Back to The Crock-Pot

Little handfuls of color have been emerging from my crock-pot recently. For most of the bundles I included some shaggy, coarse Scottish Blackface locks (fun in their own wild way) along with a bit of mohair roving and a handful of Corridale cross roving.



This fellow proved to be the most photogenic of the lot.

Now this all started because I had a project in mind, but I haven't managed to get even one of the colors I was aiming for. Back to square one... :)

Polka-Dot Party Dress

Just so you know I haven't been slacking, I have cast on for a shawl for my mom. Her request was very specific. For the yarn she wanted a glossy fiber with great drape. Pattern: smaller version of Icarus a la saartjeknits. Color: black. I got some Cotton Viscose yarn from Garnstudio and I think the shawl is going to be gorgeous, but right now the project is not very photogenic... as I'm sure anyone else who has ever tried to photograph an half-knit, unblocked, high gloss, dark colored shawl could attest.

Like any other knitter in the midst of a project, I've got the next project on my mind. Since I'm hoping to have my mom's shawl done for her birthday, I also have her birthday party on my mind. Last summer I got the cutest little dress when I was out shopping with her...

I'm not a real fan of strapless dresses, although this one fits me well. Who could resist the red dots though? When we got it I also got a cropped white jacket to go over top, but it's heavy enough that it probably won't be really comfortable to wear in July. What I need is a wrap. Wait, this is why I'm a knitter right?

The handywoman's secret weapon: yarn.

I even have stash yarn that happens to match AND I got that yarn from the destash long before I ever got the dress. I know, it scares me too...

The Bluebird of Happiness

I recently won a drawing over at Paula's blog and I couldn't resist purchasing a few other goodies from her shop... so the most lovely package arrived yesterday!





I have some plans for these decor items that I am going to unveil later, so only one picture for today. If you haven't already, why not surf on over to Paula's blog. Recently she has been working on a set of beach inspired paintings which I find fresh and beautiful. Living here on a peninsula sticking out into the Pacific Ocean I see a lot of beachy kitsch, so I appreciate a thoughtful interpretation of the beauty of the shore...

Another Fiber Friday

Hello Yarn Fiber Club "Insect Wings" 5 oz BFL, approx 120 yds (used one oz to sample). I went for the low twist single and made it work (um... too much project runway). Turned up the uptake, used my largest whirl. Was almost too successful. I had some trouble with the yarn drifting apart as I skeined it up. I plan to strengthen it a by felting it a little when I wash it.



My other plying samples. Although the colors are lovely no matter what... they seem more striking in the single. For the rest of these I'll let you click on them if you want links to more info...