knitting in earnest again, they are resurfacing unpleasantly. I am going to be having physical therapy, and also probably an MRI (to see the extent of the problem in the neck). I am hoping that it will not impact my knitting too much - I love it so! I guess it's not the best time to want to take up spinning, either, but what's a fiber-loving knitter to do?? I'm hoping I can learn to do these things without damaging my arm and neck any further. (At least, I'm determined to try!)

Montparnasse FO; Magazine Goodies; Knitters with a Sense of Humor

2008-04-10T20:14:00.006-04:00

Montparnasse is done! It was a fun knit, and I really like how it turned out. It is just a tad tight across the shoulders on me, though, so I think it is going to be my sister's birthday present. (Her birthday is April 17th.) I am sure it will fit her, and I can save the shrug I am working on for another time, or give it to someone else.

This is one sweater I will definitely make again - for me! I thought of putting it away for the fall (by then I am sure it will fit me - my weight management program has been progressing along well), but I hate doing that. I would just as soon make another, and give this one to someone who can enjoy it now. Besides, my sister has complained about her cold office at work, so it will come in handy for her.

Kathy from Irisheyes was asking what kind of freebies have been in the Simply Knitting magazine each month. So, here are some recent ones: A CD book preview(with stitch library and free patterns); a purse clasp (issue had patterns and ideas for making various purses); and a knitting counter for stitch/row increases/decreases. There was also an issue with a free pair of knitting needles and another with stitch markers. (See why I am hooked???) Plus they have lovely patterns in every issue.

Finally, I have to share a fun knitting blog, which I found through the Simply Knitting website and blog... It's called Masquerade. It seems the knitters of Stockholm have a wry and wonderful sense of humor. They are putting sweaters, leg warmers, hats and mittens on all manner of statues around the city, and cozies on the lamp posts, too! Check out the photos and all the creative knitting... There's even a map that marks where the various items are located. I just love the fawn statue in its sweater and leg warmers... There are links in the blog's sidebar to check out all the favorites. Check it out!

Montparnasse Update, Reading, and... Spinning???

2008-04-08T06:58:00.013-04:00

Well, Montparnasse is nearly done. All that's left is the collar and a good blocking. I did end up sewing the seams to the outside, as the pattern was written. It looks pretty good so far. I picked up the size 9 circular needle yesterday, so I can start the collar anytime.

I also picked up some magazines and books at Borders... I went in for one magazine - Knit 1 - (yeah, right!) which they hadn't received yet. I came out with two knitting magazines and five books! =8^O Two of the books were for my kids, and all the rest was for me(!) I finally got a copy of Eat, Pray, Love, which I have been wanting to read after hearing how everyone loves it, and 1000 Places to See Before You Die (eek - is that my midlife mortality showing???) Seriously, though, I wanted ideas for places to go on vacations that we might not have known about (besides the ones that everyone knows about).

As for the knitting, I have been enjoying the patterns in England's Simply Knitting a lot lately, even if they do call pillows "cushions". ;) Plus, they always have these clever little freebies in the bag, and I am a sucker for freebies and gadgets! I also got Alan Dart's latest book of gift patterns (softcover, and also in the magazine section). He creates the greatest knitted toy patterns, which I have seen in Simply Knitting. Finally, with Spring coming, I saw so many pretty summer patterns in Knit 'n' Style, I couldn't resist. So, there you have it... (Yes, I have a problem with obsessively collecting knitting books and magazines...)

In the meantime, I also decided to make (yes, make!) a hand spindle to try yarn spinning. I must be crazy, but it's something I have wanted to try for some time now. There's a great website called The Joy of Handspinning: The Web Site for Hand Spinners, and they have instructions for a simple hand spinner. It took 5 minutes to make, and the supplies cost under $3. I can make a second one as well (which my sister has already asked me to do...). I ordered some wool batting from my friend Keri's Etsy shop, and I am just waiting for it to arrive to get started. We'll see how it goes. I've heard that once you start, you'll want a spinning wheel (quite an expensive venture), so I am wondering if I am crazy to start this... Only time will tell!!!

Oh, and here is an update pic of the shrug I am making - I hope to finish it in time for my sister's birthday on April 17th.