tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79247353501007849782024-03-12T20:22:35.753-05:00Sheepish Hand Knits & Other ArtsA lone knitter on the plains of the Dakotas explores knitting, spinning and other things worth doing.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-18711640102346216652010-07-06T14:06:00.000-05:002010-07-06T14:06:26.306-05:00Heads Up! We've MovedIf you haven't caught on - I moved! Since there were problems with getting into this blog to post, not to mention downloading photos, I changed the name slightly and moved to another Blogspot blog. It's now <a href="http://sheepishfibers.blogspot.com/">Sheepish Fibers</a>. The format is a little different which allows me to post more often. I hope you enjoy the change!Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-91354089732038120332010-06-21T15:21:00.002-05:002010-06-21T15:23:01.825-05:00Back from the Land of UFOs<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23909699@N04/4721451097/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1253/4721451097_7e3f174f78_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23909699@N04/4721451097/">DSCN0561</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/23909699@N04/">bruggerknits</a></span></div>I really, really try not to have UFOs. But the reason you haven't heard much from in the past month is that I've been stuck in the Land of UFOs. Granted, I was a little proud of myself for finishing the Plunge early and yes, pride goeth before a fall. First, there was the Evenstar debacle. I debated simply tearing it back and forgetting it. But then there was so much done on it. So, I let it percolate for a month. I'm back to it and was quite surprised to find I remembered where I was in the pattern! <br />
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But I didn't get back to Evenstar until I battled this top. I found the yarn on sale last summer. I couldn't resist it - it's in one of my favorite colors. I pictured in my head exactly what I wanted. It wasn't exactly what you see pictured. In fact, I did finish it once and it looked just like what I had pictured in my head - except for the irregular stockinette stitch I have when I knit cotton. What you see pictured is actually the third and successful attempt to escape the Land of UFOs. In case you're wondering, the first was a lace version.<br />
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So now that I'm back on track, I'm wondering what makes a UFO or what causes them. I think one element is frustration - which is exactly where I was with the Evenstar pattern. I think another element can be boredom. Have you ever noticed it seems to take forever to do something in all garter stitch? An additional element can be it's is just plain taking too long, which can incorporate one or all of the above elements. <br />
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I worked in a yarn store when I was just out of college and one thing the owner emphasized is quick projects, particularly for newer needleworkers. Once they finish one project, they'll keep coming back for more. No matter how long I've knit, there's still something to be said for the "Rawhide" method of combating UFOs - Head 'em up, move 'em out.<br />
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What do you do to combat UFOs or do you have a concern about a possible intervention from loved ones?Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-78471443096344064722010-05-12T14:52:00.003-05:002010-05-16T12:26:15.844-05:00At Long Last - Finished! Pair No. 52<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23909699@N04/4597014484/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/4597014484_ea9933b828_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.9em;" ><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/23909699@N04/">bruggerknits</a></span></div>As I noted in my previous post, I am having some problems adding photographs to my blog today, so I'm going through flickr.<br /><br />The big news is that I've finally completed the 52 Pair Plunge III with this pair of baby-sized socks. While I'm not sure if these will actually fit a baby, I used these to develop the pattern I will be using at a beginning sock class this fall.<br /><br />THE OTHER BIG NEWS: In celebration of completing "The Plunge" I am having a sale at my Etsy shop through the end of May. 'Just put "Plunge" in the message section and I'll take off 20% on your entire order (excludes shipping and expires Monday, May 31, 2010 at 11:59 pm CDT). If you don't see what you're looking for, check back because I am adding colorways this month. My Etsy site is www.sheepishhandknits.etsy.com or just click the Etsy button in the column next to the blog.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-55728574884859188522010-05-12T14:47:00.002-05:002010-05-12T14:48:41.270-05:00Pair No. 51 - Bike Socks<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23909699@N04/4597020516/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/4597020516_f7e2bfc6fe_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23909699@N04/4597020516/">DSCN0543</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/23909699@N04/">bruggerknits</a></span></div>I'm having problems today uploading photographs to the blog so I will post separately from flickr. <br />
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This is Pair No. 51 in the 52 Pair Plunge III. This pair was made from a leftover sock blank. I knit these toe-up/2-at-a-time and just knit until I was out of yarn. I usually like the leg of my socks to be 6 to 7 inches. These are considerably shorter, but will serve their purpose.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-27620942305989783672010-05-03T20:42:00.000-05:002010-05-03T20:42:45.093-05:00What in the Sam Hill AM I Going to Do With All These Socks?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdOa6AZyRB8DmsAlWA3GZ0yVplePUCfBdsmlORPcHgmV9TAERBTrTiDB2JqagFLzQ5zuCzmVnldm_jk1NlamPs1jrEwxXyeo7RzVonI97gHdjCHeGiMeQ0WbV17FS5tYevKe17ObJeZqO/s320/DSCN0542.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pairs 48, 49 & 50 in the 52 Pair Plunge III</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;">This week I confirmed a concern I've had about myself - I can't count. If you've followed this blog for even a month you probably noticed that I miscounted the pairs of socks. So there are two Pair Nos. 48 and one of the earlier 40s was skipped. I think I now have it straight and that I have completed No. 50 and am working on 51. I picture my self falling off my bike and breaking an arm in the middle of 52, but I think I'm just being an alarmist - we'll see. So above is a photo of Pairs 48, 49 and 50. All three of these are baby-sized socks. Pair No. 51 is a small adult-sized sock for me.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"> I've had some comments/questions about what I am going to do with all these socks. Most people assume I'm going to give them away. Not that I'm greedy, but I had two reasons for going into the Plunge in the first place. One, I was about out of socks. I have child-sized feet and find it next to impossible to find socks that fit that don't have Barbie or My Little Pony on them. Frankly, that's just not the professional image I want to portray. So all the adult-sized socks are going to me. Second, I wanted baby-sized socks to decorate for Christmas ornaments. I work for a non-profit and we have a Festival of Trees every year as a fundraiser, but also as a fun holiday thing for the public. I thought a tree of snazzy socks might be kind of neat - we'll see. I'd also thought about writing a sock book and using the ones that were my own design in the sock book, but with the huge number of sock books on the market right now, that no longer seems like a good idea. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"> So stay tuned for next week, when I unveil my celebrations plans for completing the 52 Pair Plunge III (unless of course, I break an arm or a hand!)</span></span></span></div>Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-19395385515257089002010-04-26T11:30:00.005-05:002010-04-26T11:47:43.794-05:00Light at the End of the Tunnel - 52 Pair Plunge III<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT9woPHr_ZT5-Nij26LScgrTw3gaRd381lkUfUYhBi4cweTAGLBjIH6rFTA53c77ee9keZfNME1ki_cdgm4Oz69scqCO0ijB8GijFPZqpDxXeqgnThrbSIgIJ6_tpT5_7jOl0lSTLpJoC/s1600/DSCN0540.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT9woPHr_ZT5-Nij26LScgrTw3gaRd381lkUfUYhBi4cweTAGLBjIH6rFTA53c77ee9keZfNME1ki_cdgm4Oz69scqCO0ijB8GijFPZqpDxXeqgnThrbSIgIJ6_tpT5_7jOl0lSTLpJoC/s320/DSCN0540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464488414578160514" border="0" /></a>This morning I finished Pair No. 48 in the 52 Pair Plunge III - four more pairs of socks left. Four more pairs to be completed by June 1. I think I'm going to make it. I hit the doldrums back in January and took some much needed time off from sock knitting to work on a couple of much needed sweaters. I'm already planning a contest in celebration of the completion of Pair No. 52. In the meantime, here are Pairs 45, 46, 47 and 48:<br /><br />Pairs 45, 46 and 47 are baby-sized socks made from left-over yarn from other sock projects. Pair No. 48 is made from one my favorites, Brown Sheep <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wildfoote</span> in<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuitB8X7iq3QxDUsRGT1Y2i6VtGLdFud7sJ-aPcTZZbIRQUqPBECuq6iA6QuwQGT8eg1Hs0MZ0nMzqJAi83wJ5jxUZEE1QriB1xkU5w0uYE5tMfSUy7W7sLyXYS2GgXXEL-ch_4x8EjvX/s1600/DSCN0538.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuitB8X7iq3QxDUsRGT1Y2i6VtGLdFud7sJ-aPcTZZbIRQUqPBECuq6iA6QuwQGT8eg1Hs0MZ0nMzqJAi83wJ5jxUZEE1QriB1xkU5w0uYE5tMfSUy7W7sLyXYS2GgXXEL-ch_4x8EjvX/s320/DSCN0538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464486413782877154" border="0" /></a> the Deco Lime colorway. This yarn was marked as seconds and usually when that happens with Brown Sheep yarn it means there was a problem with the colorway. While some may not like the color, I don't think that was the case this time. This yarn was very "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">splitty</span>" and that is very unusual for Brown Sheep and is one of the reasons I really enjoy knitting with their yarn. While this knitting experience was not the most positive, I'm still very pleased with the socks (and yes, I love the color!). The pattern is a K1/p4 broken rib.