tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22545842053348007902024-02-22T11:43:46.704-05:00Knit One, Spin TwoA blog of knit objects, spun creations and cats.
Lots of cats.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-78973635723471285712010-04-11T14:46:00.001-04:002010-04-11T14:47:34.760-04:00Moving On ...I'm moving my knitlife posts over to my new website, www.highlandhandmades.com. I won't be back here to check comments or update. I hope you'll all join me over there! Thanks for being such awesome and loyal readers.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-63215429948812121052010-04-10T22:28:00.003-04:002010-04-10T22:33:57.163-04:00Umm... wow.In my last post I detailed ways in which I wanted to grow my business. It seemed all I needed to do was blog about it and all kinds of amazing things began happening.<br /><br />Not the least of which is that #5 came to fruition in a big way.<br /><br />I was featured on Lime N Violet's podcast, in their yarn porn section. I Kid. You. Not.<br />L&V have a subscribership of over 43,000 knitters. To be mentioned by them, for one of them to say "there's nothing in her shop that I wouldn't buy" is high praise. It's HUGE. I'm beyond ecstatic. I can't thank the ladies enough for this, and vow to make the best of the gift I've been given.<br /><br />I am going to do the Fiber Frolic. I just have to fill out paperwork and write a couple of checks.<br /><br />And there's a new project in the works, one that I'm super duper excited about. I'll be able to tell you more in a couple of weeks, but for now, you may want to book mark <a href="http://www.thefiberistafiles.com">this </a>site. <br /><br />I'm just sayin'.<br /><br />:DHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-73601983110411298052010-03-28T09:22:00.003-04:002010-03-28T20:58:46.347-04:00Growing the BusinessMy husband and I were talking about the shop the other day and he asked me, "how do we grow your <a href="http://www.highlandhandmades.etsy.com">business</a>?" I have been expressing a wish to devote more time and energy to the shop, and to create a bigger footprint for myself in the fiber community.<br />"Well," I said. "More people need to know about me, about the shop. I need to be mentioned on Podcasts, videocasts, blogs and such. I need to get my name out there, basically. Once more people know about the shop and buy from it, the more business will grow."<br />Bear (my husband) shrugged and nodded, and conversation moved on.<br /><br />I should have known that although the matter dropped from conversation, it hadn't dropped from his mind. The next day while at work I received an email with an attachment. "I think you should do this" was written in the subject line.<br /><br />It was a vendor application for the 2010 Maine Fiber Frolic.<br /><br />As I clicked through the application, I realized that the rates were much more reasonable than I'd thought. $75 for an outside spot or $95 for an inside one. The Maine Fiber Frolic has well-known vendors such as Spunky Eclectic, String Theory Yarn, Golding Spindles, and Enchanted Knoll Farms, among others. The thought that I could have a booth as well was a tantalizing one.<br /><br />But how?<br /><br />I have no where near the inventory I'd need for a show like that. The MFF also requires vendors to provide proof of liability insurance. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do it. Bear and I agreed that even if I didn't sell a lot of things, the MFF would be an awesome way to get my name out there into the larger world.<br /><br />So last week, we hatched a plan. Here's what I've been doing:<br /><br />1. Called local insurance agencies. Liability insurance costs about $400 a year. That sounds steep, but I can make payments on it and can cancel it after the show without a penalty. I will have an appointment with them later this week.<br /><br />2. Downloaded an application with a yarn/fiber wholesaler. I just need one more trade reference and a photocopy of my business license and I can send that in. The minimum order is $500 - this is proving to be the sticking point in the plan. If I can come up with this money soon, it should be enough inventory for a booth at the MFF. If not, then it won't happen this year.<br /><br />3. Dyed up a bunch of my current inventory and spruced up the shop. Most of what I have right now is sock yarn, which I've been adding to the shop over the weekend. I tested out a new method of dyeing that is both faster and more beautiful than my previous method. The shop is no longer organized by collection but by form - yarn, handspun, and fiber are all in separate categories.<br /><br />4. Got a commision to dye the "bonus" skein of yarn for an existing sock club. This was very lucky for me, as I happened to be in the right place at the right time. If nothing else, this is a great way to get my name out there to people who may have never heard of me. I'm just waiting on my yarn and dyes to arrive. I hope to have them dyed up on Tuesday and in the mail by week's end. Sooner if I can manage it.<br /><br />5. Joined an online Stitch N Bitch group where I can show yarn porn real time via web cam to a bunch of knitters and spinners who love them some pretty yarn! I'm hoping seeing the yarn and the link to the shop in tandem will spur on some sales. If I get mentioned on the SnB creators' podcast, well, all the better.<br /><br />6. I'm having a sale in the shop this week to help spur sales. 10% off everything and free shipping over $20. That means every skein of sock yarn ships free. I have my fingers crossed that this helps move my current inventory out so I can get this wholesale account moving.<br /><br />So that's it. If you have any other ideas on what I should be doing, let me know! I need all the help I can get. Wish me luck!