A Scary Start to My Weekend, and Taking Stock of Projects

I'm still nervous and won't leave the house empty for a while. As Pat was getting ready to leave for work Friday, we smelled something burning. We has an electrical fire in the basement. Luckily he got to the circuit box before actual flames came out of the box. The insulation is all melted from the wires and flames were eminent when he got to the box. Thank God he hadn't left for work yet. He disconnected the faulty wires and circuit, spending the better portion of the evening and all weekend rewiring the hot water tank. Everything is safe now, but, we still want to have an electrician come in to double check it. This was the weekend of my Ocean State Knitting and Crochet Guild's retreat. I was going to go for the day today, but, decided not to due to other commitments at this time. Now, I'm glad I decided this since I wouldn't have been able to go.

I decided to take stock of all my UFOs, on needles, hooks, and bobbins.

My Sonata still has the "Inquiry" fiber for CJKopec's Spin A Long "Put Your Twist On It". And my Minstrel still has the Merino on it for a sweater. I need to get the Inquiry done so I can get back to the Coopworth for my other sweater. When these three fibers are done, I need to finish my "Bahhhrahhccuda" color fiber from DkKnits and knit up some socks. I'm going to be the last one done with them, but, that's o.k. Of course that lateness doesn't compare to the wool singles and alpaca singles I spun last May and never plied together. They are definitely on the to do list next. And, then there is the other "Pie Toss" braid of roving from Spunky I need to spin and Navajo so I can make socks with that as well. The only other fiber needing attention is the last little bit of Rambouillet I was spinning as lace weight. I took a "break" from it since I had spent almost 4 months spinning with this 8 ounces of fiber. The last 2 ounces are calling me.

I'm also working on a sock, using a technique I had learned from Sarah. The whole sock is worked on a 12 inch circular needle, except for the heel flap and gusset. Once you get that part in, you go back to the circular to finish the foot. It's coming out nice and I like not having to fiddle with needles or loops. It was a bit of a learning curve to work with the small circs at first. Now, it's mindless. I'm just knitting a plain vanilla sock in some variegated yarn. The cuff was worked on size 2 and the rest of the sock on size 1. I want to be able to turn the cuff over the sock when they are worn.

I also pulled out some of the rows on the Dragon Scale Shawl to re-knit for the third time. Let's hope the third time is the charm and I can call this a FO instead of a WIP soon.

There are a couple of scarves I started in the bin as well as a lonely Butterfly Sock waiting for it's mate. That's it. Not as bad as I thought. I did frog a couple of projects along the way. The bin is next to the loom so I can just grab a project and work on it while sitting in the living room with the t.v. or computer on.

Oh, and the 5 bins of fleece I had in my craft room are now living in the cedar closet in the basement. I was surprised to find the closet was much smaller than I remembered. You can still step into it, but, it's not as deep as I thought. I also put some comforters and bedding in there as well. At least I'm finally getting to use it for it's intended use.

O.K. I'm off to cook some chicken for tomorrow. Once it's in the oven, I can work on the sock or shawl some more......

More Fiber Goodies and News

In the last post I mentioned CJKopec's Spin-A-Long on Ravelry. I've decided to just spin the fiber from the end and see what I get from it. The plan is to possibly use it in the yoke of a sweater. This is "Inquiry":



Other good news is in regards to the Coopworth fiber for my sweater spinning. Sandi met me today and the other pound of fiber came home with me. Yay! Here's some pictures of the yarn so far:



And this closeup:



Between these two things, and DkKnits SAL/KAL with her fiber club, and her sock club, I'm so busy trying to keep up, and, I haven't really knit on anything else. With one exception. I did manage to finish a hat today while sitting at Weight Watchers waiting for the meeting to begin.

Spinning Away the Hours

This past Friday evening was the start of the plying for my Coopworth sweater yarn. I managed to ply the entire 6 1/2 bobbins by Sunday night. The result was 1.5 pounds and 996 yards of worsted weight yarn. I now need to pick up another pound of this lovely fiber from Sandi tomorrow. I don't know where my head was the night I bought the fiber. I know I need between 2 1/2 to 3 pounds to make a sweater to cover my fluffy body. The diet is going well, but, not that well. I know I won't fit into a size large or extra large sweater. Besides, I like them loose and comfy not body forming.

In today's mail, was the fiber for CJKopec's Spin-A-Long. I might start that tonight and see how it looks. Options for spinning are to just grab an end and go for it or tear of sections and spin from the fold. The possibility is a single of each and then ply them together for a different look. I don't know yet.

Well, I'm off to toss the clothes in the washer and dryer. It's the tale of the never ending laundry...........

Snowy Days, Busy Hands, and Sock Woes

March definitely roared in like a lion this year. With the major snow storm last Sunday and Monday, the wheels and needles were very busy.

The Coopworth has almost all the singles spun. I'm finishing up bobbin 6 and don't think I have enough for a full bobbin 7. After switching to the jumbo flyer, I'll ply bobbins 1 and 4 together to see how much yardage I have and calculate how much more fiber i need to buy from Sandi. I'm estimating I should have about 1200 yards when these singles are all plyed. It might be enough for the sweater, but, I'm a plus size girl, so think I need a bit more.

Last Saturday was the monthly Spin In at Sue's shop. I decided to take Millie Minstrel for a change and worked on the Merino for the other sweater. That bobbin is now off the wheel and another started. At this rate I might have 2 sweater's worth of yarn before long. I'm not too worried about getting this one finished though. After all, I started spinning it in February 2008.

The hat is almost ready for decreasing and then that WIP will be an FO. It's coming out really nice. I like the way the natural shading of the fiber shows up in the knitting.

I have sad news to report. There are 2 wounded socks in my house. They are the first to need repair. I have a hole in one where it was caught on something. The other one has some stitches wearing thin and about to break. I made both pairs about 3 years ago, so I shouldn't be surprised they are showing some wear now. For now, they are in the mending basket waiting for me to salvage them.

The Dragon Scale Shawl has been calling to me to finish it. The mistake still looks wrong to me even though I pulled out 20 rows and put them back in. I need to pull them out again and knit it again. This is aggravating since I'm on the last of it. I just need to do the garter stitch rows and it's finished. But, it's calling me, so I guess I will be working on it again soon just to finish it.

The sun is shining even though it's cold. Enjoy the day and I'll post again soon.

Dragons and Spinning

Lately, I've been spending quite a bit of time at the Dragon Cave. I have several eggs and hatchlings right now. It's fun to "catch" or "breed" the eggs and watch them grow into very pretty creatures.

Today is a good day to spend with the wheel. It's a cloudy, rainy day, so inside activities are definitely on my list. I've spent the last few days spinning away at the Rose Gray Coopworth fiber. I'm starting bobbin 4 today, and possibly bobbin 5 by tonight. The plan is to spin all the singles by the beginning of March. Then I'll start plying for the sweater.

My knitting is crying for attention, too. So I guess I need to get to that as well.

I'm off to make some lunch and then sit at the wheel again.......

Look At All the Pretty Colors!

Saturday was our Drumcarding Party at the monthly Spinners Guild meeting. I forgot my camera, so don't have any pictures. (Grrr. I always forget my camera.) There was about 6 drumcarders all in action, along with a picker, several wheels spinning, and the creation of some sculpy clay name tags.