<br /><br />Now on to Pair No. 49!Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-82252357889525647762010-04-15T09:25:00.004-05:002010-04-15T09:47:15.380-05:00Knitflix<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSMQ8XPOEoC4ohlcKSHRbQAxppztaBXNDg0uc3oV7KHgb_UzE84f_lc3cSqE3wSUpeW_wn9agIV6YDz14U7GtEzbHA-ZIJGgN2e2LinqEVPuRKjs1RR-uEGc4NQVCStm9hfe5reasePFv/s1600/DSCN0520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSMQ8XPOEoC4ohlcKSHRbQAxppztaBXNDg0uc3oV7KHgb_UzE84f_lc3cSqE3wSUpeW_wn9agIV6YDz14U7GtEzbHA-ZIJGgN2e2LinqEVPuRKjs1RR-uEGc4NQVCStm9hfe5reasePFv/s320/DSCN0520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460370897453594610" border="0" /></a><br />About a year ago, we decided to cut back on cable. While it was great to have all those channels to watch for knitting, we felt the quality of the programming really didn't warrant paying what we were paying. In fact, I found myself watching more television, just to justify paying the monthly bill. So for a year, we've had the very basic cable, which includes the local affiliates of the traditional networks and The Weather Channel. Even though I didn't watch them often, I did miss some of the movie channels, like Turner movies. Recently, I received an offer I couldn't refuse from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Netflix</span>. So far, I've been pleasantly surprised by the quality of their service. Even though we don't live in a super-populated area of the States, we still have one-day service. The best part, is that I'm back to knitting and catching up on the 52 Pair Plunge III. For that reason, I have renamed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Netflix</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Knitflix</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off the Needles:</span> The three pairs shown in the first photo are pairs 40, 41, a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A89V5akuqZAHWGSZ-kl6CWHXpT2eOuRQr818YHiPwDgQ6w3u9VNmd-_i2L6z4HCk-DMSJTMCA5xLKMigT9fvvrC2ScrF-RMpMhNghK3sBO_j3M6ptsAK34eS1Ovw_hhsc3gCxpjWak7v/s1600/DSCN0524.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A89V5akuqZAHWGSZ-kl6CWHXpT2eOuRQr818YHiPwDgQ6w3u9VNmd-_i2L6z4HCk-DMSJTMCA5xLKMigT9fvvrC2ScrF-RMpMhNghK3sBO_j3M6ptsAK34eS1Ovw_hhsc3gCxpjWak7v/s320/DSCN0524.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460370640723496658" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> 43. The adult sized pair is 44. Pair No. 45 is also off the needles, but I misplaced my camera Monday and so have not photographed that pair yet. (Fortunately, the camera has been found!) The first three pairs of baby-sized socks and are made from leftovers from other pairs. Remember the requirements of the 52 Pair Plunge are just that the socks have a toe, a heel and a leg. Pair No. 44 is from Brown Sheep <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wildfoote</span> in a colorway, which if you've followed this blog, is one I've used in an earlier pair. Every time I see it, I buy more. I think I probably just need to made a sweater in it!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Needles: </span>Pair No. 46 is another pair of baby socks. This time I used some leftover Tempted. Also on the needles, is Evensong; however, that is going to remain in hiatus until I receive all the clues and errata, just so I don't have to do an enormous amount of frogging again. It does look better, now that I've done a repeat of the corrected pattern. Nevertheless, I am approaching this project with a great deal of caution.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On my Lap: </span>Today's guest blogger is Greta, our big girl cat, who is going through all sorts of contortions to get the maximum amount of petting in as I type.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-74730595823895544952010-03-29T08:56:00.003-05:002010-03-29T09:11:15.431-05:00Good-bye Plurk - It Was Fun While It LastedAfter a couple long bike rides and a couple long walks and a sort of sleepless night, I have decided to de-Plurk for good. Apparently, by saying I was disappointed in a pattern on Ravelry, I have offended not only the designer, but just about every person I've friended or has friended me on Plurk. I deliberately did not mention anything about my disappointment in this particular pattern on Plurk, because I had done so on the designer's board on Ravelry. I expected some ganging up on her board, but felt it was important that she knew her error cost me a significant amount of time I really don't have right now. Then last night, she brought the matter to Plurk. I read her thread and the responses of those who felt I and others who expressed their disappointment (and some frustration) in the error were just unfair and horrible people. I'm not. I have the same right to express my opinion as anyone else. Since I can't do it on Plurk and I can't do it on Ravelry, I will do it here.<br /><br />For those of you who still want to be my friend, some of you have my e-mail, if you don't, PM me on Ravelry (mightymite) or DM me on Twitter (sheepishfibers). I'd love to to know what you're up to, what you're stitchin' and how life is treating you. If you don't want to - it's been fun and have a great life. But please understand - I am disappointed. This morning, in far more ways than I was when I posted about my disappointment on Ravelry.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-25087978510998835542010-03-21T12:52:00.006-05:002010-03-21T13:09:06.828-05:00Still Here!It's hard to believe it's been almost a month since I blogged. A lot has happened and a lot didn't happen, like this blog. I think I finally have things back in control at least for the next few minutes!<br />I've continued knitting and am slowly getting to see the light in the 52 Pair Plunge. I am currently working on Pair No. 40 and since I'm running low on sock yarn, I'm doing quite a few baby-sized socks . But before we get into that, let me show you what I have accomplished:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL9OLfrEa-dUag_jsl6FCFduYJBPRjo99qgVzzJNaClNRIpKMvUwPqTrwStWLwXhKx4eKFfGD_sBwkwHbcFHxIVOfvIc3EXPv9kCQGWaFwlBqXqvI4hzHKngYl0ozOB7H4mpH8nhnuQqO/s1600-h/DSCN0515.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL9OLfrEa-dUag_jsl6FCFduYJBPRjo99qgVzzJNaClNRIpKMvUwPqTrwStWLwXhKx4eKFfGD_sBwkwHbcFHxIVOfvIc3EXPv9kCQGWaFwlBqXqvI4hzHKngYl0ozOB7H4mpH8nhnuQqO/s200/DSCN0515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451147705412546930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zxs63wloSeY6xoKom_dBcBZBByMlk6i-EsI1bNg27bErW8g-5Tr7QoqxmZ1cZU83EFB4M6zM6g8LV-qvw8qNRa9W18aAD7oe3ZIn8U3HFCj10EbcjEm980KfLXgJsmpFKcgToKexmguc/s1600-h/DSCN0513.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zxs63wloSeY6xoKom_dBcBZBByMlk6i-EsI1bNg27bErW8g-5Tr7QoqxmZ1cZU83EFB4M6zM6g8LV-qvw8qNRa9W18aAD7oe3ZIn8U3HFCj10EbcjEm980KfLXgJsmpFKcgToKexmguc/s200/DSCN0513.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451147483172501554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The green neon pair is Pair No. 37 and are made from a dyed sock blank. They're also cabled - not that you can tell. I enjoy wearing cabled socks because they hug my feet. This pair will never get lost under a bed. I haven't check, but I think they may glow in the dark. The next two pair are Nos. 38 & 39 are are made from leftovers. The pink and blue are Lorna's Laces and the multi-colored ones are from Nashua and I recently made an adult pair out of the same yarn.<br /><br />I have completed Clue #3 in the Evenstar mystery shawl. I understand there is a total of seven clues. The next one will not be out until Friday. So, for my stay-at-home knitting, I'm working on a Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair sweater in black. This is one of my own patterns and people have repeatedly requested it. I'm finally getting it down to written form.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G1owRm2pbH1B037UcU1aAIuCnZ6vtDDTKV1FAVsGfopxoFQ2bPr2uou4Htb-mVrcO5B55rGOmwJuAKUl4DHmlailY60_3-tQT2dj7I2huNycBZo5-0qIOKD0uWVFS1tQ4njAJu7xtdBm/s1600-h/DSCN0514.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G1owRm2pbH1B037UcU1aAIuCnZ6vtDDTKV1FAVsGfopxoFQ2bPr2uou4Htb-mVrcO5B55rGOmwJuAKUl4DHmlailY60_3-tQT2dj7I2huNycBZo5-0qIOKD0uWVFS1tQ4njAJu7xtdBm/s200/DSCN0514.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451150311391062690" border="0" /></a><br />While I don't have the size stash that many knitters have, I still have been limiting my buying this year. I'm not on a yarn fast, but I am on a yarn diet of sorts. I really want to get a lot of what I have used before purchasing anything else. I'm committed to getting my stash to fit on the two shelves (okay, they wrap around three walls) in the laundry room.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-25782963325532750732010-02-22T21:31:00.004-06:002010-02-22T22:12:42.338-06:00Monogamous - Again!<span style="font-family:arial;">Some time ago, I wrote about the virtues of monogamous knitting. (At this point, my family members can now take a breath. Admit it, you had a fleeting thought this might contain some great revelation you didn't know about me. I can only shake my head.) Since that time, I've had a heck of time living up to one project at a time. I just want you all to know, I'm back on track.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off the Needles:</span> I finished the Celtic Knot sweater in the palest of pink wool from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Elann</span>.com. Was not as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thri</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmtCHDqbwZpw48otIU-Rd00FaWme9EqNLHseLay5mIHRGISVaIN05soEW_oczevgfKHptuDd97T8GbrjStNzVZ1QpDu4836egphf-9wLQmV-WkSxTjYcLjewDFSdJ9DR5rD8R37CLmC9h/s1600-h/DSCN0510.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmtCHDqbwZpw48otIU-Rd00FaWme9EqNLHseLay5mIHRGISVaIN05soEW_oczevgfKHptuDd97T8GbrjStNzVZ1QpDu4836egphf-9wLQmV-WkSxTjYcLjewDFSdJ9DR5rD8R37CLmC9h/s200/DSCN0510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441285127282613986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lled</span> with the yarn as I thought I would be, but loved the pattern, love the fit and will probably make it out a something a little less smooth. Lana <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pura</span> is a very smooth wool and every stitch shows, so something <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">at is primarily stockinette stitch is probably not the best use of this yarn, unless you are a super even knitter. I'm thinking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">handspun</span> for the </span><span style="font-family:arial;">next one - stay tuned.