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-65070719030272848642010-03-05T08:06:00.002-05:002010-03-05T08:17:03.879-05:00What the heck WERE those pics?I promised an update/explanation of those pics and so now, several days later, here it is. The first few pics are of a newly-finished scarf. It's my design, and I'm calling it the Harvest Wheat Scarf. As soon as I can figure out how to make a .pdf file, it'll be for sale in the Etsy shop and on Ravelry. I may also do a giveaway here. I will be sending four copies of that scarf to Ida Walker's Fiber Friends Feed America campaign (F3America). I will be giving you much more information about that soon. The scarf is a simple design, and is a super quick knit with bulky weight wool and size 11 needles. I haven't measured it yet (I will) but it took almost exactly two skeins of Lamb's Pride bulky. I reversed the cables at the end of the first skein so when one wears it, the cables go in the same direction on both sides. <br /><br />The second knitted item from the last post is clue #1 of my Evenstar Mystery Shawl, designed by Susan Pandorf. I'm about 1/3 of the way through clue #2 now. I'm mad in love with this shawl and wish I had more time to work on it. Every other row is straight knit and the charts are fabulous. I do have to pay close attention to what I'm doing, however, since a single missed or added yarn over will screw up the pattern completely. I've had to unknit a couple of times. Clue #2 is going more smoothly since I'm paying closer attention. Clues come out every two weeks, so I've got to hurry up if I don't want to get behind. There are only seven days to the next clue, and I have about 22 rows left of clue #2!<br /><br />Please let me know what you think of the scarf. I can't wait to hear your opinion!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-46930268046366064952010-02-26T22:38:00.003-05:002010-02-26T22:45:19.052-05:00Pics now, update to follow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr8qVd1jeLRgiT_yurhNnICV6Yr50_SSeauzCtNllUytGbq_bAD2RJp-W7qXauWQVP81KXUBMs7p7eO4L6Br3VLp96OA3tnvKFct4ImyCZeWavCATOBqbWXb1xvdV8FWDPK4czkyC4gA/s1600-h/SANY0345.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/AVvXsEhNr8qVd1jeLRgiT_yurhNnICV6Yr50_SSeauzCtNllUytGbq_bAD2RJp-W7qXauWQVP81KXUBMs7p7eO4L6Br3VLp96OA3tnvKFct4ImyCZeWavCATOBqbWXb1xvdV8FWDPK4czkyC4gA/s320/SANY0345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442763924302195298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceDAEzLQT9AL_6sr8yfC86gdAyDszyGQzmdDdes6I_OC14mf4ViSF7YAinykGu2h-RlVSwE4tHpDRSRAazHRlURJprw8Cm28OIpKxAibeeGvawvEK9M4cTGllI0GHzJA9rkQvo5bZ7x4/s1600-h/SANY0343.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/AVvXsEjceDAEzLQT9AL_6sr8yfC86gdAyDszyGQzmdDdes6I_OC14mf4ViSF7YAinykGu2h-RlVSwE4tHpDRSRAazHRlURJprw8Cm28OIpKxAibeeGvawvEK9M4cTGllI0GHzJA9rkQvo5bZ7x4/s320/SANY0343.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442763917810097922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YpfBAJzB0CihQHrdQKSpT3flrD0PEy9oLSis5yKzVbfXXS5Yb43nd4QhIPLR5RmRer4_k-3Nc_EfO4u33UNVFneAHO9FtXJjaHHCRmijV_d_XfU1XnIWJaTCRPbK41mUXOpizPALQhU/s1600-h/SANY0354.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/AVvXsEj2YpfBAJzB0CihQHrdQKSpT3flrD0PEy9oLSis5yKzVbfXXS5Yb43nd4QhIPLR5RmRer4_k-3Nc_EfO4u33UNVFneAHO9FtXJjaHHCRmijV_d_XfU1XnIWJaTCRPbK41mUXOpizPALQhU/s320/SANY0354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442763909461130162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD_y0LQu0e6OskQeJ_BvWIoVhewRjPj31ulF07MuzfVvcIL_gtB6VFxXmUTK5lAJbgB0lyYwBYWFbI5zIooMUjTLGvhSZYLAZ75ksYIxyveyAeyiWicGR0UyLIMLsFV149KQYJ07ClHI/s1600-h/SANY0356.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/AVvXsEiDD_y0LQu0e6OskQeJ_BvWIoVhewRjPj31ulF07MuzfVvcIL_gtB6VFxXmUTK5lAJbgB0lyYwBYWFbI5zIooMUjTLGvhSZYLAZ75ksYIxyveyAeyiWicGR0UyLIMLsFV149KQYJ07ClHI/s320/SANY0356.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442763898165750514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVKvnuRyTroBYudktEHh2NLZin52WJS8CZS_0kPKr0ro8rlZ3o8IfMwG8PYk2bdxk5aTU31Jemr42oDSvpJ6bHOSE-duEn4BxLDelSPRSDTWuzoLnm7bwkqMU7y7y7DpPW468wkrE-lo/s1600-h/SANY0351.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/AVvXsEgfVKvnuRyTroBYudktEHh2NLZin52WJS8CZS_0kPKr0ro8rlZ3o8IfMwG8PYk2bdxk5aTU31Jemr42oDSvpJ6bHOSE-duEn4BxLDelSPRSDTWuzoLnm7bwkqMU7y7y7DpPW468wkrE-lo/s320/SANY0351.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442763889346145858" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-91037737232626046522010-02-12T22:08:00.003-05:002010-02-12T22:19:57.679-05:00Evenstar Mystery Shawl (1st post)I've mentioned before that I'm signed up to knit Susan Pandorf's Evenstar Mystery shawl, a laceweight shawl based on The Lord of the Rings' Evenstar (the necklace the elves wear). Here are my details:<br /><br />Yarn: Knit Picks Shadow<br />Colorway: Midnight Heather (black, navy blue, trace amounts of emerald green)<br />Yardage: approx. 1800 yards<br />Stash yardage: 2200 yards<br />Needles: US 4 (dpns, then Knit Picks Options interchangable circulars)<br />Beads: Crystal 8/0 seed beads<br />Bead count: 2900<br />Beads purchased: 3360 from beadwrangler.com<br />Gauge recommended: swatch = 6" x 4"<br />Gauge as knit: slightly less<br /><br />The gauge swatch was a piece of the pattern. I knit it up, soaked it and blocked it. I had to block it pretty aggressively to get it close to the 6" x 4" recommended, and as you'll see in a moment I still didn't quite get there. I've already gone up a needle size from the recommended US 3, so I think I'm going to leave it where it is, and if it's a tiny bit smaller than the pattern says, who will ever know but me? Most of the knitters signed up are using light colored, silvery yarns, but I opted to go dark because it is what was in my stash. I like it:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UuwWrd3oUyTYT_youatjCsDJ7sHkvTqJ72WVBZMscYQNUDEbeB1qbdjxwyL6a3utSlXr6t5JHSXRIQR0PVzh_Cqq0uAm4GOWqM1PJfgsh1HZDeKU8nfrTGQMKl5wi1HFRD_rfoS0ISE/s1600-h/SANY0282.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/AVvXsEh2UuwWrd3oUyTYT_youatjCsDJ7sHkvTqJ72WVBZMscYQNUDEbeB1qbdjxwyL6a3utSlXr6t5JHSXRIQR0PVzh_Cqq0uAm4GOWqM1PJfgsh1HZDeKU8nfrTGQMKl5wi1HFRD_rfoS0ISE/s320/SANY0282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437562071332124722" border="0" /></a><br />And a close up of the stitch pattern:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPFixjS2eG8gR_gMBZ7EA1BHbIIopzSAoYMHJzrpcBMeewzA-2k3Y96g52rs3YnGPaskgTPL7pGJnGn-I-e9Yvibbfjn1DtJDmfn9s3ElrARybZJT5bgM_F75UVgc9Z5x51c9cI6NQqI/s1600-h/SANY0283.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/AVvXsEjOPFixjS2eG8gR_gMBZ7EA1BHbIIopzSAoYMHJzrpcBMeewzA-2k3Y96g52rs3YnGPaskgTPL7pGJnGn-I-e9Yvibbfjn1DtJDmfn9s3ElrARybZJT5bgM_F75UVgc9Z5x51c9cI6NQqI/s320/SANY0283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437562074116114722" border="0" /></a><br />I got the first clue tonight and have finished half of it. I will do the rest of it tomorrow, and then wait on tenterhooks until the next clue comes out (which I believe is in two weeks?). Until then, happy knitting!