Brooklyn Handspun

Blogging?

2009-07-08T04:47:00.000-05:00

Anyone still there?

I have to admit I've mostly forgotten about this poor blog. With twitter, flickr, and real life gatherings, my poor blag has been really neglected. I know a few bloggers who recently shut down their blogs because they no longer had anything to say or they created the blog in hopes of meeting new people and now they are so busy with friends and life they no longer need the blog.

I'm on the fence. I have been so busy lately with work (both the day job and dyeing) and life (anyone ever plan a wedding? OMG it's time consuming!) that I rarely ever think about posting - this is quite obvious considering the last post was in September of 2008! But I am not ready to just dismantle and walk away.

I think I'll just start off small - here are some pics of recent FO's

Knitting: I made this pattern us as I went along it's basically 5 cables staggered and I'm thinking about writing up a pattern for it - what do you think is it worthy of a pattern? Any suggested names? I've got another design in the works as well - maybe I'll give this designing thing a shot!

Jewelry Making: Many moons ago I made jewelry, a lot of it, and did a decent job making a little cash from selling it. I really enjoyed it but then knitting, spinning, yarn and fiber came into my life and Brooklyn Handspun was created so I had very little time to fabricate jewelry. This past weekend I was cleaning out some supplies and came across some stones which NEEDED to become pendants, and once the torch and other supplies came out I have been a jewelry making fool. The pendants then needed hand linked and beaded necklaces to dangle from...here are the first two:

Carnelian and Silver

Geode Slice, Moonstone, and Smokey Quartz

Oh and I've been dyeing fiber - I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep it all for myself or put it up in the store - we'll see.

Alright - maybe with some positive reinforcement I'll keep this blogging up! wink wink

Ahoy Mateys

2008-09-19T10:19:00.006-05:00

There ain't be no better time to come back to this here blog than on talk(Blog) like a pirate day! I've been sailing some rough seas over the past few months, but I am finally sailing smooth with many a treasure found and islands visited.

Me first treasure be the furry little land lubber Benny - he was a wee little thing when we broke him out of the brig. He be turnin' into a real fine lad - although his mateys (Gina, Divino and Gary) sometimes thinks he be a scurvy dog!

He is a mite bigger now but ye can see the mischief in his eyes.

As fer the island adventure, me wench Courtney and I found our way to the pirate haven of Aruba. It be hot and breezy at that port, but we had ourselves a grand time with other Buccaneers while we swam in the lazy river and ate good grub!

Here be some pictures of that fine time.

That be all fer now me hearties - I'll be weighing the anchor but will be back soon!

Long live the pirates - ARRRRRRRRRR! Where's my rum????

Doug will be missed...

2008-07-22T16:24:00.001-05:00

I just want to say thank you to everyone for sending well wishes to Doug and keeping all of us in your thoughts. On July 9th we made the tough decision to put Doug to sleep. We both took the day off and spent all day with him giving him as much love as we could, wondering if we were making the right choice. Right as we were putting him into his carrier to go to the Vet - after being home all day - he had a seizure and died quickly in our arms. Even with his last act he was a good cat who knew how to take care of us, and now we don't have to wonder if it was the right choice.

Thank you all for being there for us.

Marie, Court, and Doug

Kitty in Crisis

2008-06-26T10:32:00.004-05:00

It's been so long since I blogged I almost forgot how!

So, life has been busy and rather insane - hopefully I can go over all that has occurred in May and June but right now my only concern is over Doug.

This is Doug - he came into my life when Court did (along with the lovable Devino)- and I am so glad to have them. A few weeks ago we noticed that the svelt Doug was getting skinnier so we brought him to the Vet, as any concerned kitty parents would do, and found out that his kidneys were failing - despite only being 5 years old.

For the past two weeks he's been shuffled from home to his Vet and also to the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan. He's been poked and prodded, had to stay in the hospital for 6 days getting fluids, and now he most likely will have to have surgery since they finally figured out a stone is obstructing his ureter. We'll find out today if that surgery will be here or if we'll have to go to the Veterinary hospital at the University of PA where they do a special sort of surgery.

He is such a trooper, you know, with all of the above and getting subcutaneous fluids at home, he hasn't scratched or bit anyone?!?!?! He was always a mellow loving cat but I probably would have taken a chunk out of someone if I had to go through all of that.