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I also <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">finishe</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">d Pair No. 36 in the 52 Pair Plunge III. They're a plain vanilla version using Nashua Yarns, Best Foot Forward. This is a great base yarn with the crazy color <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">combina</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">tions</span> of Kristin Nichols. These have calf scours green in them and I still love them. One of the reasons I picked up this year was it's affordability - a top-notch sock yarn for less than $15 for a 2-pair skein (100 grams).</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8paak7saR0QngfCYpnjuMnU5jF9lsL4w5kV09LMOhLvrdDKOI07wtvHTQshG2MjSsoFd5sppZlafkJwm_IhcUl3Pd11yPBGDyeSh-zXHzgDXQu5GdiQNmqO-7Rt09ZJAijsOxtZvlcDJ/s1600-h/DSCN0511.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8paak7saR0QngfCYpnjuMnU5jF9lsL4w5kV09LMOhLvrdDKOI07wtvHTQshG2MjSsoFd5sppZlafkJwm_IhcUl3Pd11yPBGDyeSh-zXHzgDXQu5GdiQNmqO-7Rt09ZJAijsOxtZvlcDJ/s200/DSCN0511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441285391789998162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the </span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Needles: </span>While I await the next clue for E</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">venstar</span> (I was sure those clues came out wee</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">kly</span>.), I have started a toe up/2-at-a-time pair of socks from a sock flat. Since I just started this pair, I haven't decided what kind of stitch I'll be using.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Books: </span>Please feel free to check book list at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Goodreads</span>.com (just click the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Goodreads</span> box in the column). I finished two books this week. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Whiskey Rebellion</span>, by William <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hoaglund</span>. Usually the Whiskey Rebellion gets a line or two in the history books, maybe a paragraph; but this is an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">in depth</span> account of the uprising in western Pennsylvania during George Washington's administration. A little slow at times, but well worth the time to read it.<br /><br />In my quest to find additional series, I tried one of the Vicky Bliss books by Elizabeth Peters,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Laughter of Dead Kings. </span></span>I may have enjoyed it more, had I read it, rather than listened to the audio version. It has a great plot and wonderful characters, but I was a little distracted by the female narrator's male character voices and dialects. I enjoyed how she played the Vicky Bliss character and the minor other female characters, but the audio version would have been enhanced by a male playing the male characters.<br /></span>Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-68512423977592530082010-02-15T11:22:00.007-06:002010-02-15T11:55:42.970-06:00Catch Up<span style="font-family:arial;">I've had "Blog" on my To Do list for well over a week. As soon as I get ready to check in, a little voice in the back of my mind says, "Wait! Let's get one more project done and photographed!" The entry on my To Do list finally won. In the past few weeks, much has been completed, some has been started. The following is a mere summary. I won't bore you with the dishcloths I comp</span><span style="font-family:arial;">leted!<br /><br />OFF TH</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlnrYWtPnWY_RBCR5CMrTkBZSMNlFe2k10H8u-VdD5TNg00V997CCjlpQz-x-NIvfE9xJpdvcH-YIYU-76erSHOJYIqv0kcDT5RlUxfYgzbGZbr_gk9BCWfgW6uhwj_j6Y6DbHFMYGugs/s1600-h/DSCN0497.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlnrYWtPnWY_RBCR5CMrTkBZSMNlFe2k10H8u-VdD5TNg00V997CCjlpQz-x-NIvfE9xJpdvcH-YIYU-76erSHOJYIqv0kcDT5RlUxfYgzbGZbr_gk9BCWfgW6uhwj_j6Y6DbHFMYGugs/s200/DSCN0497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438523462713612514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">E NEEDLES: Pair No. 34 in the 52 Pair Plunge III were made from the leftover yarn from the Herbivore Shawlette/Scarf I completed a few weeks ago. The socks are in a simple cable p</span><span style="font-family:arial;">attern. I really love the colors of turquoise, blue and</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> purple.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Pair No. 35 i</span><span style="font-family:arial;">n the 52 Pair Plunge III are mosaic socks which were part of the Knitting Brewing Company's mystery knit-a-long (KAL). I learned a </span><span style="font-family:arial;">new technique and came away with a great pair of socks. I did have to </span><span style="font-family:arial;">significantly alter the pattern to get them down to my size. It's a little difficult to tell in the photograph, but there's also a patterned design in the green </span><span style="font-family:arial;">section.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oTxKGz4NbH6oFJbYda54sZhNOQo_TrFhB8Vyz5hyphenhyphen3ycAQMGXefZKm6wBdk3vAFeqNwN_gASvTVc9nlwJPvHQ5x8fiYeOtAm2xtC8s55bSPYddXr7n4u_irIyBOz_BqVJ3plQVlQJrVq3/s1600-h/DSCN0505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oTxKGz4NbH6oFJbYda54sZhNOQo_TrFhB8Vyz5hyphenhyphen3ycAQMGXefZKm6wBdk3vAFeqNwN_gASvTVc9nlwJPvHQ5x8fiYeOtAm2xtC8s55bSPYddXr7n4u_irIyBOz_BqVJ3plQVlQJrVq3/s200/DSCN0505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438530221579082962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I also signed up</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> for another KAL. This one was The Enchanted Wood by the Unique Sheep and designed by Janine La Cras from </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Guernsey. I used the</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Unique Sheep's Gradience yarn in the Peacock colorway</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, Gradience meant it came in six different little skeins which I blended during the knitting of the shawl.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">ON THE NEEDLES: I realized after well into the two KALs that I might be developing a problem with saying "no" to KALs. This </span><span style="font-family:arial;">occurred to me after I signed up for Evenstar by Susan Pandorf. Fortunately, Evenstar did not start until one KAL was completed over and the other had the last clue </span><span style="font-family:arial;">arriving o</span><span style="font-family:arial;">n</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBoBNpuBDDO3Icu9FLHU5hX4wV5mNtZWEEpauGgJADGLZ0pC0UCDbQdDNHXvS1bT5aJSacODa7FLYtwBu77ohP8wj6xmlRAuXJEWSXOGEdJ_IR_LXLjtJZZS7id317PqUWIUlx9BbpUfL/s1600-h/DSCN0509.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBoBNpuBDDO3Icu9FLHU5hX4wV5mNtZWEEpauGgJADGLZ0pC0UCDbQdDNHXvS1bT5aJSacODa7FLYtwBu77ohP8wj6xmlRAuXJEWSXOGEdJ_IR_LXLjtJZZS7id317PqUWIUlx9BbpUfL/s200/DSCN0509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438526062910186898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> the same day as the Evenstar first clue. I fussed and fumed over the cost of l</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ace yarn and </span><span style="font-family:arial;">what it would cost to come up with the 1700 yards of lace weight yarn. Then it dawned on me. I received a ten-pound cone of lace weight by accident - it just needed to be dyed. I decided on "legal pad yellow" and dyed up 1800 yards just in time for the first clue. Now that the first clue is completed, I very pleased with the results, but have vowed </span><span style="font-family:arial;">to give up signing up for KALs for Lent. This one should be done about Easter. Then who knows.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa7OHpwEgpoo2mo15_eeoI5_bBcMt_dX-80awUYwxVU2VigRhTsRLI6vW47iGlkk8HuKRVBEONO_6F4tClfWvTcN8kvYcY8RlPu7IY81bPkgFjY3wuBkNClRmXzSyNlUIL2DxKvcq2x-q/s1600-h/DSCN0507.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa7OHpwEgpoo2mo15_eeoI5_bBcMt_dX-80awUYwxVU2VigRhTsRLI6vW47iGlkk8HuKRVBEONO_6F4tClfWvTcN8kvYcY8RlPu7IY81bPkgFjY3wuBkNClRmXzSyNlUIL2DxKvcq2x-q/s200/DSCN0507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438528314606782034" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Also on the needles, is a Celtic Knot Pullover in pale pink. It's very different from the pullovers I usually wear in that it has a deep v-neck and no ribbing on the cuffs or bottom. I do wish I used something a little fuzzier for the yarn, but I really love this color. That's a good thing, I think the pattern may have a mistake in the yardage or the yarn label is wrong, because I seemed to have purchased twice as much as I needed! Pair No. 36 in the 52 Pair Plunge has also been started.<br /><br />As you can see, I've been way too busy to get into much trouble in the past few weeks!<br /></span>Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-41693178658260760252010-01-21T10:14:00.007-06:002010-01-21T10:55:35.258-06:00How to Handle Winter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAzPCu20wOKMH1u2fZ-IEzpPnM3VsC8TocVNLVJleCSi-XvtcRm1UXZjUSvmqef1QjHHwePofDc_iAff-4Z4CYMNIL3W07iuGattkbeWAmRKm86oQ-rTbF7DqoZLaUBjlRH6W90Avsbip/s1600-h/DSCN0472.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAzPCu20wOKMH1u2fZ-IEzpPnM3VsC8TocVNLVJleCSi-XvtcRm1UXZjUSvmqef1QjHHwePofDc_iAff-4Z4CYMNIL3W07iuGattkbeWAmRKm86oQ-rTbF7DqoZLaUBjlRH6W90Avsbip/s320/DSCN0472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429227758749059890" border="0" /></a>My big guy cat, Hans, has been very frustrated this winter. We're quite sure why, it may have to do with the change in the feeding situation here. He can't eat Greta's food because it upsets his digestive tract and Greta shouldn't eat his because of urinary tract problems. Long story, short: He and Greta have been feuding something fierce for the past week. Finally, he gave himself a time out in the bag. Both Greta and I appreciated the break.