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-8114271533819992022010-02-08T08:07:00.002-05:002010-02-08T08:26:44.749-05:00Irish Moss Toque and other stuffI finished the Irish Moss Toque for my friend Leigh Anne yesterday. I'm not going to block it as it looks pretty good already and I don't have a head form to make sure it blocks in the round. I hope Leigh Anne likes it! I enjoyed knitting it - the chart was pretty good and easy to follow. Every round is three repeats of the chart and it knits up quickly. Two repeats of the 24 row chart and you're ready for the decreases. I wasn't really a fan of the decreases as they stay in pattern but it's so easy to lose track of which stitches remain and which ones disappear. It looks pretty good, though, so I'm pleased overall:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/22229088/SANY0275_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/22229088/SANY0275_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I will get a picture of her wearing it as soon as I can. <br /><br />In other news, I was finally able to knit up the Evenstar swatch. I will be participating in the Evenstar Mystery Shawl Knit along that begins on the 12th. I love all of Susan Pandorf's designs, and this shawl kicks off a whole series of designs inspired by the Lord of the Rings. The inner geek in me is loving this. I'm going up a needle size, which I was worried about at first but my swatch just barely got gauge so I think the size should just about even out. My yarn is Knit Picks Shadow, colorway "Midnight Heather" I hope this shawl goes better than the mystery sock did. I still have to frog that and design a new sock to make from it. I won't be beginning that project until the following are done:<br /><br />1. Icarus<br />2. Horseshoe Scarf<br />3. Giraffe<br />4. Manhattan sock #2<br /><br />The Evenstar Shawl will be knit apace with the clues, if I'm lucky. I have February vacation next week and I'm hoping to knock out at least two projects by the end of the week. Wish me luck!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-14142694467697307522010-02-03T09:29:00.002-05:002010-02-03T09:36:16.912-05:00On FroggingI cast on the Girls' Night Out Mystery Sock with a lot of hopes. It was my first mystery sock, my first KAL, and my first time trying out mosaic knitting. I got gauge with the yarn and needles suggested, but something happened when I tried the sock on.<br /><br />Which I didn't do until I'd finished clue #4 (turning the heel and completing gusset decreases). <br /><br />It does. Not. Fit.<br /><br />I cannot even get the sock over my heel. Apparently my gauge changed for the mosaic section, and it was now too tight (and with two colors, it was also not elastic at all) to get anywhere near my heel, let alone turn it.<br /><br />When I realized that there was no way the sock would ever fit me, I was faced with a decision: keep on knitting the socks and gift them away, or frog the project completely and try something different with the yarn. I wasn't really in love with the pattern (which is very well written and entertaining to knit, but just not my kettle of beans), so I am going to take the plunge and frog this sock.<br /><br />It will be the first time I've ever frogged a knitting project. Ever.<br /><br />I'm not as sad about it as I thought I would be, probably because I'm looking forward to designing a sock that will better suit me. It's fabulous yarn. I think it will be a toe-up sock and will have some sort of sun motif on the top. I'll have to work on it and get back to you about it.<br /><br />I have three Christmas projects I need to finish, and one I need to start and finish, hopefully all before the 13th. On the 13th I begin the Evenstar Mystery shawl, which I'm hoping will go better than this mystery KAL did.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-56763710887301985242010-01-28T09:18:00.002-05:002010-01-28T09:43:49.275-05:00Feast or FamineSales in my shop have slowed since the holidays, which is to be expected. I've been trying not to purchase more fiber to dye until I sell some of what I have in current inventory. I created my first add for Ravelry, and have been taking time to finish my holiday knitting and recharge my dyer's batteries. I've signed up for two knit alongs, one of which is in progress now (the Girls' Night Out sock). The other will start in February, and is called the Evenstar Mystery Shawl, pattern by Susan Pandorff. I can't wait to get started on this, even though I still have a metric butt ton of things still on the needles. In a way it's been good that I haven't had a lot of sales, because I've gotten so behind with other things. <br /><br />I do have to admit, though, that I was getting kind of nervous. I'd started to wonder if perhaps I wasn't meant to have the awesome fiber shop that I thought originally I was going to have. I'd started to think that maybe I didn't have what it took to create a fiber business. Or maybe that the things I'd created weren't as pretty as I had thought they were when I dyed them.<br /><br />Then on Tuesday, one of the other English teachers came into my room. She know that I sell fiber and yarn, and wanted to purchase some yarn for a friend of hers. The only yarn I have right now is sock yarn, and she didn't want to gift such a thin yarn that might limit someone in terms of possiblew projects. "Well," I said. If you like any of the fibers I have in the shop, I can spin them up for you. It costs more for handspun, but I can spin it more thickly so it's more versitile." <br />"That sounds great. I'll take two." <br />I boggled. Two? Two skeins of hanspun? To price handspun I double the cost of the fiber. If there are problems (knots, bunches, etc.) I take a couple of dollars off. She wants Aroostook and Acadia to be spun into yarn. That's about 60 dollars! She didn't even blink when I quoted the prices to her. She even asked for a recommendation for a good knitting book (I chose All New Homespun Handknit by Amy C. Clark) and bought that an hour later. To say I was excited was an understatment. I haven't been able to spin for over a month due to the amout of knitting I've had to do, and so this was a perfect excuse to dig Brownwyn out and get some wheel time. <br />Later that day the other English teacher (there are three of us) heard the first talking about her purchase and said, "You know, Heather, it would be a great idea for my mom for Mother's Day. Could I get two as well?" <br />Boggle again. "Certainly," I said. "Which colorways would you like?"<br />"I can't decide," she said, perusing my shop. "Can I see them in person?"