I love it if you can send good wishes and get well vibes to little Doug to help us get through this tough time. and hopefully he'll be getting into trouble and weaseling his way into the craft room (where is is certainly not allowed) to hide among the undyed yarn !

Ever heard of Geocaching?

2008-04-16T11:32:00.003-05:00

Neither did I, but it's worth learning about. Basically, there is a large group of people who hide things on trails and in state parks - maybe even in a park near you (they are in Brooklyn too!) - and then other people go out and find them. It's like a scavenger hunt, you get GPS coordinates of the cache which takes you 10-20 feet from it. You'll also most likely get a cryptic clue which will get you even closer - but you are still going to have to do a little searching. Most caches are boxes (usually Ammo cans):

Inside the box there is generally a logbook, a pencil, and various trinkets. If you take a trinket, you should add one of your own to keep the box supplied with goodies. There are also things called Geocoins and Travel Bugs. They are items you leave in the cache with instructions like - please take me to Disney World. People will take them if they can help them get to the destination stated - and place them in different caches along the way. Check out our handmade Travel Bug - Court whipped this little dragonfly up:

So far we've only found a few caches but they have taken us to some lovely views:

High above LaGrangeville, NY

The Hudson River near Sleepy Hollow, NY

It's a great way to get some nature pics!

I happen to love this sign we saw on the way up a grueling hike which took us up 500 ft in elevation in 3/4 of a mile -

So anyone else out there Geocachers?

Oh there has been some knitting - I finished these a while ago - a pair of simple ribbed socks for Court.

Pattern: my own
Yarn: My Soft Spun Plus in Lush Lake
Needles: Magic Loop Addi #3
I forget how long they took but I do know they went fast.

Store Update

2008-03-20T15:08:00.001-05:00

BIG store update tons of new colorways in all base yarns!

Have something to knit for spring break!

Babies, cats and dye oh my

2008-03-13T11:36:00.004-05:00

This must be the year of babies. Apparently all my friends have "gotten busy" and are now expecting or have just popped! 2 friends have just had little bundles of joy, and 5 more are pregnant - one of them is my sister! I have a LOT of baby knitting to do.

A couple of Saturdays ago I realized that on Sunday I had a baby shower to go to and I had not finished the baby blanket I was working on. Let me give you a timeline of what happened short after this realization:

9:01 - frantically looking for the mitered squares

9:10 - found them only to realize I still had 3.5 more squares to knit
10:00 - 1.5 squares knit
10:01 - searching through piles of stash yarn for the right color to complete the next 2 squares
10:27 - Found it!
10:30 - take a break - cause in the middle of a yarn emergency taking a break seemed like the only thing to do
11:15 - back to work
12:15 - Finished squares

12:15-2:45 am - a ton of friggin seaming
3:00 am - sleep - sweet. sweet sleep

10:00 - I'm awake - No, last nights knitting was not some sick and twisted dream telling me I need to work on my procrastination
10:05 - Pick up a ton of stitches and knit a border (after brushing my teeth)
10:06-1:30 pm - finish the border

1:31-2:30 - grab some lunch, jump into the shower, get dressed etc...
2:30-3:30 - I want to cry but I'm weaving in a bazillion ends

3:35 - get on the bus into Manhattan for the 4:30 baby shower - the ends are still not 100% but I've brought along a needle, scissors, and wrapping paper
4:15 - almost there and I just finished weaving and trimming the last of the ends
4:20 - Wrap the gift on the bus
4:25 - Get off the bus and walk over to the baby shower!

At this point you'd think YAY she did it - all over and done with, mama will love the blankie and the shower will be a pink and blue blast. Well - I get to the apartment where the shower is being held and guess what? No one home! I called and called, I rang the bell, I even was let in to knock on the door - still no answer.

I head home with the blanket still in my possession. Turns out, the baby was very eager, kicked a hole through the amniotic sac and my friend had to go in for an emergency c-section on Thursday before the shower - guess who didn't get the email notice?

But now I know better and will start and finish my baby gifts early - umm ok maybe not. At least I did get a good blog post out of it!

Cats and dye -

If you want to know the story behind this picture - check out Court's new blog - she's got the full run down it's totally worth reading!

Brooklyn Bonanza

2008-02-21T10:48:00.003-05:00

First off - thank you to all of you who wished me birthday wishes and congratulations on the engagement - I've said it before and I'll say it again - all of you guys rock!