There was white with angelina, blue with a hint of brown which looked like the ocean at the shore, mango-orange sherbet, dark cranberry red, green with red and a hint of angelina, and a few other color combinations when everyone was finished. Each one was lovely, fluffy, and made you want to snuggle into them. I think my favorite was the ocean blue one. I have similar colors in the dye box and might have to try making this one myself.

On the wheels were reds, greens, white, and gray. I don't think anyone was actually spinning a multi color this time. On my Sonata, I started the Rose Gray Coopworth pin drafted fiber I bought from Sandi and it spins divine! I hardly do any drafting. This is going to be a sweater for me. The shades in the fiber are showing up wonderfully. I am trying to finish the first bobbin today. I plan to spin the entire 2 pounds before plying so I can mix the bobbins according this article from Knitty, written by Amy King a/k/a Spunky Eclectic. If I find I need more fiber, I can pester Sandi for it. My Minstrel is back in Double Drive so I can finish some more of the Merino I started last year for a sweater. In order to get both these fibers done, I'm going to alternate wheels as I fill bobbins.

As for the knitting and crochet, everything is mostly in the same place. Little progress has been made on anything lately. I need to incorporate the 10 Minutes a Day rule again here. The wheels have had all the attention with the finishing of the "Blueberry Hill Yogurt" and "Pie Toss".

The llama locks had a slight mishap. I was a bit too vigorous in the swishing during the rinse and several are tangled together. I have learned not to do this again. I keep separating some every time I walk past the island counter. There's only a small amount left to de-tangle so it should be settled tonight. The plan is to use the combs for it, then, the drumcarder for the shorter leftovers from the combing. I'll blend the shorts with some wool.

As the Llama Turns......

Some of you may remember the fleeces I was given back in June '08. Among them was the blanket from the llama. It's a soft, dark gray fiber... I think. It's very dirty and dusty. It spent the summer, fall, and most of the winter in the shed in the back yard along with a Romeldale fleece I've yet to wash.

A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to share this lovely llama fiber with the 3 ladies who spent those 100 degree days helping me sort and re-bag the fleeces. Then it sat in my kitchen until today. With the temps in the 60s and the sun shining through my window, the temptation to do Springtime fibery things was too much. The snow is still on the ground, so I had to soak it in the house. Right now, part of it's in 2 pans on the counter in the kitchen.

Weekend Spinning and Catching Up

I don't know where the sudden burst of spinning energy came from. "Millie" Minstrel was very well loved this past week. On Thursday, I finished Navajo plying the "Mandy", completing the third skein. Then, I immediately started spinning the fiber from my DkKnits fiber club January shipment, "Blueberry Hill Yogurt". The 4 ounces of singles were finished by Saturday! I never spin 4 ounces in 2 days, so this is a record for me. :)

Just so "Esme" Sonata wouldn't feel lonely, I also finished up the 4 ounces of "Pie Toss" singles on Sunday. This is also good since I can now pop the Jumbo Flyer on and ply each of these up. It was a tight fit at the end of each of the singles' bobbins.

My Morning Surf Scarf also saw some love yesterday. It was time to wash the comforter and blankets, so I had to head off to the Laundromat. I managed to get about 6 rows in while the machines did their thing. I hate to just sit and read at the laundry. My hands need to be busy. Plus I get to talk to my friend when she's not busy with customers.

Tonight, it's back to the wheels to do the plying and then whichever needles call me for the knitting. The shawl is still here along with a scarf in chunky baby alpaca I sort of started but am not happy with. The pattern is developing as I go along and not quite what I want.

Spin In With Friends and Fiber Shopping

Yesterday was our monthly Spin In at RI Handspun in Oakdale, RI. It's right across from the Burriville police station. I managed to get about 3 ounces of my "Pie Toss" spun up. It seemed to be a "red" day with several shade of reds and pinks in the room. A few other colors were present as well.

After the Spin In, Sarah drove Marva and myself to visit our friend Sandi's farm. After a delicious supper at the Green Onion, we went back to the farm to fiber shop. I came home with some rose gray Coopworth pin drafted roving to start a sweater. It's so soft and squishy. Marva and Sarah also got some beautiful fibers. In my opinion, Sandi has the best sense for colors and blending. She knows just how much of each color and what fibers to put together. Sometimes there is a little glitz in her stuff, but some is non sparkly like my recent purchase.

The Fabulously Late KAL started knitting sweaters in January. The plan is for me to use the Coopworth for that as well as for the Spinner Central spin for the quarterly SAL for sweaters which started in January. My Merino hasn't been heard from in a while, but will be back on the Minstrel soon. I was thinking of that fiber yesterday and how it needs to be finished. I still have over 2 pounds to spin.

My wrist has been acting up again, so I have to take a break from working on my crochet and knitting projects. Spinning doesn't bother it. Unfortunately, I won't finish my Dragon Scale Shawl by tonight. I had to pull out 20 rows of lace knitting the other night due to a mistake. I thought I could hide it, but it was too obvious. The scale was not diamond shaped at all. That's what I get for trying to knit with a distraction. Four rows are back in already. I will finish it this week though, once the wrist feels better. After putting those two repeats back in, one more might be enough and it will be ready for blocking.

I need to finish my Morning Surf Scarf from the Ply By Night KAL, too.

Darn Snow Storm.......Shawl Progress.....

Thanks to the lovely snow storm my plans for tomorrow are off. The first meeting of the Slater Mill Knitting/Crochet Guild has been postponed until next Wednesday night, February 4. I was looking forward to it. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to keep working on the shawl at home by myself.

I've spent quite a bit of time on it today. I may even be able to get away with only 17 repeats instead of 18. Pat helped me stretch it out over my back today. With me holding it over my shoulders a bit, he pulled the point down as if to block it. It hits my behind. I'm excited to get it finished. I may be doing a happy dance of my own for Super Bowl with it wrapped around me if I can get it cast off in time. Back to knitting......

Snow, Snow, Go Away.....Spring Wishes and Dreams

The ground is still white with the left over snow from our last storm. There's still plenty of ice on parking lots, steps, sidewalks and drives to make walking dangerous if you are not watching where you are stepping. Now, the latest weather report says more is coming tonight and tomorrow. I have a meeting tomorrow night at Slater Mill for the opening of the Knitting/Crochet guild. If the weather is too bad, I will be staying home.

Can someone please tell Mother Nature we want a few warm days to get rid of some of this? For me personally, I'm ready for Spring and I know we have about 2 more months of this nasty to deal with.

We enclosed the back yard last Fall and I really want a couple of raised box flower beds along the fence near my neighbor's side. I'm thinking of planting a few perennial plants that stay on the small side. One part would also hold some veggie plants. Pat plans to build a deck this Spring as well. I can picture me sitting out there under an awning, with my wheel, spinning in the shade or knitting. We still have one more section to put up to block off the back of the garage so the dogs can go out loose and play. I have several ceramic animals I want to decorate the yard with as well. Then of course I have some candle holders you use for the little tea lights. They will look cute out there in the flower bed too. My plan is to hopefully be able to have a couple of friends over for spontaneous spin-ins in the back yard as well. The dogs just don't allow for this in the house, unless you wear industrial ear plugs to block the barking.