<br />The next morning (Wendesday) I brought all of my inventory to school to show the second English teacher. I even showed her what the first had purchased. As the second was ogling the fibers, the first came in, picked up the one skein of sock yarn I had and said, "I like this a lot. I'd like to have this, too." <br /><br />Ummm, okay. That's FIVE items purchased in two days. I was even more excited than before and couldn't wait to get started. I took those listings off my Etsy shop and got to work. <br /><br />Last night I got two emails. The first was from my friend Brandy who wants to buy two bundles of fiber from me (Gaia and Hestia). She will be picking them up tonight. The second is from a former customer who was writing to let me know that she spun my fiber into yarn and knit the yarn into a beret that she then submitted to Spin Off Magazine, in hopes of being included in an upcoming issue. If it is selected, my shop's name will appear in this magazine. <br /><br />Oh. My. God.<br /><br />I went from having no business for several weeks to having a violent boom of business in two days. I'm still reeling, but I'm having an awesome time. Maybe this is what I'm meant to do after all.<br /><br />Hugs and warm thoughts to all of my customers, past, present and future!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-25162916120531584832010-01-20T12:20:00.005-05:002010-01-20T12:36:40.238-05:00Selfish KnittingAlthough I blogged yesterday about all the Christmas knits I'm still working on, it hasn't stopped me from casting on a few things for myself, too. The first thing I cast on was a sock for a dear plurk friend, Yenforyarn. A fellow knitter and designer (not to mention a real life friend of my favorite fiber seller, Coby), Yen has recently been diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Across plurk and ravelry, knitters set aside time on Dec 28, the day of Yen's first chemo treatment, and cast on one of her sock designs. I chose to knit her Manhattan pattern, in my own handdyed yarn from the shop. I'd been saving this yarn for a special occasion, and this certainly fit the bill. The yarn, "April Showers," complements the pattern well, I think. I've already finished one sock:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMvJeogq8QTOCVLjCECsdud2uvw25QhPJNAvjzfYg1nEoHoEj1ZFP8u36xugjjGRCkMJYlJaCTzGNStHm95cZpx_TPLaukxMxQyku9HLJrCpVzyUMT4bi2RnscGxooH5NIC2mCEmcPno/s1600-h/SANY0158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMvJeogq8QTOCVLjCECsdud2uvw25QhPJNAvjzfYg1nEoHoEj1ZFP8u36xugjjGRCkMJYlJaCTzGNStHm95cZpx_TPLaukxMxQyku9HLJrCpVzyUMT4bi2RnscGxooH5NIC2mCEmcPno/s400/SANY0158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428874544280321314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSStYb6NPSdnSlBtye3TTIzxG1-r0DQsyXH9XhV6zWlOAyeC4uRglpwAKRxoYivbHnhRuhC4zQ0gpAND6_S-wNrPpmLTnOkh0FGS8RU2_MakHfecuNhp43AiyukMgxaTmcvnumsUZjbo/s1600-h/SANY0167.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSStYb6NPSdnSlBtye3TTIzxG1-r0DQsyXH9XhV6zWlOAyeC4uRglpwAKRxoYivbHnhRuhC4zQ0gpAND6_S-wNrPpmLTnOkh0FGS8RU2_MakHfecuNhp43AiyukMgxaTmcvnumsUZjbo/s400/SANY0167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428874963062261314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next sock will have to wait a while to cast on, however, because I'm busy with another selfish knit. It's another sock, this time from Brewer's Knitting Company, and it's a mystery sock. This is my first ever mystery knit (where you have no idea what the FO will look like, and have to wait for days to get each "clue", or knitting section). So far I'm enjoying it. The yarn is a bit thin so it requires size 1 needles which I'm not a big fan of, but so far the pattern is an enjoyable knit. I like that there are only 24-36 rows to knit with each clue. It's a lot easier to avoid knitting boredom that way. Many of the knitters doing this are doing both at a time, but I'm just knitting the one for now. I'm through clue 2, and here's what it looks like:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkwE3RtqlLi_ayDxjNkua0T1fMLmFoISoGff3jCyXEdrFwQHRF68l_A65i7jVqhNJk2yvlPtcTZGQxgcSpN9UwuOhyphenhyphenvEslWeJm0SUAVlmjyRaiKFUBHM1K0CFv6CKDv5tXcGm6Vny4rk/s1600-h/SANY0209.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkwE3RtqlLi_ayDxjNkua0T1fMLmFoISoGff3jCyXEdrFwQHRF68l_A65i7jVqhNJk2yvlPtcTZGQxgcSpN9UwuOhyphenhyphenvEslWeJm0SUAVlmjyRaiKFUBHM1K0CFv6CKDv5tXcGm6Vny4rk/s400/SANY0209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428875953273438530" border="0" /></a><br />I finished Tara's thrummed mittens this morning and have updated my last post with pictures. That's what I'm working on. How about you?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-86343579605028907032010-01-19T09:43:00.003-05:002010-01-20T12:46:30.375-05:00Knitting, knitting, and more knitting.This won't come as a surprise to any of you who know me, but I'm still working on my Christmas knitting. Yes, still. I got some of it done, but no matter how hard I tried, getting eleven projects completed in two months was way beyond me. perhaps if I didn't have to work, at all, I'd have completed more items. Perhaps if I didn't also cast on a couple of things for myself, I'd have more finished objects. Whatever the reason, my Holiday knitting is still in full swing. I thought I'd update my original list here so you can see where I'm at.<br /><br />1. Icarus Shawl for Grammie. This is not done. I'm past the repeats of chart one, and am partway into chart 2. I think I have about 40 rows left. My yarn is in a hopeless tangle, so I have to bite the bullet, cut the yarn, and start with a new skein. That will be my project for the week. I'd like to have it done by the 28th. That's so not going to happen.<br /><br />2. Trigger finger mittens for Daddy. These are done. I even wrote a pattern up for this and had it test knit. As soon as I get it translated into a .pdf file, it will be available for purchase. I can't wait for this. My first ever design! I will update this post with pictures this afternoon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/19272522/100_5736_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 351px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/19272522/100_5736_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />3. Maine Morning Mitts for Mom. These were done a long time ago, and were a big fit. She wants another pair in powder blue. I'm looking for the yarn, as she's allergic to wool and can't wear it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14081480/100_5162_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 232px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14081480/100_5162_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />4. Handknit socks and a tightly knit hat for Bear. Sock #1 is not yet to the heel, and the tightly knit hat was too small. I decided to gift it to someone else. Bear totally missed out on the holiday knitting.