This past weekend I had my yearly spider gathering - this was the 3rd year. It was a blast! I wish I had taken more pictures but I was having way too much fun to do that.

The 1st year is was dyeing, the 2nd spinning and this year it was all about the secret single sock swap. We used Elfster to match up the spiders and then we knit one sock for our swap pal. It was the best swap ever - beautiful socks - inspiring actually!

I got a sock, and some other goodies from the fabulous Virginia who actually wrote her own pattern for the sock - and that pattern is going to be adapted for my Instant Gratification sock yarn. So not only did I get a great sock (which I'll be casting on for the mate soon) I get a pattern to give out to my customers!

check out that cable action - now I HAVE to start knitting cables...I know I know it's easy - I don't know why I've put it off for so long - they are so friggin pretty.

I forgot to take a picture of the sock I knit for Cathy but if you look above 3rd from the left I knit a Poseidon sock with my soft spun plus colorway red brick. I really enjoyed the pattern it was fun to knit and I was able to memorize the pattern pretty quickly.

We all know that knitting is integral to our survival as a species ( at least I think so!) but how will the rest of the world come to find out about it? IKEA - yup you know your craft has reached new heights when IKEA has a yarn store in their showroom!

Now if only I can get my craft room so organized!

Very Memorable Birthday...

2008-01-29T12:12:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I met a bunch of family and friends in a cozy little bar downtown to celebrate my 30th birthday. We had a blast chatting and drinking while the jukebox played - then - I got a giant birthday surprise! Courtney gets everyone's attention, at least 20 people or so, and takes out a sheet of paper then starts to tell everyone that before we met (about a year ago) she made a list of everything she wanted in a partner. This list included some very specific items like: she likes to dye stuff, is between 27 and 30, has gaps in her teeth, cooks well so she doesn't have to, has light eyes and brown hair, loves cats....etc. She says that I fit everyone of the items on that list (it was spooky actually) and most of all she wanted someone who when she got down on one knee and proposed she would say yes - and then she asked me to marry her!

I must admit I was floored, totally shocked, had NO idea this was coming! It took me a few moments to let everything sink in but as soon as I got my wits about me I accepted. We both agreed that there won't be a wedding for at least another year (gotta see who wins the presidential election - might have some impact on marriage rights).

Here is a picture of the sheep (that she needle felted herself) which she presented me the ring with:

The ring has an Amethyst stone since purple is my favorite color, and look it has swirls on it - can you believe that?!?! (if you've been reading my blog for long enough you'll realize I have a thing for swirls). I couldn't have even designed myself a better ring.
It's absolutely perfect!

30 years ago...

2008-01-25T15:35:00.001-05:00

My mom was struggling over piles of snow on her way to the hospital...

We all know what happened next - yup she had a bouncing baby girl - ME. My parents only had boy names picked out so after a little arguing as to whether or not to name me Penelope, they decided on Marie Aline (I just don't think I look like a Penelope - no offense to all of you Penelope's out there).

Now that I'm 30 I feel like I am officially a grown up - although I'm still playing with bits of string and colorful fiber. I'm looking forward to my thirties I think good times are ahead - I'm sure I can deal with the creaking bones lol.

Lest you think this blog is all about Birthdays and Shop announcements - I do have some FO's - knitting has been happening over here.

First off the long awaited Cable Twist socks knit with 4 balls of Zara - nice and squishy.

Here is where I modified the pattern and added increases on both sides of the sock.

I started these in Late March and didn't finish till December of course I knit up 1.5 and then got sick and tired of them and had them sitting in the WIP pile for months. But I really like the way they came out.

Here is another FO - fingerless gloves with a thumb hole. I'm still not sure if I want to add the cap or not. BTW- no kitties were strangled in the course of shooting these pictures :)

Here is the very convenient thumb hole - perfect for trying to grab your metrocard from a very full pocket.

The yarn is my Instant Gratification in Mermaid. I was glad when this didn't sell cause well I had my eye on it from the beginning! The pattern is made up on the fly just some ribbing a thumb gusset and some more ribbing. Originally knit for Court but - um - I kinda stole them back....hey she already has toasty gloves and my hands were freezing!

Thank you Court for being the ever patient FO model!

Finally we have my most current WIP the super secret sock - I won't give any details but here is a pic -

More pictures to come soon - I've still got a lot to show ya!