I am about 3 repeats away from having the Dragon Scale Shawl finished. I could quit now and it would be fine, since it's about the size of my Swallowtail Shawl already. Being a queen size lady, I think the additional 3 repeats will be better.The goal is Superbowl Sunday. I might add a different edging to the outside later. I need to think about that. The one on it now is worked as you knit the shawl. I'm thinking of adding the edging from my Swallowtail Shawl, but with beads along the way in certain spots. That would represent the points of the dragon's scales and wings.

Sunday was spent with Sandi and Marva. We were going to get pizza and spend the day knitting and visiting at the farm. Instead, we ended up at the Mohegan Sun Casino where we indulged in the buffet. No gambling took place. Then we returned to the farm for a bit of knitting. Since Sandi lives a good distance from us, and thanks to inclement weather this past month, Christmas gifts were exchanged. She gave me a gorgeous handmade beaded shawl pin/broach and a big bag of different natural fibers for me to spin. I'm going to have so much fun learning about these sheep breeds. She loved the fiber and container I gave her. She also spins with a spindle and liked the idea of the wine containers for toting a spindle and fiber around in.

A few days ago, Sandi and I placed an order at Crown Mountain Farms for white Bamboo, Carbonized Bamboo, and Black Alpaca Silk. Of course, I had to get some dyed stuff for me too. It all arrived yesterday, so I met her in Hope Valley to deliver it to her. She brought the dogs with her for the ride. It was great to see them again so soon.

Lunch is left overs from yesterday. I made pork chops stuffed with spinach, cheese, garlic, and seasoning. Real mashed potatoes finished out the meal. Pat has enough for today too. I barely could eat one chop yesterday. They did come out great if I say so myself.

I'm going to sit and knit on the shawl for a bit, then load the washer and dryer again......

Soup, Seafood, and Yarn

Today was a nice, sunny day, even though it was chilly. Marva and I decided to take a ride to Warren to the Blount Soup Shop where I picked up some Portuguese Kale Soup and some Tuscan Bean Soup and Sausage for Pat. For myself, I got the Corn Chowder. Yum times 3. Marva got a few for herself as well. I think this place will be on her regular food shopping list when she tastes these delicious items.

From there we decided to get some lunch. Tweet's Balzano's Family Restaurant was our destination. After perusing the menu, we decided to get two different entrees and share. The fish and chips were excellent the last time I had them, and they were just as good today. The other choice, Seafood Stuffed Shrimp Supreme, which had a bit of a bite in the seasoning, was also very tasty.

After this lovely meal, we went to Sakonnet Purls where I was moderated, and restrained, from overbuying yarn lovelies. I only bought some Baby Alpaca in a chunky weight for a scarf and hat set, and one color of Happy Feet for a pair of socks. That's it. Honest. Marva did buy some sock yarn for herself as well.

On the way home, Sip N Dip called to us for a nice creamy coffee. I can drink their flavored coffee since it's the beans that are flavored and not an added syrup, or shot. Iced French Vanilla was my choice and hot Pumpkin Spice for my friend. Well, I was not destined to drink that coffee. It fell over in the car, but I rescued the majority of it. When I got home, I when getting out of the car, I grabbed the cup. As soon as my hand was out the car, the lid flew off and the coffee hit the ground, and my pants leg. Oh, well. It smelled good anyway.

Now I am just relaxing for a bit before going to run an errand with Pat. Then I need to cook his chicken and potatoes I promised him. Talk to you later.........

Living History, New Beginnings and Guilds, Fiber Projects Update

It's two days into the new Presidency and I think the country already is feeling more upbeat about the future. According to the polls, people are happier and more confident in our new leader then we were with the old one for a very long time. President Obama has many visions for our country and I think they will become a reality and not just a plan. I hope my governor can learn a few things from President Obama and apply them to help settle the RI state deficit instead of blaming it on state workers and people who need the state funded programs.

Another new beginning is the first meeting at Slater Mill for their newly forming Knitting and Crochet Guild. This includes machine knitting. The first meeting will be held in the yellow building, the Jenks Building, second floor, on Wednesday, January 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. This guild will be part of the Slater Mill Community Guild which already includes quilting, basket making, and spinning guilds. Also, there is hope of a weaving guild in the not too distant future. The idea is to be able to have individual guilds who also come together for a collective meeting called a "pan guild" once a month and share their skills, projects, ideas, and creativity with each other. The present plan is to alternate between a Wednesday night one month and a Sunday the following. This will enable more people to participate in these get togethers. The Community Guild is in the beginning stages and this is a good opportunity for anyone interested to be in on the ground level and help to build it. It's great to have the history of the mill, as well as a beautiful building to meet in, as part of this effort. Please make an effort to come to the meeting if you are interested.

Fiber stuff is moving along. As for my knitting, I'm almost finished with the Dragon Scale Shawl. It's going to be close since Superbowl is looming on the horizon. I stretched it out from under my chin downward and it's about the same length as my Swallowtail Shawl was when finished. I want it to be a bit bigger, so I'm doing a few more repeats. The Morning Surf Scarf is coming along for the Ply By Night group on Ravelry, and I still have the two scarves here to crochet on for the Traveling Scarves. Somewhere along the way, I've got to make a pair of socks for a friend, and finish another pair for someone else. The wheels are also busy lately. Right now, I'm ready to Navajo ply the last bobbin of "Mandy" on Millie, my Minstrel, and "Pie Toss" is waiting on Esme, my Sonata.

Nothing will get touched for a bit this evening, since I have a meeting to go to in Bristol. When I get home, I plan to devote some time to the shawl and hope to complete another repeat tonight. They are getting longer and longer to get across.

Shawl Knitting and Spinning Sunshine

Lately, I've been busy working on my Dragon Scale Shawl. As you see, it's progressing slowly. I started this in September, but haven't been faithful to it. Socks, traveling scarves, spinning and life have interrupted this poor project. Now, I am trying to be sort of monogamous until it's finished. I do have to knit up the Morning Surf Scarf for my Ply By Night group on Ravelry. The yarn, "You are My Sunshine" from Crown Mountain Farm, has been finished for about a week now, so it's time to knit it up. I also have a few more traveling scarves to do for the crochet group.



This past Friday night was a night of fun with some friends. A few of us went to Seven Moons for supper. I tried to stay on course after losing 6 pounds this week. I had a dish with chicken, pork, shrimp, and lots of veggies. It was served in a potato "straw basket", which I tasted, but left most of there. I also ate most of the meal with the chop sticks which made me eat slower.

The next day, Saturday, was our monthly spinners guild meeting. It was held at our new home, Slater Mill, in Pawtucket. The space is big, open, and bright. We are now part of the Slater Mill Community Guild which also includes guilds for basket makers, quilters, and knitting/crochet.