<br /><br />5. Thrummed mittens for Tara. These are almost done. I just have one thumb of one mitten left to knit and it's all done. I hope to get that done today.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/20893892/SANY0197_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 234px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/20893892/SANY0197_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />6. Mark is getting the aforementioned hat that was too small. It should fit him perfectly. I hope he likes it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/15958521/100_5280_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 231px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/15958521/100_5280_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />7. A beanie for Leigh Anne. This is in progress. I have about 20 rows of the body left, then the crown decreases. Maybe another week or two? Depends on how much time Icarus takes me.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/20904930/SANY0206_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 235px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/20904930/SANY0206_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />8. An Elephante for Caitlin. I did get this done. It's cute. I'll post pics later today. She loves it so much I've already had to perform one repair. I hope to have to do many more.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/19273257/100_5744_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 356px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/19273257/100_5744_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />9. Viking Beanie for Nicholas. Not even begun. I may knit him a giraffe like I'm knitting for my nephew, since it will go well with his sister's giraffe.<br /><br />10. Scarf for Dani. I wrote up a quick pattern and am about three feet into it. It's a simple horseshoe or wheatear cable, and halfway through I will reverse them so the sides look the same as they hang down. I'm using bulky wool and size 11 needles, so this is flying.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/20904666/SANY0202_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 245px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/20904666/SANY0202_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />11. Giraffe for Nicholas. Not yet begun. It's on the backburner until I get more things finished.<br /><br />12. John: Not getting a knit this year. Tough.<br /><br />I will post my selfish projects later this week. Happy knitting!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-59432765714348398762010-01-03T08:38:00.003-05:002010-01-03T08:49:14.680-05:00Shop update 1/2/10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLDf8DQoL5oD8VP_6g9qvz_WmREuRFIvrPfmPlm2FyJNor498t_QACpdg1qK2p0YDRKt2WqZniWK4GLYqt_QWJU-WMqjuFkFIByzq7ZtF5ECooQzVNOpSYXyBs3XTloR6QRNDh2x-_Ak/s1600-h/100_5768.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLDf8DQoL5oD8VP_6g9qvz_WmREuRFIvrPfmPlm2FyJNor498t_QACpdg1qK2p0YDRKt2WqZniWK4GLYqt_QWJU-WMqjuFkFIByzq7ZtF5ECooQzVNOpSYXyBs3XTloR6QRNDh2x-_Ak/s320/100_5768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422510189463111634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdnZnuz8HrDKn3AGKzllb1FkJjYGLDlK0AbuUHKju5kdYYLw8fFuStUME339w1Mg-iA6-b_lTqYl4xGHD_ceqP3Pb1bzWyO-87I5chPvBo-4h2U9CxcG9q86tlr276HvtBjakIvplBH0/s1600-h/100_5747.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdnZnuz8HrDKn3AGKzllb1FkJjYGLDlK0AbuUHKju5kdYYLw8fFuStUME339w1Mg-iA6-b_lTqYl4xGHD_ceqP3Pb1bzWyO-87I5chPvBo-4h2U9CxcG9q86tlr276HvtBjakIvplBH0/s320/100_5747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422510184159115762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMAcaZ2_AbL4MZ7jHpNyviVi8Xyo5QKyKyeK0roy7KlZTStiUdxjuHBaDj7myNGQU8Eny0VkG65gNRPtm9gh5aB82EZVzKam1IfFVnutx2w77iBmwk6CCJtjH5DvCq9ITmI3knnFzCY4/s1600-h/100_5815.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMAcaZ2_AbL4MZ7jHpNyviVi8Xyo5QKyKyeK0roy7KlZTStiUdxjuHBaDj7myNGQU8Eny0VkG65gNRPtm9gh5aB82EZVzKam1IfFVnutx2w77iBmwk6CCJtjH5DvCq9ITmI3knnFzCY4/s320/100_5815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422509561618663826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIUBsjqo5yBc3vqFlzOOnXuuSfUJKsViVmWIEIVpodlzun-ZzLxn86oYGxaB49AfOkNwqP-I5gYUMBovaplL_-vWsRwoflLXriPHtVR9doHFn6nMcacGc2zchxokNSP1v7aNKeu-FZkI/s1600-h/100_5785.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIUBsjqo5yBc3vqFlzOOnXuuSfUJKsViVmWIEIVpodlzun-ZzLxn86oYGxaB49AfOkNwqP-I5gYUMBovaplL_-vWsRwoflLXriPHtVR9doHFn6nMcacGc2zchxokNSP1v7aNKeu-FZkI/s320/100_5785.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422508494656875602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQOntuZMxZUJyuNHWiU5sXaS9blK1LjT8AB8D-a07pcP8SYIWTuwmcY1ez6Fluo4U8TNanB8SsY-3yPIJJpehFJbRJygIG1ZvRe7Smac5k5QknvBinMoOyweNP5mHmLdiGiqIAvQ1ODE/s1600-h/100_5778.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQOntuZMxZUJyuNHWiU5sXaS9blK1LjT8AB8D-a07pcP8SYIWTuwmcY1ez6Fluo4U8TNanB8SsY-3yPIJJpehFJbRJygIG1ZvRe7Smac5k5QknvBinMoOyweNP5mHmLdiGiqIAvQ1ODE/s320/100_5778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422508488480291554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JcMMIEaH_rnd3slFTz9YMOFifSED1dn-x0h7sejQ3xvcFIo4ewU6tuPuLG7yHpB1fW2mKQiM2GH31mHkXx8L30sVAb7Sl6B594qCgB3RQnrfmA_YZarDkSAV8lhSCQDiI58dFYLNkXs/s1600-h/100_5807.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JcMMIEaH_rnd3slFTz9YMOFifSED1dn-x0h7sejQ3xvcFIo4ewU6tuPuLG7yHpB1fW2mKQiM2GH31mHkXx8L30sVAb7Sl6B594qCgB3RQnrfmA_YZarDkSAV8lhSCQDiI58dFYLNkXs/s320/100_5807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422508512093059794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oeo8veCo8q6IeXDkP10vxXzhyxLqFJyPCjohHVU81Ii8oGRnj4f4bGKsqugXF4MoknTHh41ebw2xSugSY98fVuEd64eYr4mzrvbRk8UtUNe6bFlrLI2upP5Yqwrgpw7V5NkKLyBEy0o/s1600-h/100_5753.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oeo8veCo8q6IeXDkP10vxXzhyxLqFJyPCjohHVU81Ii8oGRnj4f4bGKsqugXF4MoknTHh41ebw2xSugSY98fVuEd64eYr4mzrvbRk8UtUNe6bFlrLI2upP5Yqwrgpw7V5NkKLyBEy0o/s320/100_5753.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422508503067130498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFbtMKuPQy_RPrDvsdfX3I0dT3VC8-JxvGi6E-wZscxVvukMI31IJ8senVPk46bpvLIi5KXWsJoe5gL7GKmRmzXErVWTuWXD7aHbrXp26IMkyFwi5okWZU_qFByOLapXSBgGxBNaHwJA/s1600-h/100_5799.