Store Update

2008-01-18T15:50:00.000-05:00

The STORE has been updated with LOTS of new colorways and the brand new 3ply Soft Spun Plus is making it's debut appearance. Also there are still spots left in the Holiday Sock Club - Round II

Here is a little pic the current colorways:

Happy New Year

2008-01-10T13:48:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! - I hope you and all your loved ones had a wonderful
holiday season. Exciting times here at Brooklyn Handspun! I've got a
couple of new things going on that I'd love to share with you.

1) The 2008 Holiday Sock Club is now open! I've got great colors brewing....go over and check it out.

2) Keep an eye out late next week for a GIANT update!

3) I'm am now taking wholesale orders from brick and mortar stores
- so if you would like to see Brooklyn Handspun in your LYS let them know to send an inquiry to wholesale@brooklynhandspun.com - you'll be seeing my 3 ply yarn at The Point very soon.

4) I have started taking private spinning students on a drop spindle or wheel. If you are in the NYC area and would like to take spinning lessons just email me and I'll give you all the information.

5) If classes are more your thing - I will be teaching a spinning class at Brooklyn General beginning February 2, 2008. Introduction to Spinning $125 (great price for 6 hours of lessons!)

Four 1 ½ hour classes Learn how to spin and design your own yarn on a drop spindle. Class includes an overview of animal and plant fibers, how to card and blend different fiber types and colors, plying instruction, and an introduction to the spinning wheel. Check here for more info or you can call 718.237.7753

Materials available at first class
Session A: Mon 6:30 to 8:00 pm, 2/4, 11, 25. 3/3

Brooklyn General is also hosting the fabulous Pluckyfluff she will be offering a 2 day spinning camp - you'll learn lots of carding and novelty techniques for the art yarn lover in you. Tell them Brooklyn Handspun referred you! You can find all the info on the Brooklyn General Blog

I have a bunch of FO's and pictures to share with you - unfortunately I left my camera at home but I'll get them up in a few days!

SALE SALE SALE

2007-12-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

I'm having an end of year sale at the STORE I'm offfering 20% off all yarn - I need to clear out for more yarn coming in January.

If you order by the 21st I'll be mailing them out right away - after that they will be mailed out on the 27th.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Marie

Socks on Blocks

2007-12-12T17:33:00.000-05:00

My socks are done! I finished them on Sunday and I think I worked on each sock maybe 4 days of subway knitting each. They flew off the needles.

Here they are on my new fabulous sock blockers given to me by Veronique at the Spider Christmas party this weekend - I'm in love with them and the cute little fat cat carved out of them.

Here is a shot of the naked sock blockers:

I"ll have the pattern up as soon as it's tested - it's for my soon to be released 3 ply sock yarn - Soft Spun Plus.

I have started knitting on a long time WIP which hopefully will be a FO tonight - Pics to come soon of super cool knee highs.

Here are a few bits of eye candy - I woke up really early a few days last week and I caught the sunrise -I love the sunrise it's so peaceful, I had to take pics.

While I was taking pics of the sunrise this is what Gary was doing:

Excuse me ....I felted

2007-11-29T11:22:00.000-05:00

Well I tried to anyway - about a month ago I bought some felting supplies at Brooklyn General
to try my hand at felting (yeah like I NEED a new hobby) Well this was my sad little attempt:

some funky swirls and dots - after a little while I realized this hobby isn't for me, but Court picked up the needle and some funky wool I had laying around and look at this:

Front:

Back:

She's a friggin natural! She didn't even look online for tutorials or anything - just went right at it - I'm impressed. The baby dragon isn't finished yet - I can't wait to see it all done.

Speaking of finished - woo hoo the Twisted Tweed socks are done. Well they've been done for a while now hence the fuzzies on the sock from wearing them all over the house.

Project Stats:

Pattern: Twisted Tweed - I did them toe up and only knit the pattern on the leg.

Yarn: Trekking XXL

Started: September 25, 2007

Finished: November 16, 2007

Here we go - my list of WIP's

1. Log Cabin baby blanket - as with all log cabins it just keeps going and going. I love it though and it is the best TV knitting...knit, knit, knit

2. Mitered square baby blanket - a long time ago I bought up a ton of GGH aspen at 2 bucks a ball - I decided it would make the most squishy fun baby blanket. so here I am cranking out squares - again good tv knitting.