On my Sonata, there is currently some wool from Spunky Eclectic called "Pie Toss" being spun. This looks like the colors in the crust and berries of a pie. I needed a change from the Rambouillet I've been spinning for a while. Since I don't use the Sonata at home as often as the Minstrel, I've been working on the same fiber since September in a lace weight. Occasionally, it does get a workout at home, but usually it's my guild/group spinning wheel. I did take a break to spin the scarf yarn and now this one. I will finish the lace weight Rambouillet next. With the other fibers needing my attention, my Minstrel has been waiting for me to spin the last of the "Mandy" from Spunky. I wanted to finish this before January 1, but didn't quite make it. Here's hoping I get it done before February 1st.

The dogs are being quiet for a little bit. If Pooh hears a car, he's yapping. Hanna is gently snoring in the corner of the sofa with Pooh cuddled up to her. Tiger is stretched across the living room chair. His brother, Tipper, is draped over the arm of the chair with his 4 paws stretched out like he's hanging on. The rest are all in their favorite spots, snoozing away. I would love to have a little snooze too, but, then I won't sleep tonight.

It's time to head downstairs to the washer for the next load. Bye for now........

Goodbye 2008......Hello 2009

It's after 2 a.m, and, the ball has dropped in Time Square. It's a new year. Happy New Year everyone.

I'm not really making resolutions for 2009. Just going to try the usual of losing weight, and, try to get healthier. The only other thing is to work down my yarn/fiber stash and not buy as much. I'll still shop, just try to keep it under control better.

As I look back over 2008, I can see many things that didn't exactly happen as I expected. I knew I would retire in December of 2007, but it didn't really sink in until one morning after my wrist was considered healed and I didn't have to get up to go to work in a snow storm. I've adjusted quite well to being home and keep myself very occupied.

Another thing I didn't expect was to be as involved with my spinners guild. I never thought I would be the treasurer, but, I enjoy doing it. I have several good friends thanks to my two guilds. I've also gotten over being a bit shy with people I don't know thanks to all the demonstrating we did this past year. I thought I would learn to spin. Now, I can take a fleece freshly sheared off the sheep, skirt, wash, and process it, then dye it, and then spin it up. Never thought that was in the works for me. lol

One very important thing is I re-connected with my cousin Christina. We "talk" occasionally thanks to the Internet and can have glimpses into each other's lives. The one sad thing was the passing of my dog, Babs. She was very tired and old at the end. It was tough for her and she's at peace now. I still love and miss her though.

Well, 2009 has several things in store for me as well. Here's to a fantastic beginning and wonderful experiences.

Tuesday night was spent at Panera for Craft Night. There was Donna D. , Marva, Lisa P. (of Cranston), Cindy D., Judy, Carol, and myself. The knitting needles were flying. Cowls, sweaters, scarves, and shawls seemed to be the items of choice. No socks appeared on the needles which was a first for our group. lol Several members were away or unable to make it. It was a great nice with much talk, laughter and fun. Here's hoping everyone can meet up next week, "old" and "newer" Craft Night friends alike.

O.K. This old lady is tired, and heading to bed. Good night all. Sweet dreams.

Me, My Wheel, and the Same Old Fiber

Christmas is over for this year. I'm kind of glad since I really had a hard time having the holiday spirit this year. The tree never got put up over here even though it usually travels back and forth to the front hall to be safe from the felines when unattended.

After dishes were put in the dishwasher and food was put away, I asked Pat to do a bit of an adjustment, on my Sonata wheel, to my footman where it kept hitting. We think we figured out what is wrong, but if it doesn't work, I'll have to contact New Voyager since the problem started being persistent about 2 months after I had the wheel.

My plan was to knit on my shawl after dinner. I started spinning on the Sonata, to see if the adjustment was right. Well, I decided to try to finish the Rambouillet I've been spinning since September. I had 2 braids and it wants to be lace weight. Around 5 p.m. I started spinning. I took a couple of breaks, had a snack, checked the Internet, moved the wheel into the living room and watched a t.v. show with Pat while spinning.

Pat went to bed over an hour ago. I'm just finishing up now. It's now 2 a.m. and the bobbin is finally full enough. The first skein has been done for a while. I plyed it as a center pull bobbin. I have more to put on another bobbin, but, that is my plan for tomorrow night. I plan to do these 2 as a regular ply. I want to start a new fiber and refuse to until this is finished. Maybe I can finish the second bobbin by Saturday and put it aside to "rest" a few days.

Of course, I want to be able to add this to my finished UFOs for the year too. Maybe even the last of the "Mandy" from Spunky will make it off the wheel by December 31st.

Well, I'm tired, so goodnight everyone.

Happy Holidays To Everyone

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season and I wish you all a Happy New Year with lots of good blessings.

Pat and I did our gift exchange last night. I told him not to give me anything else since he already gave me my gifts earlier this month. He got me a nice card and there was cash inside. :) It's going toward some of the fiber I just bought.

Dinner was simple at my house. Roast Pork, mashed potatoes made with "Klondike Rose" potatoes which are a cross between Yukon Gold and Red Skinned one. Delicious. There was also gravy for the meat and taters as well as yellow squash, rolls, homemade cranberry sauce, ice cream with apple pie or apple/cranberry/raisin compote and soda and coffee. I made the compote so Pat would have a nice dessert and all three of us liked it. I didn't over eat, had some of the compote, but no coffee. Pat helped me with the prep and cleanup. The dishwasher has finished, I've been spinning some more of my Rambouillet trying to finish that, and now want a nap.

Snow, Snow, and More Snow.......

If I look out my window I will see snow lit by the night sky, still white, sparkly, and pure. No footprints or snow blower tracks, except where the sidewalks and drives were cleared. There's about a foot of snow blanketing the cold frozen ground. I love the peacefulness of the time after the snowstorm has stopped and people haven't really touched the scenery yet. Tomorrow, the kids will be sliding and playing in it. Cars will be getting it dirty from their exhaust, and dogs will be giving it the golden glow you don't want to touch.

Last winter I loved not having to go out in the morning and worrying about getting home in the afternoon due to bad weather. Now, I look out the window and go back to bed to sleep. When it snows, I don't leave the house if I don't have to. The idea of driving in it terrifies me.

This is perfect weather to snuggle up on the couch or your favorite chair with some knitting, a cup of tea, and a good movie playing. You could also sit and spin for a bit. That's my plan for tomorrow night after I go get my Christmas dinner items. I'll be on the sofa with my Dragon Scale Shawl, tea, and maybe "Northanger Abbey" in the DVD player. That's a lovely way to spend my evening.

Happy Hanakah everyone.

A Night Of "Firsts"

Tonight was a lot of fun. Instead of going to our usual Wednesday night at Panera's, Marva and I joined Sarah at the Providence group at Reflections Coffee Shop.

Before we headed over there, the three of us went for supper. It had been decided by Sarah and Marva the menu was to be sushi. Now, I've never had sushi. I don't think I could deal with the raw fish aspect. Luckily for me, there was also cooked food on the menu. I ended up with a seafood and veggie Tempura platter that was absolutely delicious. The batter was not the usual heavy thick breaded kind. It was light and not greasy at all. I'm glad I didn't choose the meal because I couldn't finish the a la carte selection. I brought most of the veggies home. I did try a piece of Sarah's cooked sushi and liked it very much. There was no fork on the table, just chopsticks. Marva told me they would bring me a fork if I wanted one, but I wanted to try using the chopsticks.