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFbtMKuPQy_RPrDvsdfX3I0dT3VC8-JxvGi6E-wZscxVvukMI31IJ8senVPk46bpvLIi5KXWsJoe5gL7GKmRmzXErVWTuWXD7aHbrXp26IMkyFwi5okWZU_qFByOLapXSBgGxBNaHwJA/s320/100_5799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422508508811809234" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-82175126852075445542009-12-06T11:09:00.005-05:002009-12-06T21:20:19.436-05:00Dyeing to show you (what I've been up to)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxyiif9hIXeM2f_o6VeHDcWTB4t4oBjc40fSk4A8myKja6ghyOgsFQynhJDJuLup_mS6j-nxnq-B5-mstxpxjZL2MWZ72w0cthp41FnIdqYYAy6g0lsBWIfQdbeVXYFuAiX5gdJdCJ4g/s1600-h/100_5708.JPG"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxyiif9hIXeM2f_o6VeHDcWTB4t4oBjc40fSk4A8myKja6ghyOgsFQynhJDJuLup_mS6j-nxnq-B5-mstxpxjZL2MWZ72w0cthp41FnIdqYYAy6g0lsBWIfQdbeVXYFuAiX5gdJdCJ4g/s1600-h/100_5708.JPG"> </a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxyiif9hIXeM2f_o6VeHDcWTB4t4oBjc40fSk4A8myKja6ghyOgsFQynhJDJuLup_mS6j-nxnq-B5-mstxpxjZL2MWZ72w0cthp41FnIdqYYAy6g0lsBWIfQdbeVXYFuAiX5gdJdCJ4g/s1600-h/100_5708.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/AVvXsEjuxyiif9hIXeM2f_o6VeHDcWTB4t4oBjc40fSk4A8myKja6ghyOgsFQynhJDJuLup_mS6j-nxnq-B5-mstxpxjZL2MWZ72w0cthp41FnIdqYYAy6g0lsBWIfQdbeVXYFuAiX5gdJdCJ4g/s320/100_5708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412157633528988706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsuPYO7Pele9vwJJ_bPjr4nxFtYsgaYg68TQI646W79_p3uoHGnY5bnBqmY5aW4pyF8K7HXvyAY4scexbe-7Je3RywvhBWqz5uzuMIK8Ikii1Nqc83KKdY6B6SxWLGNFqHrcWRMS1_tU/s1600-h/100_5707.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsuPYO7Pele9vwJJ_bPjr4nxFtYsgaYg68TQI646W79_p3uoHGnY5bnBqmY5aW4pyF8K7HXvyAY4scexbe-7Je3RywvhBWqz5uzuMIK8Ikii1Nqc83KKdY6B6SxWLGNFqHrcWRMS1_tU/s320/100_5707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412311526842129138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf86cB95A0dX_eOln4-P7s7-QbWviVdqUSjEO_jMOzm_ygt5HaxvzcSaVElrGHlYN5Y1Ho8s6AhJUfdZQNJuHA5lSd3a9W4jcKSFQ-JUqcqBGM-tSICyVnNxiUwXlW33FZamnFb0GVno/s1600-h/100_5706.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf86cB95A0dX_eOln4-P7s7-QbWviVdqUSjEO_jMOzm_ygt5HaxvzcSaVElrGHlYN5Y1Ho8s6AhJUfdZQNJuHA5lSd3a9W4jcKSFQ-JUqcqBGM-tSICyVnNxiUwXlW33FZamnFb0GVno/s320/100_5706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412311512791177122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtcR24RKL5YtbDqw9qyBciMJHFd5JUB394sytqSewPN1yjb6zvwNSWgIEUDFrXzbpZHY2ZMDJFN5iCZQIXO6F3szanfbR9aOMrIAdDJJEWZEJ5xaCOE36AiLqDKdP6wtzBtLHHEeEJbY/s1600-h/100_5700.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtcR24RKL5YtbDqw9qyBciMJHFd5JUB394sytqSewPN1yjb6zvwNSWgIEUDFrXzbpZHY2ZMDJFN5iCZQIXO6F3szanfbR9aOMrIAdDJJEWZEJ5xaCOE36AiLqDKdP6wtzBtLHHEeEJbY/s320/100_5700.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412311524407897026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"Hollyberry", 100% Merino from CJ Kopec Creations. 3 ply; 198 yards. Light worsted weight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3Rqz7taZT4ab2y8U-2BX4NyJJKOFTdgYOXorXwgZryEhxshe20dKzUTN_8ijQ7nMnN-HZAQ1DcgiZLX-PaB5rxLRb2yRyCVJM8GqABoO8OHXXFaME4_sbdREMsCkALJ0pJmDQZLsswE/s1600-h/100_5696.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/AVvXsEhi3Rqz7taZT4ab2y8U-2BX4NyJJKOFTdgYOXorXwgZryEhxshe20dKzUTN_8ijQ7nMnN-HZAQ1DcgiZLX-PaB5rxLRb2yRyCVJM8GqABoO8OHXXFaME4_sbdREMsCkALJ0pJmDQZLsswE/s320/100_5696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412157624807681858" border="0" /></a><br />"Nature's First Green"; 4 oz. punta wool<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-MtQPzRP72LTvCpHZI0NfOWuDakmWYQ0vcYBPILdEMPPur1KPd0JQZjgBIexXgGitq8bmAeVW2fWKLfrSNZURTVgKhRoQ4fW9mEesdUaCECnTAs-i3PpKmlMEiAYPvZ56y1yp-lh6Bw/s1600-h/100_5689.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/AVvXsEg2-MtQPzRP72LTvCpHZI0NfOWuDakmWYQ0vcYBPILdEMPPur1KPd0JQZjgBIexXgGitq8bmAeVW2fWKLfrSNZURTVgKhRoQ4fW9mEesdUaCECnTAs-i3PpKmlMEiAYPvZ56y1yp-lh6Bw/s320/100_5689.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412157622285572242" border="0" /></a><br />"Flagship"; 4 oz punta wool<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VzCpv63NyitFaUhVlC6-nEc-fkFd91fcrdmPQO-CJq69Q5X-1b48MwGlhLhd075nMryG7pSmkSDmIXYohxTScZyWN1ipT7QV364zJqZlwDpzQYO08dYIXLoxIFbYnhy58BjLvitOnqI/s1600-h/100_5683.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/AVvXsEj0VzCpv63NyitFaUhVlC6-nEc-fkFd91fcrdmPQO-CJq69Q5X-1b48MwGlhLhd075nMryG7pSmkSDmIXYohxTScZyWN1ipT7QV364zJqZlwDpzQYO08dYIXLoxIFbYnhy58BjLvitOnqI/s320/100_5683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412157611001918146" border="0" /></a><br />"Rt. 11" 4 oz. punta wool<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0M0iCzKIk9hp8JIL91orG8sr_gvPRzL_GwtJ5o-ZvxPXr_rSy4T6Qu69-Hvi1geKxvU2lSK5_9c0DrLDUM77hTh6vFDjBoYnwg85zaxiYpLwBnFDl_g1WveKUXSd4wDXpOdzStFaCSs/s1600-h/100_5677.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/AVvXsEio0M0iCzKIk9hp8JIL91orG8sr_gvPRzL_GwtJ5o-ZvxPXr_rSy4T6Qu69-Hvi1geKxvU2lSK5_9c0DrLDUM77hTh6vFDjBoYnwg85zaxiYpLwBnFDl_g1WveKUXSd4wDXpOdzStFaCSs/s320/100_5677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412156882383847010" border="0" /></a><br />"Cottage Garden"; 4 oz. punta wool<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pUUKCSDY7OTnL9rUCJseYf9TcEG5zuMxjUt5xJFropcCZTeIa8T2sp8sbnPfM90LHxnWcF0c_IqxW3_hN8EZnbtYYSvULTIUn4zjneGLuJyUFwVq9F9FT5hO80h0oK2QqyuVgqAiYxI/s1600-h/100_5670.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/AVvXsEi4pUUKCSDY7OTnL9rUCJseYf9TcEG5zuMxjUt5xJFropcCZTeIa8T2sp8sbnPfM90LHxnWcF0c_IqxW3_hN8EZnbtYYSvULTIUn4zjneGLuJyUFwVq9F9FT5hO80h0oK2QqyuVgqAiYxI/s320/100_5670.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412156879198490642" border="0" /></a><br />"Sugarloaf"; 4 oz. punta wool<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrGS2a6t6ecHYMAc5F_g_weFqpUHwvQeMhu1ltJ0u6CuteUxdrn-5XaTxb173T0aV_3boHuDOf-CGl9iw_qL3OvQ566xuhwBFCmGtBMEcAZX0BIn24xwZGKhKNL6MdghJg8pa5RzZXMw/s1600-h/100_5666.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/AVvXsEiQrGS2a6t6ecHYMAc5F_g_weFqpUHwvQeMhu1ltJ0u6CuteUxdrn-5XaTxb173T0aV_3boHuDOf-CGl9iw_qL3OvQ566xuhwBFCmGtBMEcAZX0BIn24xwZGKhKNL6MdghJg8pa5RzZXMw/s320/100_5666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412156875742264850" border="0" /></a><br />"Dirigo"; 4 oz. punta wool<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhLedFAL4QEyzKGnvymPnyaYyZOc78zTiFJupBfTPBVo1__mnoU2GKLoeo1s1bDhnyrJZAfco03XrYbUKiu9Iy4R3XvJttdyAYc5VdXJi9eokg041VEyfEiGlNEYMklUcjFoWtTeHogw/s1600-h/100_5660.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/AVvXsEjJhLedFAL4QEyzKGnvymPnyaYyZOc78zTiFJupBfTPBVo1__mnoU2GKLoeo1s1bDhnyrJZAfco03XrYbUKiu9Iy4R3XvJttdyAYc5VdXJi9eokg041VEyfEiGlNEYMklUcjFoWtTeHogw/s320/100_5660.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412156863183264178" border="0" /></a><br />"Lupine Fields"; 4 oz. punta wool<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNPk9C1IBcSm2rjjTZxmcl1zReC5XGiulpXiByjJeRFfbSe1FSir7pTii9-8MlgnRKJib6DCK_nIfb5CDgGaXvSA_rz1FICq0q6xZ05esBgNetzDLslyYHQ7lkaSlzlWAkfgDzHhdb_0/s1600-h/100_5656.