3. New sock - My own pattern and my new 3 ply sock yarn. Umm I don't want to toot my own horn but umm...I really love this yarn. I'm knitting this sock up on 3.25 mm needles - I started on Tuesday morning and I'll be done tonight with the first sock. I'll be writing the pattern up while I knit the second sock. Hopefully making the PDF will go as fast - although unlikely!

3. Spinning - yup it's been a LONG while since I've posted any spinning around here. I'm spinning up some BFL/Merino which will stripe pink and rainbow. I'm not sure if I want to keep this as singles or ply it with a little BLING - i miss the bling - it's been a while!

Ok, these silk paintings were not done by me - but the person who did do them doesn't think they are any good - can you please let her know she is crazy! I think they are lovely and she should continue to play with the medium and create, cause not only are they already beautiful but I can see how much more potential she has. The first two were inspired by cave paintings, and the last one by a picture of an art quilt.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2007-11-21T15:33:00.000-05:00

Well I have a lot to show you but...it'll have to wait till Monday I'm just too busy with all the cooking and baking to show you the FO's, WIP's and new crafts...

In the meantime, I am having a Thanksgiving sale at the STORE - all yarn is 10% off - I need to make room for new stuff. I've got a brand new 3 ply squishy sock yarn that I'm just dye-ing to show you!

Have a wonderful holiday!

Breaking News...

2007-11-05T15:03:00.000-05:00

In an amazing act of solidarity, all 4 cats conspired to take over the entire bed. They demanded tuna in abundance and many kilos of cat nip before they would return the bed to their human caretakers. Fortunately strife within their ranks, in the form of Gina trying to eat Doug's tail, forced them to back down and they settled for control over the other 95% of the apartment.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program - Attack of The 50 ft Ball of Yarn....ahhhhhhhh

Store Update

2007-11-03T21:34:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post to let you know that the STORE has been updated - go take a looksie and see if anything strikes your fancy.

Being productive

2007-10-25T12:50:00.000-05:00

I've been on a knitting roll. I finished one of the Twisted Tweed Socks and am working away on the 2nd one. The only thing that is slowing my progress is I finally got the log cabin itch. I found out a friend of mine was pregnant and is having a boy so I figured it was the perfect time to knit my first baby blanket.

I started late Monday night and here is the progress so far:

and an artsy side shot:

I'm really enjoying the flow of this blanket. It's not quite a log cabin - maybe I should call it log cabin inspired. I didn't plan out the color repeats or how many rows of each to do, I am just grabbing yarn and knitting till it feels right. So far so good I think.

I've also finished a pair of arm warmers for Court - here she is when I rudely, I mean lovingly, woke her up and said I wanted a shot of the arm warmers. I put them on her, let her hide, and snapped this shot - I LOVE this shot hehee.

These were knit out of baby alpaca I spun up ages ago. No pattern, just a tube with a hole on the side for the thumb and some k2p2 rib on the top and bottom. If you look close you'll see I embroidered (not very neatly) an L for left and an R for right. Although they are knit so as to be interchangeable, were knit with the same yarn, the same amount of stitches and within about an hour of each other, the fit is different for each arm so Court asked that a designation be made for ease of use. I gladly obliged.

I did go to Rhinebeck but amazingly I didn't buy any fiber or yarn - can you believe that? I figure I recently got in an order of 450 lbs of yarn and I should probably lay off the fiber and yarn ordering for a bit :). I did score some Phenomenal Fudge this stuff is heavenly, some chocolate covered pretzels, honey sticks, a candy and caramel apple, and a large bag of kettle corn. By the way - not all of this was for me - just so you know hehee. I met up with some of the Spiders and we had a greasy, but yummy, lunch - I really wanted the artichokes but alas, the line was too long and I was too hungry. Cathy brought with her one of her cube bags that I ADORE. She emailed me and said she knew I would love this fabric and she was oh so right. It's perfect - if you have been reading this here blog for a bit you'll know why...

SWIRLS GALORE!!! I love it - thank you Cathy.

I also ran into Michelle, owner of The Sweet Sheep who came all the way down from Canada wearing her lovely Mr. Green Jeans Sweater. And of course, I couldn't leave without Chilling with Mama-E for a bit. It was a warm day but she was rocking her Fugl sweater - let me tell you it is so pretty. She also brought me a gift - check out this lovely BFL roving -

I can't wait to spin it up. I think Mama-E is going to have a package delivered to her soon :)

I'll leave you with a picture of Gary - my "special" boy. He was percolating before birth WAY too long. As a result he tends to run into walls, isn't the most coordinated, and I think might possible have narcolepsy (he'll walk around, stop and just plop down and sleep anywhere). Oh but I love him and his giant ears.