So that's three "firsts" for me: meeting a new knitting/craft group, eating sushi, and learning to use chopsticks. By the way, I didn't do too bad using the chopsticks.

One of the traveling scarves was worked on while sipping coffee at the shop and will be heading out tomorrow if I can get to the Post Office. Friday is suppose to be a snowy day with 4 to 8 inches projected overnight into Saturday morning. Brrr. Winter is here.

Post Office Package Pick Up...

In response to the inquiries in the comments.....Yes there was goodies at the Post Office for me. I got my monthly fiber club from CJKopec and a skein of yarn I had bought from a destash on Ravelry. That's it. As for yesterday and today....Nothing.

Parties and Plays, Nanner Socks, Crochet Scarves, Dragon Shawls.....

Thursday night was my Knitting/Crochet guild party. We had a Yankee Swap and I got a couple of nice cutting boards I really needed. My other two glass ones do double duty as hot plates on the table. We had some wonderful fun and laughs during the swap and the munchies were delicious.

Saturday was my Spinners guild party. We had an ornament swap, bazaar, and lots of food and fun. The ornaments are put on the tree with a number then a box was passed around and you chose a number. You got the matching ornament. I got an adorable miniature sweater and hanger. It's so cute. It may have to sit on my desk with a few other creatures and items after the holidays. I made the sausage, potato, peppers and onion dish and everyone liked it. I make it often since it's so easy to make and Pat always likes it. I'm still spinning the second braid of the same fiber I started in September. I think it's going to get finished at home before January's meeting. I'm getting tired of looking at it every time I pull out the wheel. I started this at Slater Mill during a demo. It is spinning lace weight so that could be why it's taking so long. After the party, several of us went to see "A Christmas Carol" performed in Foster. It was a wonderful rendition of the story with several funny parts.

Well, the Nanner Socks are finally finished on Sunday! When I put them on again, they are about a half inch or so longer at the toe than I need, but that's o.k. since I don't like my toes squished. Now I need to make a pair of socks for a friend who only wears a size 5 1/2. Should go quickly compared to my size 10s.

I've also got 2 scarves here I need to crochet on, but my hands have been bothering me a bit the last couple of days. Crocheting increases the discomfort so I have been holding back on the scarves. I will at least put the yarn with each scarf so it will be ready when my hands co-operate a bit better.

Meanwhile, the Dragon Shawl is now my priority project to finish. I don't do well in public knitting with this since it is lace and I tend to lose my place in the pattern if I don't concentrate on it.

I'm off to pick up some packages I hope are at the Post Office. Then I have a few items for the market that Pat has asked me to grab for him. Have a great night............

First Snow, Spinning and Knitting, More Shopping

We had the first snow of the season. It didn't quite cover the ground. The grass was still peeking out from underneath. More is projected for this weekend. I hope not because I have plans for Saturday to go to the Spinners Guild meeting/party and then a play that evening. I'm planning to bring the sausage, potato, peppers and onions casserole Pat loves so much. Of course, I have to make him some too.

I've been hand carding, spinning, and getting ready to knit some of the fiber for the charity hats. I hope to finish it in time for Saturday when I can give it to Jean for the collection. If I don't quite make it, I know I can give it to her later. Also the Nanner Socks are just about at the rib. I just need to finish the last repeat of the pattern. My Group 9 Traveling Scarves are finished. Mine returned home a little over a week ago. It's very nice and I'll post a picture as soon as I can get one. My Group 38 Crochet Sideways scarves are moving again. I have 2 on the way here. I need to run by the Post Office anyway and maybe they are waiting for me today. That would be good so I can hopefully get them out to the next person by next week.

I've been shopping some more. My Copperpot Woolies order came in the same time as my CJKopec order did. I have another order coming from Loop as well as The Loopy Ewe.

Christmas shopping is almost finished. I just need to take care of my husband's gift. He keeps telling me not to get him anything. Just a card. We go through this every year, and I never listen. Usually, I get him gift certificates that I know he will use. The funny thing is, he has one he can't find. It's for Back to Basics for his special foods. I think it was a good one because he can get a lot of gluten free foods there.

Well, I need to get ready to go out and do some more errands. Tonight is Knit Night at Sue's shop. Marva and I are planning to head up there and I need to pick her up at 5:30 from work. See ya later.......

Early Bird Shopping...Kitty Sneezes...Mail Call....

Four a.m. came earlier than I wanted. I couldn't sleep and finally nodded off at about 1:30. I crawled out of bed at 4:05, washed my face, threw on some clothes and combed my hair. I'm ready. Out the door at 4:15. Then I sat in the parking lot of Circuit City until the doors opened at 5. I only picked up a few movies. Pat was at Pepboy's and got me my GPS, which I love. After I left the store, Dunkin Donuts was the next stop where I grabbed a coffee and croissant with egg and headed for JoAnne's to sit in their parking lot until 6. I picked up several different flannels to make night gowns or maybe just t-shirt tops, a couple of bins, some Wooly Nylon to use in my sock knitting, and a rolling knitting cart. Everything was on sale except the knitting cart, but I had a 50% off coupon for that. When I checked out, I also got to use a 20% off coupon for your entire order. I saved a bundle! Last night I stopped by Ocean State Job Lot and picked up a new bigger scale and thermometer to use with the fiber and dyeing.

After coming home, and calling the vet, a short nap of an hour was next on the list. At 10:30, I headed out to pick up some meds for Megan. She has started sneezing and I don't want everyone to catch it. I played with the GPS and love how it tracked the trip.

The post office was my last stop on the way home. Goodies galore!! My packages were in a big locker and it was stuffed! My fiber from Flawful Fibers was there, along with my latest Loopy Ewe order. The bag with the "Sterling" from Kraemer Yarns was snuggled next to my bag from Loop . And the final package was from my upstream Traveling Scarf partner. It was another scarf for me to work on and .... ta da! ... my scarf is home! It looks really nice and everyone used the colors I said I like.

Well, gotta head out the door to Jean's house and then to the spin-in at Iris's. Hope to see some of you there.

Bye for now.

Happy Thanksgiving...Early Morning Shopping Planned...Alpaca Fiber

My day started with the bird being prepped and put in the oven. With the smell of roasting turkey, I did a quick housecleaning, and prepared the veggies. With help from Pat, the potatoes, turnips, carrots, celery and onions for the stuffing, were all chopped and cut to the sizes I needed. I made bacon cheddar mashed potatoes with red potatoes, broccoli, turnip and carrots, 2 kinds of stuffing, 2 gravies, rolls, homemade cranberry sauce, and butternut squash. Dessert was apple pie a la mode and coffee. I skipped the last part. :)

After the loading of the dishwasher and meal clean up, I managed to Navajo ply 3/4 of a bobbin on the Minstrel. The drive band decided to snap, so that took some time to replace, but, it's working fine now. Tomorrow afternoon will be spent finishing the bobbin. The fiber is BFL from Spunky Eclectic in "Mandy". I still have one braid of the original three of that fiber to spin.

My alpaca fiber from Silver Sun Alpaca came in a couple of days ago, and my Loop order is on the way.

I'm heading to bed now so I can be at the stores for the 5 a.m. sales. I don't know if I will get any of the stuff on my list, but, I will check a few places out. If anyone is going to attempt the Black Friday Crazee, have fun.