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/AVvXsEiVNPk9C1IBcSm2rjjTZxmcl1zReC5XGiulpXiByjJeRFfbSe1FSir7pTii9-8MlgnRKJib6DCK_nIfb5CDgGaXvSA_rz1FICq0q6xZ05esBgNetzDLslyYHQ7lkaSlzlWAkfgDzHhdb_0/s320/100_5656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412156857460552130" border="0" /></a><br />"Mt. Katahdin"; 4 oz. punta woolHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-30796853561426572342009-12-03T10:59:00.004-05:002009-12-03T11:10:28.608-05:00What's off the wheel Wednesday?Yesterday I finished my latest spinning project. It's another winner from CJKopecCreations on Etsy. It is 4 ounces of merino, colorway "hollyberry":<br /><br />Her pic of the fiber:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.97032052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 135px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.97032052.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The four ounces arrives in three separate bundles. I laid each one out in its batt form, peeled off each color in order and spun it thinly, with lots of twist. When finished, I had three bobbins of singles with a color sequence of wine, mushroom, green, wine, mushroom, green. I plied the three bobbins together, after winding them into balls:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFnwDeE47XIbWHlXwYyT6Yfyp6Wf4Us6pHieHldG8OzPxEE5-R6QyKhW-1ytrNuhc1hUMsfoXnvBE18QpJf1zlvNNQsLp1wRA-mRNeh-wdzjTDAnCJNPy3IrkBNYEBhANqN0gKw7xKJk/s1600-h/100_5641.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFnwDeE47XIbWHlXwYyT6Yfyp6Wf4Us6pHieHldG8OzPxEE5-R6QyKhW-1ytrNuhc1hUMsfoXnvBE18QpJf1zlvNNQsLp1wRA-mRNeh-wdzjTDAnCJNPy3IrkBNYEBhANqN0gKw7xKJk/s200/100_5641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411041708001678786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklV7R8w0usHwsjkgDm9REt9QKq8f8kdpKmJaSl0h7Ok6OmEA0a-Jh8G0xmlWcFCd3Gj0-u2bWCcpqcW8VstfL-sGbmPA67ED5xGe8Cw5eCR1EMO-nSO270b62111AjSxOv2RBSSnSUpg/s1600-h/100_5648.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklV7R8w0usHwsjkgDm9REt9QKq8f8kdpKmJaSl0h7Ok6OmEA0a-Jh8G0xmlWcFCd3Gj0-u2bWCcpqcW8VstfL-sGbmPA67ED5xGe8Cw5eCR1EMO-nSO270b62111AjSxOv2RBSSnSUpg/s200/100_5648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411041717158209314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I plied very tightly (it was an unbalanced yarn) because I like the look of tight plies better than balanced ones. I tried to take a few pics before soaking it, but they didn't come out so great. Here's the best one:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM4O5ppfdoOJqd6Zw4BEzfgMkmPg9LWdepJNVC9EBwtXaIlMP8vMVtaH3RedQSYo9wJ48_7OI9lv2HRfrl2EvCGOUesWoBf5czW1fCyczr8Gf4eDyHIUWqD-WgHEKYpEW3j4LDYu1SYM/s1600-h/100_5649.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM4O5ppfdoOJqd6Zw4BEzfgMkmPg9LWdepJNVC9EBwtXaIlMP8vMVtaH3RedQSYo9wJ48_7OI9lv2HRfrl2EvCGOUesWoBf5czW1fCyczr8Gf4eDyHIUWqD-WgHEKYpEW3j4LDYu1SYM/s200/100_5649.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411042608240598162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The colors did exactly what I wanted them to for the first color repeat. The second repeat was more mixed, but I'm perfectly okay with fraternal twin skeins. I'll post better pics once the yarn is dry. I'm just so so so happy with the way it came out!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-23179505045863606992009-11-13T09:56:00.003-05:002009-11-13T10:37:42.302-05:00Business News UpdateMy Etsy shop has been open since November 4th. In nine days, I've sold eight items. Seven to online customers, one to a member of my knit group. I'd like to begin by saying thank you to all who have made purchases and offered encouragement to me as I embark on my fibery voyage.<br /><br />I'm halfway into my second collection (I had to wait for more fiber to arrive before I could finish it), and thought you might like to see pics of what I've created. The first collection was the Proverbs Collection, the new one is the Poetry Collection.<br /><br />Here they are:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.101678247.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 145px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.101678247.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.100066105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 144px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.100066105.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.100047214.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 144px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.100047214.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.101668774.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 145px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.101668774.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.100060510.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 150px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.100060510.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.100050667.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 156px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.100050667.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.100063333.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 120px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.100063333.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>They are, from left to right: "Loveliest of Trees" Punta; "Never to Have Loved" SW Merino; "Sailor Take Warning" BFL; "The Highwayman" Punta; "Counting Chickens" SW Merino; "Bird in Hand" BFL; and "Rose by Name" 75%SW merino, 25% nylon sock yarn. Not pictured is the local sale I made, "Still Waters" SW Merino. I will edit this post when I get home to add it.<br /><br /><br /><br />As you can see, I've been having a lot of fun. I'm surprised by many things. 1) that my fibers are selling so quickly. I know that many of my customers are plurk and Rav buds, but still. I'm very humbled. 2) That my sock yarns aren't selling as well. Of all that I've dyed, my sock yarn is what I'm most proud of. They are priced reasonably as the skeins are 462 yards, but they aren't moving as fast as I'd like. I may have to reconsider price or photography choices if they don't start moving.<br />Speaking of unsold items, I thought I might list my unsold items here as well. If you see something you'd like to buy, head over to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HighlandHandmades">shop</a> and pick it up!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_430xN.101671545.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 159px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_430xN.101671545.