Rhinebeck Here I come

2007-10-19T17:01:00.001-05:00

Well I'm off to Rhinebeck - I'm making a weekend of it Sheep and Wool on Saturday and hiking on Sunday.

I'd love to meet some fellow bloggers up there - old and new friends, lurkers, customers, etc...

Here is a picture of me wearing the same scarf I'll be wearing tomorrow.

Please say hello if you see me! I'm also a square in Blogger Bingo for Saturday only. I hope you meet lots of people....see you there!

Bring on Socktoberfest

2007-10-08T22:47:00.000-05:00

I'm ready for you Socktober! I've already got one pair of socks done and another on the way. Court's ribbed socks are finished and I love the way they came out.

Project Stats:
Pattern: my own - just a toe up sock with a short row heel and a nice and tall 2x2 ribbed leg. Knit on size 3US 56 st.
Yarn: Magic Garden Buttons yarn - 83% NZ wool, 17% polyester. 134 yards/50g ball. Machine washable. I used 2 full balls of blue and one of yellow.
Started: September 21, 2007
Finished: October 4, 2007

My next pair of socks are already underway - Twisted Tweed Socks.

I really like this stitch pattern it looks more complicated than it is and I think it will actually stay up on my leg. I'm already planning on knitting another pair of these and this time I might even knit the stitch pattern down the sock.

A while back, my mom asked - no wait - demanded a pair of socks. After holding her off for a while I finally finished her socks and gave them to her a few months ago. These are baby cashmerino so they are super soft but not the most durable of socks.

She told me she was going to use them as house socks so I figured a cashmere blend yarn wouldn't be too bad on pergo floors. Apparently I was wrong - take a look at moms new...umm mittens?

If you look closely you'll see she wore 3 holes in her house socks. each one had a hole in the heel and one where the ball of the foot is. Apparently she didn't just wear them in the house but she told me she "might" have walked outside on the concrete and stone pavers. Not to mention I have a feeling she threw these in the washing machine quite frequently. Not to worry mom - I've already got another pair in mind for you - and this time I'm adding either a slipped stitch heel and toe or maybe even making the whole bottom of the foot in Eye of Partridge. Eventually I'm sure they too will wear out but hopefully it will take longer than a few months!

Hey here are some kitty pics - these are the two new guys - Divino and Douglass. They are so friggin sweet and amazingly all 4 cats get along rather well. I'm waiting for the day they all are sleeping close enough to get a group picture...how sweet will that be?!

New and Improved

2007-09-26T15:50:00.001-05:00

Forget about same ol' same ol', I've got some new stuff going on!

Check out the new layout of the blog - much better right? Easier to read and much more personalized. Finally after 2 years of blogging - yes I just had a blogiversary thank you, I have made some much needed changes. I'm really diggin it.

I've got some new WIP's - two pairs of socks one for me and one for Court. I'm sure many of you can pick out which one is for me right away - especially with my penchant for purple or anything berry colored.

Courts yellow and turquoise pair is my own ribbed pattern, just a basic sock, warm and comfy for the upcoming winter. If I am brave I'll write a pattern but I'm scared of pattern writing - I'm sure I'll make about 50 mistakes and then have to revise it every 2 days.

My pair will eventually be the Twisted Tweed Socks (although in true lazy knitter style - I'll be doing the fancy stitch pattern on the leg only) by the talented Schrodinger who not only knits but sews as well - she has a new etsy shop, Schrodinger Originals, selling her cube bags. Here is a pic stolen from her etsy shop - I forgot to snap a pic of mine. I love it - it's perfect for socks on the go or any little project you want to smush in your bag but don't want to ruin with the various items crammed into your purse (maybe that's just my purse - but I doubt it)

Go take a look - and buy - you'll be glad you did.

More newness - I got a new haircut! This is the shortest my hair has EVER been. I've been systematically cutting it shorter and shorter and I think this is my limit - but I think it suits me and makes my hair look way fuller.

And as you know from my last post I recently moved. Here is a picture of the living room post box removal.