My stomach is still full. Goodnight.

Meetings, Show and Tell, and Christmas in November

I'll start with the meetings part. First I went to the spinning guild meeting where we did a show and tell of the stuff we learned and bought. This was fun because I got to see some new to me goodies and techniques. Shawl pins, scarves which were knit or woven, and lessons learned were all shared. I talked about the classes I took, passed around the dyed fibers, and showed the lazy kate Pat had made me. I'm trying to talk him into making a couple more lazy kates, but, he really doesn't want to.

Wednesday of this week was our usual craft night at Panera. A few people were missing due to prior commitments, but most of us were there. I was teased about cheating with the shopping ban because Pat bought me goodies and I didn't have to pay him back. They didn't count. The girls insisted I cheated. lol

Nancy was working on a sewing projects she is teaching her students at school. They are cute baby/toddler hats made of felt. Pam is taking a break from socks to make another Baby Surprise Jacket. She knits them up so fast, I'm sure it was done by today. Sarah was making a Morning Wave scarf in some of her handspun in a pretty sparkly cranberry red. Lisa is on the finishing side of her light blue and white variegated baby blanket for a friend. Marva is in working toward finishing her scarf in a deep green. And I was fussing with my Nanner sock. Everything I did I had to pull out when I got home. Somehow I had 12 extra stitches after finishing the heel flap. It's now fixed, and on the leg.

I did manage to mess up the leg and forget to put the pattern in the back. That meant redoing 8 rows. Here's hoping I can finish them this weekend. I only have a repeat and a half to match the first one. Then I will knit them at the same time until I run out of yarn.

Now for the Christmas in November part. Since my shopping ban is lifted, I had fun online. Now, I can shop now without restrictions. I visited Crown Mountain Farms and bought some sock yarn. Grafton Fibers was having a buy 2 get a 3rd selection free sale, so I now have some batts from there. Then I stopped at CJKopec's Etsy store and fell in love with a new color blend called Pucker and decided to grab it. Also making it's way into my cart were Candy Clouds and Rosey N Mick. I had 4 ounces of Rosey N Mick, but, decided to grab 4 more. Also arriving at the house was my monthly fiber club from CJ. It's called Jammin Nanners and is a wonderful blend of fiber with a fantastic shine from the silk in it. My fiber club from DkKnits also came in at the same time. There is my November and December fiber along with some terrific goodies. I don't want to go into details because some people haven't got their packages yet. Then my Happy Housewife soaps showed up. These are for sale over at LimeNViolet's store. Some scents are limited and some are stock. I got two bars each of Cherry Sugar and Blueberry-Guava. There are also yummy sniffies to match some of the soaps as well as different scents. There are a few series as well as a scent club. I'm in the cupcake club .

Did I mention all this stuff arrived today??? Pat offered to go to the post office for me. He said "Your packages are on the table." I thought he meant two items. Wow, did I get a surprise when I walked into the kitchen. ha-ha

Not yet here is my purchase from Silversunalpacas for some Daffodails which is a alpaca, mohair, and wool blend and looks like daffodils in the woods. Also there is a little purchase from Loop on it's way. Just 2 twin blue batts and some Angelina.

Last week I became a Loopy Groupie over at The Loopy Ewe, so I got my 6th order and loopy groupie goody bag from them as well.

That's it. No more shopping to report. I think I've made up for the ban.

Yes, Sarah and Marva, I will spin and not just pet the fiber. :)

Happy, Tired, and Sneezy

I had a wonderful time at the Gathering this past weekend and can't wait for the Open House next year. The first class was a dyeing class. I learned several new techniques and came home with four 2 ounce pieces of roving to spin. Here's some pictures. The first is dip dyed, second was actually the result of too much dye which blended together, third is dip the middle and then the two ends, fourth was chained fiber that was dyed and set.



One class was Spinning "New Wave" fibers like soysilk, bamboo, tencel, Ingeo, Angelina, and several other fibers. The third and final class was Blending Natural Fibers like wool, cashmere, camel, alpaca, silk, cotton and a few others. Doing different percentages gives different results. I learned so much from all these classes. I know my spinning will be better because of them.

Of course I came home tired, with my head spinning with fiber possibilities. My hands are itching to start something new, but, the bobbins must be emptied first.

Last night was the Knitting Guild meeting which was held at Bella Yarns. It was my first time there. I only picked up some buttons and two skeins of Lamb's Pride to use for a hat.

The other thing I came home this weekend with is a cold. Big doses of zinc and vitamin C are helping me get over it faster. I should be fine by the weekend. As a matter of fact, I think I'll call it a night. Extra rest is also very helpful. Goodnight............

Packed and Ready to Go To the Gathering

The day is finally here!! Yippee!! Everything is packed, waiting for Sandi to pick me up. I hope I haven't forgot anything.

Then it's a weekend of spinning fun. See you when I get back.

Wishing Time Away...

I'm wishing it was Friday already since I'm ready to go to the Gathering in 3 days. I just need to actually put the clothes in the suitcase and a couple of things in my tote bag. The sausage/pepper/potatoes will get cooked Thursday night for Pat to eat on Friday and Saturday. I'm also making him a Shepard Pie for tomorrow and Thursday.

Well, I'm off to vote and run a couple of errands.....

Happy Halloween Everyone!

The candy is given out as much as it's going to be. There's a bit left over, but, I'm giving that to Pat. After the third child was very rude, yelling "Give me some candy" in a very demanding voice, I called it a night. There was one more little girl coming toward my house. She was about 18 months old. I don't know if her hand was covered for a reason or missing. She was adorable and very sweet. I gave her and her parents the last 4 packs of M&Ms I had in the bowl and said have a nice night.

Now the street is quiet and the dogs have calmed down, so I think I will sit here and fix the mistake I made in my Nanner sock while giving out the candy. Then it's going to be an early night.

Tomorrow is the monthly Spin-in at Sue's shop. It's actually October's since she backed it up a week for her schedule. I am riding up with Jean and Lisa from Cranston.

My new picker came in today by UPS. It's a good size, but, unfinished. I think I will have Pat stain it to match my wheels like he is doing for the lazy kate and swift he is making for me.

Tick, Tick, Goes the Clock .... Dragons....

It's ten days until the Gathering. I'm getting excited. I need to finish emptying those bobbins for my Sonata. Some will get finished at Sue's on Saturday. Pat is busy building me a lazy kate and staining the extra bobbins I bought. I plan to take as many bobbins as I can just in case.

Of course, I always tend to over pack whenever I go away for a couple of days. This time, I'm trying to control what goes in the bag. I figure 2 complete sets of clothes, a nightgown, toiletries and meds. As for the spinning stuff, the wheel and it's accessories are ready. I'm going to carry the straw basket to bring my niddy noddy, ball winder, swift, combs and handcarders, a couple of towels for the dye class and any other item I can think of needing. Oh, and a bit of fiber for the spin in during the evenings. I might throw the socks I'm knitting in there too. They won't be done by then, I'm sure. I think that's all I need to bring.