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off the Needles:</span> Pair No. 33 in the 52 Pair Plunge III (or maybe it's 34) a pair of Trekking Ribbed Socks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mBWeZyDv7gTfl7yuykIU0UCSAZLecMaJICl_LhGlHsdUpaJZACsfmOf1aoobYelz9mUa2hDLmhsda6HDIWlzoh-W2UnDuwTgbK1Iies7VwAVHMPuOkuNTsA3xp7ZqRKvRFEGHuO12kte/s1600-h/DSCN0464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mBWeZyDv7gTfl7yuykIU0UCSAZLecMaJICl_LhGlHsdUpaJZACsfmOf1aoobYelz9mUa2hDLmhsda6HDIWlzoh-W2UnDuwTgbK1Iies7VwAVHMPuOkuNTsA3xp7ZqRKvRFEGHuO12kte/s320/DSCN0464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429229378569219346" border="0" /></a>As promised in my last post, I finally got a photo of the elusive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">moebius</span> scarf from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">handspun</span>. I think I'm going to use it more as a cowl than a scarf, as it did not block out as wide as I would have liked. Even so, I'm pleased with my first attempt at this technique.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ssTy-xek4bddF07Q0XvRYBzb1375CmQVgU9UcyoNDCZEnorZ4NIJBBhOxrByqCHfJXJy5veKchdq3MD-e-JhA6_FAWkeTAjUjZOJ9VVUEYg2M6kbsitg-8zhGsywdLc0otj9uPmDZKnc/s1600-h/DSCN0474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ssTy-xek4bddF07Q0XvRYBzb1375CmQVgU9UcyoNDCZEnorZ4NIJBBhOxrByqCHfJXJy5veKchdq3MD-e-JhA6_FAWkeTAjUjZOJ9VVUEYg2M6kbsitg-8zhGsywdLc0otj9uPmDZKnc/s320/DSCN0474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429230118940283698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Needles:</span> While I have kept my resolution not to sign up for anymore challenges, I have discovered knit-a-longs (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">KAL</span>), particularly Mystery <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">KALs</span>. I have Clue 1 completed for The Enchanted Wool Shawl and have completed Clue 2 in the Girls Night Out Mystery Sock Knit Along. The Sock <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">KAL</span> is a mosaic and is a bit more challenging as I have to size it down. So, my finished socks will be a little different than the rest. Clue 1 of the shawl is to the left; Clues 1 & 2 of the sock are to the right. (Although you probably figured that out by now.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJnLlitZr7MVc2lJ4YnzeD1VTYTFMd9JpLQ2VamlzeUWJts5O0n5kOYGPjSmhCNLwwzp-SGMhzQFiuVOoj6Q1geqG8uu4YDP7bS2vUzx2yeR8i1c1r4YqB4J3DymSjSS4YiLOxEt1n79k/s1600-h/DSCN0471.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJnLlitZr7MVc2lJ4YnzeD1VTYTFMd9JpLQ2VamlzeUWJts5O0n5kOYGPjSmhCNLwwzp-SGMhzQFiuVOoj6Q1geqG8uu4YDP7bS2vUzx2yeR8i1c1r4YqB4J3DymSjSS4YiLOxEt1n79k/s200/DSCN0471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429231592132003346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9sDiOq5eylZ_6vqLrIMSQWYsAQgJfAiuNSXJTjDrOjbCvin7KFCGscYMBVngOAcF2AnlIWtasmNKeSI7Fx2zKxTn3OUULD9ksD2LUvH_aS8XgCxAM5nCXJYRjnfsdLF6CaN1XA0IN5aH/s1600-h/DSCN0473.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9sDiOq5eylZ_6vqLrIMSQWYsAQgJfAiuNSXJTjDrOjbCvin7KFCGscYMBVngOAcF2AnlIWtasmNKeSI7Fx2zKxTn3OUULD9ksD2LUvH_aS8XgCxAM5nCXJYRjnfsdLF6CaN1XA0IN5aH/s200/DSCN0473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429231757508599458" border="0" /></a>Also, on the needles is the next pair of socks for 52 Pair Plunge III, made from the leftovers from the Herbivore Scarf. I'm going toe-up and am already on the leg portion.<br /><br />After I posted last week, I realized I forgot to list what I've been reading and listening to. Since it's been so cold I have had ample opportunity to do both. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lemon <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Meringue</span> Pie Murder (A Hannah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Swensen</span> Mystery)</span>, by Joanne Fluke<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span></span>This entry into the Hannah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Swensen</span> series involves Norman's purchase of property the dream house he and Hannah designed for a contest and won. Hannah's mother then finds the body of the last owner in the basement and then bank loot from an old robbery begins showing up in town. As you might expect, Hannah makes sense of all this with the help of her two suitors, her partner and her sisters. Another fun read. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Fearless Fourteen, </span></span>by Janet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Evanovich</span>. While this entry into the Stephanie Plum series includes all the great characters of the previous mysteries, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Evanovich</span> has added some new quirky characters. Of all I've read or listened to so far, I've enjoyed this one the most. I think there's even more humor and more outrageous situations.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Rumpole</span> Rests His Case, </span></span>by John Mortimer. More short stories involving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Rumpole's</span> legal career. This was supposedly the last in the series as the last story has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Rumpole</span> arguing his last case from his hospital bed after suffering a heart attack.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span>That's it for this week. A quick update on the Hans/Greta feud. When I went upstairs to grab my book notes, they were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ka</span>-noodling on the top stair and looked a bit guilty as I rounded the landing. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-46130807977633673832010-01-08T10:00:00.003-06:002010-01-08T10:15:16.081-06:00"Snow" the Other Four-Letter "S" WordWe have snow - lots of it. I'm tired of it. It's cold, too. I'm tired of that as well. After that depressing note, let's go on to the fun stuff. If anything, this weather has given me plenty of time to knit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHU0c8kGh0VJd8MQzU99ZH6Xcvw1xFWxKVfGsuMBycuZbw4j-YXwolV289ZMEoa2yZcOQi2UN91tJPpktVHCqiCdFueq2oK8aIRA98yFuBhu9d7-9WWguchkwifRR7FrNafB0miywQxIC/s1600-h/DSCN0458.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHU0c8kGh0VJd8MQzU99ZH6Xcvw1xFWxKVfGsuMBycuZbw4j-YXwolV289ZMEoa2yZcOQi2UN91tJPpktVHCqiCdFueq2oK8aIRA98yFuBhu9d7-9WWguchkwifRR7FrNafB0miywQxIC/s320/DSCN0458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424399737349159682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off the Needles:</span> Pair No. 32 of the 52 Pair Plunge III is yet another pair of Dead Simple Lace Socks, designed by Wendy Johnson (aka WendyKnits) our of her Socks From the Toe Up book. I altered the pattern significantly to make a much smaller size than her smallest size - so these fit very nicely. The yarn is Festivus from Tempted which arrived as part of her sock club.<br /><br />Moebius Scarf is being blocked as I write. It turned out a little narrower than I hoped; but I am very pleased with how my hand-spun looks in it. Hopefully, I'll have photos next time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Needles:</span> I'm still plugging along on Herbivore. I hope to have it finished by next week.<br /><br />As one might well imagine, I have Pair No. 33 of the 52 Pair Plunge III on the needles. I just turned the heel, going toe-up, 2-at-a-time. I'm using Trekking, one of my favorite commercial sock yarns.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Wheel:</span> I'm finishing up on a two-ply superwash and I'm hackling (is that a word) some of my hand-painted roving for an article on using a diz and hackle in the preparation of worsted yarn (as opposed to woolen yarn). If you're confused, I'll post the link when it is "on the net".Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-68523033927937801072009-12-29T20:47:00.004-06:002009-12-29T21:33:05.125-06:00Blog Delayed Due to Technical DifficultiesThis blog seemed to take forever to get to the web. My digital camera decided to be difficult and like everything it's done so far, it did difficult well too. At first I thought I just needed a new camera. I wasn't happy about that prospect, as I've had this one a bit less than two years. I checked at the camera store and described the problem. The manager suggested just getting a card reader because the camera appeared to be taking pictures.<br /><br />Good guess, but wrong. The card reader worked about the same as the cable. Then it dawned on me that it might be the memory card. So after a number of trips to the camera store, the camera is now working and able to download the photos to the computer.<br /><br />An interesting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_aNBh41Mz2oOBaY45uqqH9QHobeDJz_aqj28DrpHPYBWthRFS57MTPeRl7GFq4hpzoTQrYVeY9X1CeoqasDYwrQGsiXklD6gCiV0URhdNe1wde85e7Vl6LLDrM-H4n3ix-0Paq0NcMB0/s1600-h/DSCN0454.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_aNBh41Mz2oOBaY45uqqH9QHobeDJz_aqj28DrpHPYBWthRFS57MTPeRl7GFq4hpzoTQrYVeY9X1CeoqasDYwrQGsiXklD6gCiV0URhdNe1wde85e7Vl6LLDrM-H4n3ix-0Paq0NcMB0/s320/DSCN0454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420855741391716466" border="0" /></a> thing the manager of the camera shop mentioned, is that digital cameras do not last as long as the old fashioned film cameras. At least now, I have a head's up to save for a new one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off the Needles: </span>Given the extra time between blogs I was able to finished two pairs towards the 52 Pair Plunge III. Pair No. 30 is the Embossed Leaves pattern by Mona Schmidt from Favorite Socks by Interweave Press. I used Good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Grrl</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hand-painted</span> yarn from Tempted in the Zombie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Grrl</span> colorway. Great pattern, great yarn!