There is a lot of decorating work to be done here - and decorating compromises to be discussed. We did come up with what to hang on the wall over the couch. We are going to be collaborating on a hand dyed and pieced wall hanging - stay tuned for progress reports).

Check out the creepy glowing cat eyes - now there are 4 cats to stumble over!

Hey I've also got STORE news - I've started a 3 Month Holiday Sock Club and there are a few spots left. The first shipment will be within the first 2 weeks of October.

Summer is over - Back to fibery things...yay

2007-09-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

So, I must confess, there hasn't been much knitting at all done this summer (gasp, shock, shriek) - really, with temperatures in the 90's I wasn't going to even look at wool to spin or yarn to knit. For the most part I didn't even want my clothes on, although I made sure to fight the urge to strip (which was a mighty feat of self control). But finally the humidity has dissipated and the temperature took a southern dip, and for the first time it feels just a bit like fall. So you all know what I was doing this morning on the train right? oh yes my friends knitting some socks - in a lovely berry shade of Trekking XXL - alas no pictures yet.

Speaking of pictures I will speed you through my summer ala photo journalism style -

Courtney has fun with power tools while cutting off the child safety bars in order to put in an AC - note to building owners - Do not use one-way screws when installing these things.

Spider Parties were attended - Really, who can ask for a better group of friends?

Check us out rooting through a ton of yarn! Ohh and don't I look fetching in a tiara hehee - behind me is Carrie - probably with her yarn haul.

In family news, my little sister became a court officer - I am so very proud of her - doesn't she looks adorable...I mean tough and mean - umm - yeah. I miss her at the day job so much - not to mention as my yarn dyeing assistant. Next to her is my lovely mother - who btw is also an officer!

Well I'm basically out of pictures but I do have some more news - I Moved (still in the same neighborhood in Brooklyn). The move was HELL and I would never wish that kind of stress and anxiety on anyone. But, the apartment is lovely, and Courtney and I are loving it.

Fibery news coming soon.

STORE UPDATE

2007-06-14T15:23:00.001-05:00

Hello all - Just a little note to let you know the STORE has been updated

Lots of new yarn - in all new colorways.

Also I've got hand dyed clothes for babies and adults by Digger and Dweezil - they are so adorable and one of a kind. Lots more colors and sizes on the way and if you have a request let me know and I'll get your order in!

And the winner is...

2007-05-21T15:04:00.000-05:00

Thank you everyone for such thoughtful comments! I visited a lot of new blogs and I'm in the process now of updating my reading list to include all of you (I love delurking time). I'm also compiling a great list for those of you out there who need a little inspiration or jump start in the knitting and/or blogging realm.

I got started on a lot of those suggestions already but first I'll let you know the winner -

LANI - go check out her blog she just finished the ever popular Monkey Socks.

I've got a nice little package going out to her which I totally forgot to take a picture of.

So on to the things I'm doing to keep myself motivated.

#1 - finish the endless kneehigh sock - only the first one is done and I am waiting a bit before I cast on for the second one - I don't want to be thrown into knitting exile again so soon.

I made so many modifications to this, and of course didn't write any of them down, so it's going to be interesting recreating the 2nd sock. The original pattern is the cable twist socks. I LOVE this pattern. I already knit one pair and this will be my 2nd. It's so easy but you still have to think about where you are in the pattern. I think the modifications are: toe up, plain stockinette on the foot, increases on each side of the leg as it got longer, and a very interesting rib to top it off ( interesting because it's k2, p1, k2, p2 - it fit with the pattern)

#2 - Buy some yarn! I couldn't pass up these colors, especially since they were on sale, and neither could she.

Aren't they just lovely?

#3 - Start a new and exciting project. I started knitting a silver wire bracelet. I figured that is something I've never really done. Well I did try once, but silver wire and metal needles will drive you crazy and force you to hurl stuff across the room in frustration. I've since learned that one of the items (either yarn or needles) needs to have some "give", so this time I have 28g silver wire and US1 bamboo needles - the bamboo needles are nice and flexible. It's coming along nicely.

I plan to knit until it's the size of my wrist, then I'll fold it in half, wire the long side together, and either wear it like that or maybe I'll put in some larger beads into the tube and then close up the ends and either solder on or wire on a bar and clasp. I know it might be hard to visualize but I'll have pictures soon.

#4 - get outside and do something other than knit. Court and I went to Central Park last weekend and had a blast - isn't she cute?