I'm still playing with the Dragons at Dragon Cave. I have one more to grow up to adulthood in the next couple of days. I'm not going to get any eggs now because I won't be here to work with them.

I am thinking of getting a lap top computer to take with me when I'm not home. Right now, I'm weighing the actual amount of use it would get versus the expense. I don't need a fancy one. Hmmm, need to think some more about that one.

Well, I'm heading into bed now. I've managed to get almost all of the first repeat of the lace on the Nanner Sock 2 done tonight. I started knitting later than usual, so didn't accomplish as much as I would have liked. Maybe tomorrow I can get a couple of complete repeats in. I really should take a little time to work on the Dragons Scale Shawl too. It's been sitting in it's bag for a while with very little attention lately.

Good night, everyone.

Latest Knitting and Spinning Update

I posted all those pics in the previous post, and didn't mention my latest progress on my projects.

All Traveling Scarves from both my groups have been sent to their respective downstream partners. As you know there was a deluge from my first group as we play catch up. My scarf has only a few more stops before she returns home to me. In the pictures on Ravelry, it looks pretty. My other group, crochet sideways scarf, is moving speedily along. My upstream is a fast worker. I am having a bit of a problem with these scarves though. Due to my right wrist, thumb, and tendon problem, I can only crochet of about 30 minutes before it becomes too painful. I think it's the way the hook rests on my hand like a pencil. I tried holding it like a hoe or scoop, but that put more pressure. I just take a bit longer than I would like to complete any crocheting right now. I can knit much longer, and spinning doesn't seem to bother it at all.

With the scarves caught up, I can turn my attention back to my projects. Right now, I'm on the leg of my first Nanner Sock. I struggled my way through the short row heel and have no holes. Yay! I hope to finish it by the end of the weekend if no scarves arrive. This has been a good learning experience for me,also. From the toe up pattern, magic loop method, turkish cast on, and short row heel, it's an interesting and challenging project for me.

The Dragon Scales Shawl is growing slowly, also. I have been alternating it with the socks. It's not a good group project for me since I can mess up lace easily. I took it to craft night, but, didn't work on it. My Nanner sock heel was the project of the night.

As for spinning, I'm trying to empty a couple of bobbins this week as well. I have one almost full on each of my 2 wheels, one ready to ply, and another partially full. If I can ply up the 3 that are ready, and empty the fourth, I should be all set. Pat hasn't had a chance to stain the ones I got from Copper Moose yet. He plans to do that tomorrow, Saturday, in the afternoon since it's going to rain. He's also building me a tensioned Lazy Kate that will work better than my basket one. The basket keeps breaking little pieces off where the knitting needles rest if too much pressure is applied to them. I think the wood is very weak. It did it's job, though when I wanted it to. I will probably keep it for holding my bobbins in at home. I broke another bobbin, too. That's 2 or my original 3 with the metal cores, now. It's a good thing I ordered the extra ones from Copper Moose. At this rate I won't have any of the others left. lol The bobbin was sitting on top of the basket and somehow the whole thing got knocked over. I think a cat might have tapped and off balanced it. Anyway, Pat glued it for me, since it didn't break all the way through. I can still use it until it gets to where it can't be salvaged any more. The first casualty is still usable and spinning as if nothing was ever broken on it.

I am going to process the challenge fiber tonight and hopefully get that spun before the Gathering so I can knit a hat in the evenings there. I need to finish that project before the next meeting when we need to gather all of the hats together.

Well, that's it for projects right now. I'm off to work on finishing that last bit on the Minstrel, and then the Sonata..........

Dye Day and Summer Demo Yarn Pictures

Be warned that there are quite a few pictures this time. I finally got around to downloading the pictures from this summer as well as taking a couple of the yarn and fiber I did on the last dye day a few weeks ago.

First, here's some of the yarns spun or plyed at Washington County Fair back in August. Please bear in mind these pictures are before I washed the yarns, so they look a little fluffier now.
This is the kool ade I solar dyed in the pickle jar. I had spun it at home, and Navajo plyed it at the fair.


This is from DkKnits, "Mandeville Trellis". I spun the first bobbin at home, and Navajo plyed it at the fair. I started the second bobbin on the last day of the fair, but, don't have a pic of that one.


The next one I had spun back in June, but, had to learn to Navajo ply before I could finish it. I think it came out really nice. It's from Allspunup and I've named it "Beach". It's also my June fiber for the Spinner Central monthly fiber on Ravelry.


This one is the BFL and Silk I dyed with some friends last spring. I named it in memory of my mother, "Evelyn's Roses". The BFL was spun at home in July, and the Silk was spun at the fair. Both skeins were plyed at the fair. The front skein is 1 ply silk, and 1 ply BFL. The back skein is a 2-ply BFL.


Here is the latest attempt at dyeing fiber. It's Rambouillet I bought from Flawfulfibers and I just love how this fiber feels when you spin it. It practically spins by itself, letting me do a modified long draw. I've named this one "Pansies in the Sun". The color in the pic is a bit off. The purple looks blue and the raspberry pink looks purple. The purple skein is a 50/50 blend of Merino/Silk dyed in 3 shades of purple. One has a blue undertone. I love the shine from the silk. It is an extremely squishy yarn.

Impromptu Dye Day, Smith Castle Harvest Fair, Tunis Fleece Washing

Last Sunday, Oct. 12th, was a beautiful, sunny day without a rain cloud anywhere in sight. I spent the day with a couple of friends, our wheels, and knitting. Of course, fiber and yarns were brought along just in case the dye pot came out. It did. I made a beautiful tri-shaded purple yarn I'm naming "Purple Passion" and then 4 ounces of Rambouillet fiber in a bright happy yellow, purple, and raspberry. Where the colors met, greens and oranges were created. This is called "Pansies in the Sun". After we finished setting up the second round on the steamers, we took a ride and after meeting up with another friend, decided to stop at a New York Pizza restaurant. Delicious pizza and garlic bumps were served fresh from the oven, piping hot, along with cold sodas. After that we headed back and packed up for the day.

Wednesday was Craft Night as usual at Panera. Again, it was a small group. I think some of the missing friends will be back this week. One was in Italy on vacation and I know she will have stories to tell.

This past Saturday was another impromptu adventure. Marva and I were going to head to the Fiber Hop event in Hopkinton/Hope Valley. Instead, since we had a late start, we decided to check out Smith Castle's Harvest Fair. Several familiar faces were demonstrating and selling things. We ran into the lady, Janet Austin, who gave our Tapestry Workshop last spring. Jonne was there with one of his wheels demonstrating. One of the nurses I used to work with was doing a candle dipping demo. Also, there was natural dyeing, a blacksmith demo, soap, jewelry, alpacas and fiber/yarn, fresh cheese, bread, johnny cakes, apple cider, and of course, the Museum. Many people were in period dress. I think it made the event more festive.We were there until 4 p.m. and had a great time. An invitation was issued for the RI Spinners Guild to come to the Strawberry Festival in May and the next Harvest Festival in 2009 to do demonstrations.

Today, I washed another fleece. This one was the Tunis and is a pretty creamy color. It's not really white, but, more of a soft buttery color. It's drying downstairs since it's too cold to process anything outside now or leave in the shed to dry. We used a pump to empty the bins after the washings and the rinses were done in the washer.