<br /><br />Pair No. 31 is based on an Ann Budd infant sock pattern out the new Interweave Knits Accessories magazine. The pattern is written for double-pointed needles and since I do two-at-time I made some <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhzRakW1zttMnvKRYdUvK5XsnaHqvaRWg6NCJ1STe1ob_Ws-2NQCLQdmj5L83S_M4wBgaH4V5y7fawit8BGj8cd-tgaVG8DkU0VfXJEMpX7IMab7bW9bBv_F79fbIl6YgMDWkX4mZxZo-/s1600-h/DSCN0455.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhzRakW1zttMnvKRYdUvK5XsnaHqvaRWg6NCJ1STe1ob_Ws-2NQCLQdmj5L83S_M4wBgaH4V5y7fawit8BGj8cd-tgaVG8DkU0VfXJEMpX7IMab7bW9bBv_F79fbIl6YgMDWkX4mZxZo-/s320/DSCN0455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420855901894922914" border="0" /></a>significant changes in the pattern. I used my own Sheepish Fibers Big Foot yarn in the Brock's Truck colorway. It's actually leftover from a pair I made for myself earlier in the 52 Pair Plunge Challenge. Also, off the needles is my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">moebius</span> scarf. It's still a little shy and needs to have the ends woven in and a good blocking before it shows itself. This was made using my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">handspun</span> and I am very pleased with how the color worked out. Photos next time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Needles: </span>Pair No. 32 is a derivation of a Wendy Knits pattern, Dead Simple Lace Socks from her book, Socks From the Toe Up. I've finally figured out that my feet are much smaller than most of the sock patterns, so I need to do a lot of adjustments to pattern stitches to make the finished socks wearable. I'm using the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Festivus</span> colorway in another skein of sock yarn from Tempted. Incidentally, I joined her sock club this year, after wondering what sock clubs are like. It was a good decision on my part as I've received some wonderful sock yarn, some fun patterns and great bags. I'm doing it again next year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Wheel:</span> I've been experimenting with color, as well as the creation of worsted yarn. Right now I have a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">fuchsia</span>/royal blue blend on the wheel. I'm very pleased with the results and hope to have a skein completed by my next blog post.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Great Reads/Great Listens: </span>I listened to the Mammoth Murders by Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Crider</span> from my Audible account this week. I wish I understood why I enjoy mysteries involving sheriffs from sparsely-populated counties, but this was another one. This one takes place in Texas and involves the possible finding of Sasquatch, feral hogs, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">archaeological</span> digs and a long-missing child. Hopefully, that description was not a spoiler for the book. Probably not great literature, but good characters and a good plot.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-32418333549739818292009-12-17T21:13:00.002-06:002009-12-17T21:35:07.312-06:00One Challenge Done/One to Go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW72lKYjm3a7xTmTv-LYH1mUyFp_-O3OZC2Y_kRrhZc8CDqKgO9rqV5ZiStZCyQqeZi40426la4v-zFDuaeEq5DMvDIFDN3yWkMO6aBfQ-OULTwDOHlhlvUOjyOLYYMRb_3bUnHqZk0mL7/s1600-h/DSCN0443.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW72lKYjm3a7xTmTv-LYH1mUyFp_-O3OZC2Y_kRrhZc8CDqKgO9rqV5ZiStZCyQqeZi40426la4v-zFDuaeEq5DMvDIFDN3yWkMO6aBfQ-OULTwDOHlhlvUOjyOLYYMRb_3bUnHqZk0mL7/s320/DSCN0443.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416409460357720370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off The Needles: </span>I probably should have worded the title the other way round as I'm covering the remaining challenge first. I finished Pair No. 29 in the 52 Pair Plunge III. They're made from Creatively Dyed yarn in a women's small. (That's Greta snooping in the packages.) This was wonderful yarn to knit with and the yardage was wonderful (much like my own Big Foot yarn!) It's still fun to try out yarn from other folks!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Needles: </span>I'm currently working on a pair from Tempted at 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">am's</span> Good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Grrl</span> in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Zombee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Grrl</span> colorway. I'm using the Embossed Leaves pattern by Mona Schmidt from the Favorite Socks book by Interweave Press. I've made some significant pattern changes to accommodate my smaller than average feet. Even so, it should still look like the pattern in the book when I'm done.<br /><br />I haven't forgotten Herbivore, by Stephen West. It's still going, it's just going slow.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">52 Books in 52 Weeks:</span> I am finally done with this challenge. The final book was Cat Striking Back (A Joe Grey Mystery), by Shirley Rousseau Murphy. Joe finds a body in an empty swimming pool, but it's gone by the time the police respond to his report. Naturally, he has to prove there was a body and then find the person who perpetrated the crime. This installment of the series dealt more with the cats and their feral counterparts, than the humans. It seems like this series gets better with each installment. Highly recommend.<br /><br />52 books in 52 weeks was quite a challenge for me. I'm looking forward to my future reading when I can choose what I want to read, simply because I want to read it and not because of the added factor, I could read it quickly. I have a Wally Lamb that calls out to me each time I pass the shelves. But because of it's size, I've been waiting to read it until after the challenge.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-8354884419973421342009-12-09T21:57:00.002-06:002009-12-09T22:24:20.585-06:00Finding Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2MmUESfdBbRtHOMCQrCsup0TeIN8qt92PheeTvgYHgzl1wSpXO06I-uYYiB8EBxuXGNFnCyoGDOyeYR3EZY2DwaIMKC-w9NARvkM472wEggPXJhoRG8lY8Y6zWuUgBgEYGS8Rf93k9i6/s1600-h/DSCN0437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2MmUESfdBbRtHOMCQrCsup0TeIN8qt92PheeTvgYHgzl1wSpXO06I-uYYiB8EBxuXGNFnCyoGDOyeYR3EZY2DwaIMKC-w9NARvkM472wEggPXJhoRG8lY8Y6zWuUgBgEYGS8Rf93k9i6/s320/DSCN0437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413452214311657234" border="0" /></a>This week has been a struggle to find any time for myself. That includes even a short entry into this blog. I am looking forward to working regular hours in the coming weeks, even though every day has been interesting and certainly not dull.<br /><br />Off the Needles: I finished the bamboo socks about this past weekend. These were made from On Your Toes bamboo/nylon sock yarn. It's a beautiful colorway, but I was not pleased with the quality of the yarn. I purchased this in a yarn shop and I paid a bit more than I like to pay for it. My biggest complaint? Huge knots, lots of them! The big advantage to getting a big ball or skein of yarn is so you don't have to do joins - or at least not a lot of them - but I had to with this yarn.<br />These are Pair No. 28 in the 52 Pair Plunge.<br /><br />On the Needles: I'm still working on my Herbivore. I ripped back because I wasn't happy with it. The second time through it's looking much better.<br /><br />On the opposite spectrum from the bamboo yarn is some one of the Monday Night Sock Knitters purchased from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CreativelyDyed</span>.com. I'm doing 2-at-a-Time Socks, toe up. I'm well into the leg of the socks and still no knots - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nunca</span>. Great yarn, great colorway. Can't wait to finish and photograph.<br /><br />Recently, I've been intrigued by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">moebius</span> scarfs and decided to give one a try. I'm using some of my own <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hand spun</span>. More on this one next time.<br /><br />52 Books in 52 Weeks: At long last, the challenge is winding down. I hoped to be done by now, but I'm moving right along.<br /><br />Book 49: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Graveyard Book</span> by Neil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gaiman</span>. Wonderful characters, great story. Nobody Owens escapes death at age 2 or 3 by toddling into a graveyard when his parents and sister are murdered nearby. He is then raised by the long dead inhabitants of the graveyard. As one might imagine, the person who murdered his family, really wants him dead and returns to finish the job when Bod is about 15. Considering the author, it's not surprising it has a bit of a comic-book flair to it. One of the best I read this year.<br /><br />Book 50: <span style="font-style: italic;">Death by Cashmere</span>, by Sally <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Goldenbaum</span>. I wish I could say the same about this book, but I can't. The worst disservice done to this novel, is the blurb on the back summarizing the characters, plot was wrong. It had the owner of the knit shop as the protagonist, not the owner's aunt, who only knits occasionally. Very disappointed.<br /><br />Book 51: <span style="font-style: italic;">A Christmas Carol, </span>by Charles Dickens. Fortunately, with this challenge one could re-read a book read previously. I lost track as to how many times I've read this one. This version was from Audible.com and was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">brilliantly</span> read by Tim Curry.<br /><br />I'm currently reading the Shirley Rousseau Murphy, Joe Grey mystery. I'm about a third through it. So, I'm confident it was be Book 52 - if only I can find the time!Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-30865967514618981292009-11-30T12:16:00.006-06:002009-11-30T12:37:58.538-06:00Today on Cat TV . . .We've had a wonderful growing season in eastern South Dakota this year. The corn field behind our house is the highest I've seen for some time. Unfortunately, the fall has been too wet to go out and harvest it. The farmer got out before Thanksgiving and made a few swipes, but finally got out in force today. This was wonderful news for my oldest cat, Hans. He loves watching large machinery. He's been at the back window most of the morning watching the harvester. If I talk to him he turns politely to acknowledge I've spoken and goes right back to watching. His partner in crime, Greta, is not at all interested and is sleeping in a sunbeam.