That's it for now. I am going to head down to the drug store to get my meds and then call it a night. Have an enjoyable evening. :)

Fence Installation, Another Scarf is Sent Traveling, and Spinners Guild Meeting

The sun was barely up this morning when Pat got me out of bed to help him with the new fence. We started at 6:45 and worked until about 10 a.m. with the result of 6 sections installed as well as the connector to the house. Now one side is finished. Did I mention these are 8 foot sections??? I was so tired, I had to take a power nap which turned into an hour. Of course, the other reason I was so tired was I just couldn't sleep last night. I think I got 4 hours.

I hope we can get the other side installed next week, and then the gate can be put up. This will enclose the yard, keeping unintended visitors of the 2 and 4 legged variety from straying into it. It will also give me great privacy if I wish to sit out with my wheel while the weather is nice. The back has a chain link for now, but will be receiving a stockade later. The dogs are going to love running and frolicking once it's finished. Next comes the deck. Yippee!!

I rushed after waking up to get showered and dressed to head out to the post office and mail another Traveling Scarf on it's way.

Then it was time to head down to Gilbert Stuart Museum in South County for our meeting. The fall foliage is starting to show it's glorious self and the ride was very soothing. It's a true wonder to watch nature at work.

I got there with 5 minutes to spare. It was nice to see so many friends again and listen to the wheels whirr away. Since we have so many new members, and continue to grow, we went around the room and introduced and gave a little history about ourselves.

Two members, Dave W. and Richard, had their wheels set up to give us great demonstrations and tutorials in flax preparation and spinning. It was quite interesting to see it up close. Dave had done a demo at Coggeshall Farm last month, but, I didn't get to really see it. I don't think I will actually work with this fiber in the near future, but, it is nice to understand it better.

All the Pretty Colors in My Head, A Quiet Craft Night

Well, as far as washing the fleece and getting the scarves out of here are concerned - it didn't happen. I got busy with other stuff and none of that was accomplished.

Craft night was quiet with only Lisa, Marva, and myself. I worked on my Dragon Scales Shawl only to have to frog back over two rows to fix a mistake. Marva was working on a pretty new scarf pattern she had just got, and Lisa was working on an adorable baby blanket. There was much counting and a bit of frogging from all of us.

Today was a doctor's appointment. Not a biggie, just an annual. Everything is fine. I did mention my funky moods the other day. She thinks it's just my age and tried to attribute it to my being home. I explained that I have a busier social life now than when I worked. I'm not going to worry about it.

I did do a bit of spinning on the Minstrel, since I really want to empty out both of those bobbins and return them to the Sonata.

Now, the colors in my head are in regard to some dyeing I want to do. I've come up with about eight different themes, mostly centered around winter and the holidays. I have Merino, BFL, Rambouillet, silk, bamboo, and Corriedale all here I could dye up. Plus sock yarns. I just need to order the dyes to get started.

Pat has said I can use the small room in the basement for my stuff, so I think I will use it as a dyeing studio. It's away from the animals and I won't have to worry about them being safe from the chemicals and things. The lighting is good and has plenty of outlets to plug things into.. My glass studio will have to stay upstairs though. The room isn't big enough to handle both things. I might have him hook the phone line back up in there as well so I will have a phone handy while down there and not have to run upstairs for it. There's a sink in the laundry room that will work.

Well I'm off to bed now. Tomorrow is housework day and the never ending laundry will be needing attention again too.

Jane Austen Quiz

I joined the "Jane Austen Book Club" group on Ravelry and this quiz was posted in a thread. I had took it a while ago and am still the same character.

Take the Quiz here!

Feeling Better and Plugging Along on Projects

Today finds me in a better frame of mind and spirit. I've got an appointment in an hour at the podiatrist and will feel better after dealing with that. I'm taking my Nanner Sock with me to work on in the waiting room, just in case. Usually I get in rather quickly there, but, you never know. After posting last night, it took me another 2 hours to finally get to bed. I started doing a couple of things and the next thing I knew Pat was home.

The plan is to wash a fleece tomorrow and get that out of the way. If I can get to it, I'm going to set my drum carder up tonight and work on some of the fiber I have in the bins that need processing.

The crochet scarf is also on the agenda for tonight. I would like to drop that one in the mail tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, there won't be one waiting for me so I can catch up with the last knit one. That one will be going to Craft Night with me I think.

Well, I need to get ready to go to the doctor so I'll see you all later......

Fiber Update and a Whiny Post, So Be Warned....

Yesterday was the National Spin/Weave/Knit event at Slater Mill. Several basket makers, quilters, knitters, crocheters, weavers, and spinners were all present demonstrating their love of textiles crafts. It was great to meet so many people there from Ravelry, and see and catch up with friends not visited in a long time. I finally got to meet Guido from It's a Purl Man Podcast. He and his wife were very nice to talk to. Three more people have joined the RI Spinners Guild as well. It was a fun day with about a half bobbin filled of the Ramboullet fiber I started last month at Sue's Sit and Spin. I hope to finish that one this weekend maybe at my Spinners Guild meeting Saturday. The plan is to then get back to a couple of other bobbins awaiting plying. One from a center pull ball, and the other a 2-ply of an alpaca single and a wool single which were spun back in May. The Minstrel still has part of the 12 ounces of BFL from Spunky Eclectic in "Mandy" on it. Here's hoping I get a bit more of that done too, since my Sonata bobbins are tied up in that fiber by accident. If possible, and Mother Nature permits, I want to wash another fleece Friday or Sunday. I just need to to do the wash part outside. I don't like to let the grease/lanolin go down my pipes. The rinses I do in the washer, then lay the fiber on elevated screens to dry.

Several Traveling Scarves have been knit or crocheted on lately and headed to their next destination as well. I have one of each sitting here today and plan to finish them both by Thursday or Friday. The crochet is next since a knit one went out today. As for my own knitting, it's sitting on the sidelines while I tend to the scarves and spinning.

For the last few weeks my hand has been sore. This is the hand in which I have a tendinitis type thing from the broken wrist last winter. The cortisone is mostly worn off and this is the cause of the pain. I can only crochet for about thirty minutes and have to stop, put the ice or heat on and rest it. It's not bad with the knitting or spinning. Jars are very hard to open, baskets and things are difficult to carry, and trying to pick up a cat or dog is tricky. Groceries are carried on the left arm and take a few trips to the car.

In the morning I have to do range of motion and sometimes the pain makes me catch my breath. Calling the doctor won't really help. He will just advise me to do what I already am. Of course, this is also my dominant hand and writing can also be awkward at times if the pain starts.

I dread the onset of winter because my hands and feet are always cold. This started about 7 years ago when I learned I was diabetic.

Tonight I'm in a funky mood. Earlier I was fine, then cranky, now mopey. I don't know what's wrong with me today. I don't feel sick, just don't want to be bothered. Little things are aggravating me for no reason. Uggh! Hopefully, tomorrow will be better. I also have a sore toe and am going to the podiatrist tomorrow to have a procedure to take care of it.

Well, that's enough whining for one night. I think I will straighten out the desk and call it an early night for me. It's only a bit after 11:00, but I think I'm ready to snooze. Good night all........