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSHOMNuIC-uPFwOyJsY88INUggMikzgyDMwJkBPIS-tZjhMGUZlNKF8224m_tr5GaATyIQLhCa2l5CZcTdriu9Alir03NkQWNZsIeNQ880vnvwWmMh26DE41l4ZMmglCQloQRhG5FAhrl/s1600/DSCN0433.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSHOMNuIC-uPFwOyJsY88INUggMikzgyDMwJkBPIS-tZjhMGUZlNKF8224m_tr5GaATyIQLhCa2l5CZcTdriu9Alir03NkQWNZsIeNQ880vnvwWmMh26DE41l4ZMmglCQloQRhG5FAhrl/s320/DSCN0433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409966272178982786" border="0" /></a><br />Off the needles: I've been working a ton of hours (enough that I wish I was paid hourly instead of a salary!), so not much knitting has been accomplished. Buffalo Gold yarn company asked me to test knit a pattern for them so they'd have enough product for upcoming trunk shows. I was more than happy to help them out. The shawl above is the Wildflower Lace Scarf designed by Evelyn Clark and made out of the Wichita Mountain colorway of Buffalo Gold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lux</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Laceweight</span>. It's a great pattern and wonderful yarn with which to work.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the needles:</span> I'm working on socks (I know, big surprise) using bamboo yarn and my own design. I'm not real pleased with the bamboo. It's starting to look shopworn just from knitting. But I'll post a photo when they're done and washed. Hopefully, this is just a temporary thing. I think this will be Pair No. 27, or maybe 28 in the 52 Pair Plunge III.<br /><br />Also on the needles is the Herbivore shawl by Stephen West. I'm through the first section and into the second. I hope to have this finished this week, as it sounds like the super-cold weather of winter is going to hit later this week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the wheel:</span> A few months ago, I drum-carded some of the colorways which did not sell in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Etsy</span> shop. I coming to the end of that and I'm very pleased with the results. I used blues and purples and greens and turquoises - very cool <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">eclectic</span> mix in a three-ply yarn. Film later.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">52 Books in 52 Weeks</span> - so close and yet so far. I'm on Books 49 and 50, but not quite done with either. Hopefully, next week, they'll both be ready to review.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-18927120900724830472009-11-15T17:52:00.002-06:002009-11-15T18:08:55.915-06:0052 Books in 52 Weeks UpdateI've been having some problems uploading photos to blogger tonight, so I went in through a back door for the sock photos. I apologize for the change in format. I hope I figure out the problem before my next post.<br /><br />Since I finished two more books this week one excellent/one not so good, I wanted to post anyway.<br /><br />The first book I finished was <span style="font-style: italic;">Murder List</span> by Julie Garwood. This is book 47 for the year and a real disappointment. Fortunately, I got this book for free on a special from e-books or I would be angry I wasted money on it. I understand this author usually writes romances, which are not my cup of tea. It may be that influence on the plot of this book that made it just about unbearable for me, but I "gotter done". The plot revolves around a wealthy, good-looking young woman who makes out a list of people she'd like to see murdered, she loses the list and guess what happens. Of course, she gets the man of her dreams at the end and a lot of people she doesn't like get eliminated from the face of earth. This plot just hit me wrong on so many levels.<br /><br />But the second book I finished was probably one of the best books I have ever read. Book No. 48 is <span style="font-style: italic;">The Thirteenth Story</span> by Diane Setterfield. There is a thread of Jane Eyre and the theme of being an outsider which runs through this story. So if you love the Brontes as much as I do, you'll love picking this thread up, losing it, and picking it up again. The story is set in modern day Yorkshire, but tells a tale of twins which covers a good part of the 20th century. It is fascinating to the point I felt guilty if I didn't have time to read some every day. This book called out to me like a good friend to open it up and sit down with a cup of coffee and spend some time catching up. The marvelous thing about this book is that the author leaves no loose threads at the end. One leaves <span style="font-style: italic;">The Thirteenth Story </span>knowing what happens to every character, however minor, with the exception on the storyteller's mother, which is telling in and of itself. I highly recommend this book. I usually take every fiction book I read to the used book store to trade - but not this one. It's a keeper. I'm going to visit again.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-72801822479718414142009-11-15T17:51:00.001-06:002009-11-15T17:51:47.838-06:00Taupe is the Color of My Life<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23909699@N04/4107366124/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4107366124_991a48b01b_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23909699@N04/4107366124/">Labyrinth Socks</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/23909699@N04/">bruggerknits</a></span></div>Taupe seems to be the color of my life, whether I want it to or not. This pair of socks is a prime example. Incidentally, this pair is Pair No. 27 in the 52 Pair Plunge III. The pattern is Labyrinth, designed by Wendy Johnson (aka Wendy Knits) and the yarn is Luxe Grrl by Tempted in the BonJour colorway. These are sport-weight, so are a bit heavier than I usually make/wear. <br /><br />But it's the color that's important. I got this yarn as part of the Tempted at 3am Sock Club. I groaned when I saw the colorway. Because like it or not taupe is the color of my life. This taupe, mixed with a little pink, immediately brought me back to the bathroom of the house I grew up in. Even the fixtures were taupe (as was the outside of the house). As you can see from the photo the walls of our current house is a little different shade of taupe (as is, again, the outside of the house). Every house, with the exception of one, has either been taupe or was painted taupe after we lived there. Currently, our entire house is taupe. It was that way when we bought it. One would think I really liked taupe, but I don't. <br /><br />Incidentally, great pattern, I made it a bit smaller than the women's small and great yarn. I usually don't use sport-weight for socks, but the cashmere in this yarn will make it all worthwhile.<br clear="all" />Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-33434732631338865562009-11-15T17:40:00.001-06:002009-11-15T17:40:17.882-06:00Baby Lace Socks<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23909699@N04/4106601667/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/4106601667_19e52c7978_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23909699@N04/4106601667/">Baby Lace Socks</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/23909699@N04/">bruggerknits</a></span></div>I apologize for blogging this way; but there seems to be a problem with loading photos into Blogger this evening so . . . This is Pair No. 26 in the 52 Pair Plunge III. It's made from my Sheepish Fibers Big Foot in the Lemon Drop colorway and it's based on a knitted baby sock from a crochet book from the 40s. Given the confusing directions in that book/leaflet, I can understand how people became disillusioned with needlearts.<br clear="all" />Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-24724207198627401542009-11-02T12:09:00.004-06:002009-11-02T12:45:01.626-06:00I Survived Halloween!Halloween night in East River South Dakota was a beautiful night with an almost full moon, little wind and warmer temperatures than we've had for a long time. Oh, and it was a Saturday night - but you probably already knew that. It was a good thing I bought four big bags of candy because I was out by 7:30 p.m. People were driving up with van loads of kids. Some of the vans had license plates which were issued in counties 50 miles from here! Granted we have a lot of children in our neighborhood and I know most of them at least by sight, but there were a whole lot more than that. What was really great was that 99% of them dressed up and a good number of their parents who were taking them around were dressed up as well. All in all, it was fun, but it was hectic!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hANYjp9hh7QBftkfA9ulTk-hxGZ1dcFxo-9ucYtkpaFrIz5FoZxkwF-u1YS7lB8edzd4dyKO0WxCpsjWt10UGGtm97b16_zBRrnXtkwRDWbDcqQ8T5SZIQou4qIpJG7IF0COiltRhJjr/s1600-h/DSCN0413.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hANYjp9hh7QBftkfA9ulTk-hxGZ1dcFxo-9ucYtkpaFrIz5FoZxkwF-u1YS7lB8edzd4dyKO0WxCpsjWt10UGGtm97b16_zBRrnXtkwRDWbDcqQ8T5SZIQou4qIpJG7IF0COiltRhJjr/s320/DSCN0413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399571888003553810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_MLipT74D-r9ISMVwoq2aSMyBVs5sb6a0ENC1AUHz78T9u61K05QWP9fr9t-2lNOJzl3UnlIDM96PNrWWKtduxkx4Qm_6KDNGUKWn-f_tSedTaT5GkI-ayTtdj8XwQRHLVfXnVgqkIrD/s1600-h/DSCN0412.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_MLipT74D-r9ISMVwoq2aSMyBVs5sb6a0ENC1AUHz78T9u61K05QWP9fr9t-2lNOJzl3UnlIDM96PNrWWKtduxkx4Qm_6KDNGUKWn-f_tSedTaT5GkI-ayTtdj8XwQRHLVfXnVgqkIrD/s320/DSCN0412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399572084642277842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I <span style="font-weight: bold;">Off the Needles:</span> I did manage to finish two more pairs to the 52 Pair Plunge III challenge. Pair No. 24 is based on a pair named Emily's Socks in the<span style="font-style: italic;"> 2-At-A-Time Socks</span> by Melissa Morgan-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oakes</span>. I am busily using up scrap yarn in any way I can. Another example of that is the pair to the left, No. 25, which is made from a left-over sock blank and some scrap <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wildfoote</span> by Brown Sheep. I recently counted up my full skeins of sock yarn (not counting what I have for sale in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Etsy</span> shop) and I have enough for 18 pairs of socks, which still brings me a few short for the 52 Pair Plunge.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Needles:</span> I've just started Pair No. 26 which is a pair of baby lace socks rewritten from an old crochet book (still can't figure out why I book entitled "Crochet" has knit patterns). But then after <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">deciphering</span> the pattern I can understand why <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">needle arts</span> kind of died out for awhile - those that needed patterns were just frustrated! These socks are in what is leftover from a skein of my Big Foot yarn. After this pair, I'll be half-done with the challenge!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">52 Books in 52 Weeks: Book No. 46</span> -<span style="font-style: italic;"> Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti</span>, by Mandy Moore and Leanne <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Prain</span>. I usually don't include the fiber books I read in my 52 Book Challenge. I'm making an exception on this one because I am fascinated with the whole concept of Yarn Bombing. I first heard about it a few months ago and admittedly, was a bit put off by the term. It is not destructive as one would believe from the term bombing. Initially, I thought planes flew overhead and dropped skeins of yarn on the unsuspecting. While I rather liked the thought of German sock yarn being dropped into my yard, there is a very constructive side to this medium and a very artistic one.<br /><br />We have all viewed graffiti and for some the graffiti is a form of vandalism, but for some people and for some graffiti, it is a beautiful form of street art. Unfortunately, in our town we have freight trains going through frequently (usually during rush hours) and frankly, the only positive to this for me is the graffiti on the cars. I am awestruck. Someone has taken an ugly thing and made it beautiful (at least to me, I'm sure the railroads consider a crime). Yarn Bombing does the same thing. Suddenly small forms of knitted or crocheted work show up in unexpected places. Knitted feet on the base of signs, cozy-like garments on hand rails and parking meters, scarfs on statues. All are provided with a bit a humor.<br /><br />Yarn Bombing has not only the patterns and photographs, but also <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">vignettes</span> on how others are bombing. It's a great book to get any fiber artist thinking. I am currently working on a yarn bombing project for my office at work. For now, I will simply say it is seasonal and will come down after Christmas. I'll post pictures when it's up.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-35138466580571544162009-10-27T09:32:00.004-05:002009-10-27T09:48:03.347-05:00Happy Halloween!Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. It's right up there with Valentine's Day. I'm not sure why, because neither holiday was particularly important in our house growing up. Perhaps, it's because they're both low stress holidays for me - no big holiday dinners, no long list of presents to find, and I can wear what I want! So have a great one! I'm stocked up on candy, even though I'm not much of a candy person. But I figure most of it will go either from people stopping in the Center on Saturday or the Saturday night tricks n' treaters.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzYvKc0UHnH3prc1xIe_ixIsDUpVJ0ZshKsNVclRuZZLUHwyB6XpC5hpbNBXFDSMjAh9SevyjVZalvJ_q30wB_hsK69hVjP2ZSyZOOt7_cNimBU-qnLeTYuPObgMX1x8agRvZ4qkbIs8u/s1600-h/DSCN0408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzYvKc0UHnH3prc1xIe_ixIsDUpVJ0ZshKsNVclRuZZLUHwyB6XpC5hpbNBXFDSMjAh9SevyjVZalvJ_q30wB_hsK69hVjP2ZSyZOOt7_cNimBU-qnLeTYuPObgMX1x8agRvZ4qkbIs8u/s320/DSCN0408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397289107345939490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off the needles:</span> Pair No. 22 in the 52 Pair Plunge III/Amethyst Cable Socks. These are made from my Big Foot sock yarn in the Amethyst colorway. I'm switching to children's socks while a work to get a head of the curve in "the Plunge." Here's Pair No. 23 from some scrap sock yarn:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-LKf6GStJrjcSPCF1QeEpMbJe903yX-EeQWVbOllRJczHzl8z0Rm8srbcsqmbJ-cA4I5k04iV6n0UXvup0qlPmxQG9GnDa4xb-SyDDx5YtHA_YcEegMrg5HCIy6exwVAq80rJfJV1NrH/s1600-h/DSCN0411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-LKf6GStJrjcSPCF1QeEpMbJe903yX-EeQWVbOllRJczHzl8z0Rm8srbcsqmbJ-cA4I5k04iV6n0UXvup0qlPmxQG9GnDa4xb-SyDDx5YtHA_YcEegMrg5HCIy6exwVAq80rJfJV1NrH/s320/DSCN0411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397290097131083298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Needles:</span> Pair No. 24 of Plunge Socks. Another pair of childrens' socks in more scrap yarn. Photo next time!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">52 Books in 52 Weeks/Book 45:</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">The Blueberry Muffin Murders,</span> by Joanne Fluke. This is one of the earlier ones in the series so it filled me in a little bit more on the background of the characters. Fluke does a wonderful job of carrying a number of sub-plots along and tying everything together at the end. This one is about the murder of a TV cook/personality who is murdered in Hannah's pantry after eating one of Hannah's blueberry muffins.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-34378575086880974872009-10-19T15:02:00.003-05:002009-10-19T15:13:56.197-05:00Revontuli Shawl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe2ASuvGCUs7d2RishLpmns-0RZCjrnhNTdxqKgaxeQY1n_4xFfc_0GMfmNUifmReLKZsNRUJ_8twDm0j5CParQaDq1OCugo8SGiGJjWDBW9yvy8FkTC0EIBHDVkSym0u3gsy9J-Py_oW/s1600-h/DSCN0407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe2ASuvGCUs7d2RishLpmns-0RZCjrnhNTdxqKgaxeQY1n_4xFfc_0GMfmNUifmReLKZsNRUJ_8twDm0j5CParQaDq1OCugo8SGiGJjWDBW9yvy8FkTC0EIBHDVkSym0u3gsy9J-Py_oW/s320/DSCN0407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394404276505802306" border="0" /></a><br />I received the extra ball of Kauni yarn this week and finished up the Revontuli Shawl. Here it is still drying with the blocking wires in it. I ordered the yarn for this a few weeks ago, but received the wrong colorway. I started it anyway and was very disappointed about the use of gray and beige. Now that the extra ball arrived and it's finished, I'm very pleased with the way the colors turned out.<br /><br />On the Needles: I'm still plugging away at Pair No. 22 of the 52 Pair Plunge. Now that I am once again a monogamous knitter, they should be done in no time!<br /><br />52 Books in 52 Weeks: Book No. 45: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Scarlet Letter</span>, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. I've been following this one on the Craft Lit Podcast . I am quite surprised by how differently I look at the storyline than I did when I read it last in high school. Well worth the re-visit!<br /><br />I am currently listening to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Blueberry Muffin Mystery</span> by Joanne Fluke and reading The Thirteen tale.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-63249757996936390122009-10-10T21:26:00.005-05:002009-10-10T22:15:07.146-05:00Knitting, Lifelines and Airport Security<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy2EpU1vYUXiB_f2tmovURQAdhaxukQPu79L2CtQNBw2ZFnpSTtv4dpqGPMcvOra0g-8P84ZHaEOLmbvlNaITdWC3Np9eERRLXVIIXz3m1cGSOQRbuWx6GygR-u06Qw3IX2JI3POxQurP/s1600-h/DSCN0395.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy2EpU1vYUXiB_f2tmovURQAdhaxukQPu79L2CtQNBw2ZFnpSTtv4dpqGPMcvOra0g-8P84ZHaEOLmbvlNaITdWC3Np9eERRLXVIIXz3m1cGSOQRbuWx6GygR-u06Qw3IX2JI3POxQurP/s320/DSCN0395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391167472050416546" border="0" /></a><br />I recently had to travel by air. That sentence is one that causes most knitters to cringe - myself included. We've all heard stories about the confiscation of knitting needles or damage to equipment and the like. Frankly, until my last trip, I hadn't run into many problems. I do carry a self-addressed, stamped flat rate priority mail envelope so that if there is a problem I can mail the offending piece of equipment home. I thought that might happen this time.<br /><br />I have been working on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Revontuli</span> Shawls, designed by Anne M. I brought the first one which was about two-thirds completed along on the trip. My bag was set aside for additional <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">scrutiny</span>. The security officer (our sort of local airport has opted out of using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TSA</span> for that) set my bag on the counter and opened up the top-most compartment. He took one giant step backwards, "Oh, knitting," he gasped. He scored brownie points right away for correctly identifying the occupant of that compartment. He stepped a bit closer with his hand extended over it, as though he was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hesitating</span> to move it. It turned out that was because he was.<br /><br />Still standing behind the partial partition so that I couldn't touch my bag, I sensed his caution. "It has a lifeline, so you can't hurt it," I told him. He released a sigh of relief. "Good," he said. "The first day on the job I pulled the needle out of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">some one's</span> knitting by accident, and it wasn't very pretty - for me."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hsIx0v8SDK3dpEVxrZPbDxZZlxFelQz6WOdoyGQAJ8lOJGEh61DgcmkR7IFOnds0SjBsjmdmcN6JoOlOGVnhyE2vs5hEUnl18fmQUFIjE6tWj_ffQf__4RGysnhNeQgekcUbAu2RQxKO/s1600-h/DSCN0394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hsIx0v8SDK3dpEVxrZPbDxZZlxFelQz6WOdoyGQAJ8lOJGEh61DgcmkR7IFOnds0SjBsjmdmcN6JoOlOGVnhyE2vs5hEUnl18fmQUFIjE6tWj_ffQf__4RGysnhNeQgekcUbAu2RQxKO/s320/DSCN0394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391174444327427458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off the Needles: </span>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Revontuli</span> Shawl shown at the top of my post. I also finished yet another pair of socks - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Basketweave</span> Socks that I started last time. This pair is No. 21 in the 52 Pair Plunge and is made from my own Sheepish Fibers Big Foot in the colorway Brock's Truck (periwinkle)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Needles: </span>I am working on a second <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Revontuli</span> Shawl using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kauni</span> wool that has long color repeats in shades of purple. It should be done by my next post (unless I post tomorrow).<br />I am also working on pair No. 22 in the 52 Pair Plunge which is a pair of cable socks in the Amethyst colorway in Big Foot.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Wheel:</span> I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">spinning</span> a blend of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">superwash</span> wool and nylon. I've blended some greens, blues, turquoises and lavenders in to a three-ply.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Carder:</span> My next spinning project is going to be a blend I'm working on of brown wool, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">tussah</span> silk and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Pokey</span> the alpaca fleece.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">52 Books in 52 Weeks:</span> The real up side of travel for me is that I get some uninterrupted reading time. In the past couple weeks, I've made up some time in this challenge.<br /><br />Book #41: <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Rumpole</span> a la <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Carte</span></span>, by John Mortimer. A whole book of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Rumpole</span> short stories. I few of them I remembered seeing on Mystery some time back - still enjoyable.<br /><br />Book #42: <span style="font-style: italic;">Crewel World</span>, by Monica Ferris. I think this one might be the first in the series as Betsy inherits the yarn shop after the murder of her sister. Some interesting characters some going with stereotype and some going the opposite direction, make this a readable series.<br /><br />Book #43: <span style="font-style: italic;">Finnegan's Week,</span> by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Joseph</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Wambaugh</span>. It's been some time since I read a Joseph <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Wambaugh</span> book. I remembered them being better. Still, this wasn't too bad. The hero, Fin Finnegan is concerned about his acting career and turning 45, and about solving the theft of hazardous waste and it's deadly effect on a little boy in Mexico.<br /><br />Book #44: <span style="font-style: italic;">Dying for Chocolate,</span> by Diane Mott Davidson. This is another new series for me and it revolves around Goldie the Caterer who lives and works in a small town in Colorado, with her young son - and did I mention there's murders? There are a number of interest sub-plots as well as a love interest. I think I'll be looking for more in this series.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7924735350100784978.post-13165594888365354292009-09-26T14:46:00.005-05:002009-09-26T16:22:04.315-05:00Falling Off the Wagon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VkqqKaUekPaM-dvLkxpLOvuTUZduk2VA0ht6xqgRz2Bc0l8tDZnc3SiCF4qvMLUevnDU5MRabZk-lezNPIUcolOtCgjY0HKZ2X57oop0H6NcT0XoXYKegeJ1yzNRdjkotfCkSqAmtUAl/s1600-h/DSCN0387.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VkqqKaUekPaM-dvLkxpLOvuTUZduk2VA0ht6xqgRz2Bc0l8tDZnc3SiCF4qvMLUevnDU5MRabZk-lezNPIUcolOtCgjY0HKZ2X57oop0H6NcT0XoXYKegeJ1yzNRdjkotfCkSqAmtUAl/s320/DSCN0387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385865490693033698" border="0" /></a>After knitting through I can't remember how many miles of sock yarn I was determined to not let my stash grow that large again. Then I went to the North Country Fiber Fair last weekend. Have I mentioned my favorite four-letter "s" word is "sale"? It is, and I found one on my favorite weight of yarn - fingering. They were selling it by the pound!!! I couldn't help myself. I bought about two pounds. With the 52 Pair Plunge III and another idea I have swirling around in my head, it will likely be pretty well knitted up by next years North Country Fiber Fair, when I'll probably fall off the wagon again.<br /><br />It's been a busy week. Part of it was spent recovering from the fiber fair (I don't think I've ever worked as hard or had as much fun at the same time!) and then finding out, to my extreme pleasure, that I was selected for a position I really wanted. Since it appears not all the finalists for the position have been notified, I can't say much yet. Suffice to say the shingle from my day job figuratively went in the wood chipper this week!<br /><br />Curiously enough, I have been reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life</span>, by Julie Morgenstern. It's for those of us for whom "Organizing Isn't Enough." While I'm organized, I do tend to hang on to things as my life takes different directions. I did fairly well unloading when we moved here a few years ago, because we had to pay for the move ourselves. Nevertheless, as I move on to new things, I am spending a few hours a day in the garage going through boxes and divesting myself of papers I, or anyone else, will ever need. Since there are some limitations as to what I can do with client files, those will remain locked away for some time yet. While I thought I'd be sad about putting part of my life in the recycle bin, it's only making me that much more excited about my new position. Also, it looks like we'll have room for both cars, both bicycles, both lawnmowers and the snowblower. More importantly, we should be able to walk through the garage without hurting ourselves!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off the Needles:</span> Monkey Socks in Happy Feet by Plymouth Yarns. If you remember, last week I was a bit concerned that I would have enough yarn to complete these. I did have enough. But as you can see in the photo, there is not much yarn left. I enjoyed working with this yarn and would buy it again, but not for something that takes as much yarn as Monkey Socks. The color is rich and has a very nice depth to it. These were a couple of the skeins I purchased a few weeks ago at Athena Fibers, that just seemed to jump out at me. This is great yarn for beginning sock knitters - not "splitty" and very economical, but still a good quality.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B4CUIBDBQ37a9JEqrHZcdD2Oxr6owEamwelp7JwuVFZcr3-lR6bN_SZcQFz0hHN1wO74-Wb9jMAFT-k9PG1i3l6e6aDvoMNprB_fQdMGq4YkiF9YXa5vVYmPiL83o8olaQA8wV7wZJtC/s1600-h/DSCN0386.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B4CUIBDBQ37a9JEqrHZcdD2Oxr6owEamwelp7JwuVFZcr3-lR6bN_SZcQFz0hHN1wO74-Wb9jMAFT-k9PG1i3l6e6aDvoMNprB_fQdMGq4YkiF9YXa5vVYmPiL83o8olaQA8wV7wZJtC/s320/DSCN0386.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385888078957253122" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On the Needles:</span> Despite all efforts to do one project at a time, I was seduced by a Revontuli-shawl at the North Country Fiber Fair hanging in the <a href="http://members.nvc.net/mariemcc">South Dakota Natural Colored Wool</a> Booth. It's not from South Dakota wool. Instead, they used Kauni yarn. While I've attempted to obtain a skein from WEBS (long story, not pretty), I was so excited about trying this pattern, I am doing it with Schoppel wolle Zauberball Crazy. When I purchaed this yarn (it was another one from by big dollar day at Athena Fibers), I was a little concerned about using it for socks, because it is a little fuzzy. I've found that sometimes this type of sock yarn felts. I do think it is working up well for the Revontuli/Northern Lights shawl. I hope some day WEBS sends me the ball of Kauni I ordered, because it will look great in that as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOJl-GvXbV1xlJMIVsntv3XTZLX-HnzTun7fcqCnSXjiktpYpgEruFgaFlSsJcT5wMhJ2eAJZKLEH3PWAj64HcixNCQ6CwdOeeopsCx1leraer9WjkpDaqgBxO1iG7bRS29jfZBVfnPrk/s1600-h/DSCN0388.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOJl-GvXbV1xlJMIVsntv3XTZLX-HnzTun7fcqCnSXjiktpYpgEruFgaFlSsJcT5wMhJ2eAJZKLEH3PWAj64HcixNCQ6CwdOeeopsCx1leraer9WjkpDaqgBxO1iG7bRS29jfZBVfnPrk/s320/DSCN0388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385887532103547298" border="0" /></a><br />Sock Pair No. 21/Basket Weave Socks using my Big Foot Merino/Tencel blend, in the Brock's Truck colorway. The merino/tencel blend is a new base yarn I'm using for my <a href="http://www.sheepishhandknits.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a>. I'm finding it to have a nice sheen to it and it takes the dye well. These socks are coming out at an 8 stitches to the inch with a 0 needle and it's a little firm. I think it probably wants to be more at 7.5 stitches to the inch.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdWk69fLoMgTX61G8AW_E423gxI-6ODhlC_8oPhAywKclevJrz-2x_ZdjCeChyphenhyphenyj9zEcpj9onL_MgY68J-T4ztGuQ4bnN1ATm9HMn332LRAsiVyck44ORGys1GBO2u_20YN8Ryh9FD7Q5/s1600-h/DSCN0389.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdWk69fLoMgTX61G8AW_E423gxI-6ODhlC_8oPhAywKclevJrz-2x_ZdjCeChyphenhyphenyj9zEcpj9onL_MgY68J-T4ztGuQ4bnN1ATm9HMn332LRAsiVyck44ORGys1GBO2u_20YN8Ryh9FD7Q5/s320/DSCN0389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385886525276931762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hans & Greta:</span> Both spent part of the morning in conversation at the lower level window in the family room. I finally went over to see what they were "talking" about and there was a mouse/vole/small rodent stuck in between the bricks of the window well. Apparently, it had eaten too much and it's butt got too big to get back in. All you could see was this mouse butt wiggling and the back legs scrambling, and two amused cats watching.<br /><br />I hope to finished a number of books for the 52 Books challenge for next time. I do have another trip in my immediate future and since I'm not driving this time, I hope to get quite a bit read.Susan/Sheepish Hand Knits & Fibershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763705621889923856noreply@blogger.com0