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_430xN.100058109.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 159px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_430xN.100058109.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.101676264.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 146px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.101676264.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_430xN.100053862.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 161px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_430xN.100053862.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_430xN.100147962.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 181px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_430xN.100147962.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-59757147510466314282009-11-04T10:23:00.002-05:002009-11-04T10:28:01.311-05:00Open for Business!<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HighlandHandmades">Highland Handmades</a> is open for business. Please stop by the shop then come back here to tell me what you think. I listed seven items last night, have two to list today, and maybe one more later this week. I began with The Proverbs Collection, a series of items inspired by common proverbs. Please note that I made TWO sales within minutes of opening shop last night. Thank you KarenB and Tempted for making me feel so loved!<br /><br />I'm so happy today that nothing and no one can touch me. For the first time, I'm allowing myself to believe that someday, maybe, I will be able to have the yarn and fiber shop I so desperately want to own. Thank you, all of you, for your continued support and encouragement.<br /><br /><br />Heather<br /><br />Owner, Highland HandmadesHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-15033340048059029082009-11-01T16:41:00.004-05:002009-11-01T16:52:20.172-05:00Building InventoryI've been hard at work knitting Christmas gifts, but I've been working even harder on getting inventory built up for my Etsy debut. Here's what I had done up to this morning:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD1nV-HqOdolVp2nwVrscmYaYFiqL_mtVCijvAaxvqlEEYp0k-Yq9D3Whg1zUOJCf1MhzZg6P61uuz-Rd-0iUBBR4hiSM0-TEGI1Cy6GD33XwndIvJFZpLVIxXP54_q2uQ0Qsk7ZyGg4/s1600-h/100_5364.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD1nV-HqOdolVp2nwVrscmYaYFiqL_mtVCijvAaxvqlEEYp0k-Yq9D3Whg1zUOJCf1MhzZg6P61uuz-Rd-0iUBBR4hiSM0-TEGI1Cy6GD33XwndIvJFZpLVIxXP54_q2uQ0Qsk7ZyGg4/s400/100_5364.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399254032763755234" border="0" /></a>As I sit here and type this, I have two more 4 oz bundles of fiber and two more skeins of yarn drying. As soon as they are dried and photographed, I will be ready to open shop. I hope to write up the descriptions Monday or Tuesday. I plan on creating collections with my shop - I will create ten to twelve colorways with a theme to the names and post them together. This first collection is called "The Proverb Collection." Each 4 oz bundle and skein of yarn is indicative of a proverb. I think it will help set me apart from the pack. Future collections include literature, the 1980s, favorite movies, locations and more. Stay tuned for detailed photos and descriptions, as I will post them here as well as on Etsy. <br /><br />I can hardly wait - can you?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-19606387945878085712009-10-23T08:15:00.004-04:002009-10-23T09:01:11.022-04:00Christmas Project UpdateAs of today, I have a total of one Christmas project completed. I was supposed to get FOUR done this month. Obviously, I'm a bit behind. I'm making progress, though, and I have pictures to prove it. Warning in advance of a pic heavy post.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw9oY-PBu_8LoegoC9lKBcAGaWAmRJjwNulR5S-yV75cwx9BHfrUtJc-l9TWE68-011X9SSfHgnJ5Fbgq8LWAFL2N-J1XOidM5OD8om7n_DMyFp8sho7Y6FJUxwkmXrc6Szk9v-_lZBQ/s1600-h/100_5256.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw9oY-PBu_8LoegoC9lKBcAGaWAmRJjwNulR5S-yV75cwx9BHfrUtJc-l9TWE68-011X9SSfHgnJ5Fbgq8LWAFL2N-J1XOidM5OD8om7n_DMyFp8sho7Y6FJUxwkmXrc6Szk9v-_lZBQ/s400/100_5256.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395769155066520994" border="0" /></a>Elephante. Legs, body, and tail are all done. I have knit the trunk and am on the increases for the head. I don't like the way the legs look, but I doubt Caitlin will care and they are on there securely. I looked up whipstitching, but must have stitched through the wrong part of the cast off edge of the legs. I will hopefully be done this little guy some time next week.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1eiEpdeLJId8CB6xWegvDmRHcqPJBKhQlKAazTmE-BHgCxhA_3McRuV_Md_Z6NjD_ZG1iTiN2Yh8izLntIJob3jS22R_T0wG81z3puFCScA_uUgi8gdxFUoLZFGD0ZVZ8r6z9U6K2sY/s1600-h/100_5257.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1eiEpdeLJId8CB6xWegvDmRHcqPJBKhQlKAazTmE-BHgCxhA_3McRuV_Md_Z6NjD_ZG1iTiN2Yh8izLntIJob3jS22R_T0wG81z3puFCScA_uUgi8gdxFUoLZFGD0ZVZ8r6z9U6K2sY/s400/100_5257.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395769167784133890" border="0" /></a>A tightly knit hat. The main yarn is Peace Fleece Worsted colorway "Siberian Midnight" a heathered blend of blue and black with tweedy white bits. The white stripes are a wool, alpaca, silk blend I bought years ago. I think it looks awesome. When Bear said he wanted a tightly knit hat, I decided to use very small needles to make a dense fabric (I'm using US 2s for this). I found out half way through the damn thing that he wanted small <span style="font-style: italic;">stitches </span>- apparently I should have been using fingering weight yarn instead. Tough. Fingering weight yarn won't keep his head warm enough, and there's no WAY I'm frogging this thing and starting again with another yarn. The hat is 110 stitches and I'm using Jared Flood's Turn a Square hat decreases to the top of it looks manly. I will have to block it out a bit as the hat is a tiny bit too small for his head, but that shouldn't be any kind of problem. I hope to have this done tonight or tomorrow night.<br /><br />I've been impatient with both of these projects because I finally have yarn, pattern, and needle to start Grammie's Icarus shawl:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIA_qcio7RMDA5w-Emr_G1urtwfMMU3iPi8TWGSI53Vr75ojy6h2LQjaPmx36mq39_pXlNBj5f3vED97NIBqy3A_xURNLNvlJ0sK2RkqfH2TrFTbsLlhrlRUdHwSHyoA3VilSSd1lnYE/s1600-h/100_5272.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIA_qcio7RMDA5w-Emr_G1urtwfMMU3iPi8TWGSI53Vr75ojy6h2LQjaPmx36mq39_pXlNBj5f3vED97NIBqy3A_xURNLNvlJ0sK2RkqfH2TrFTbsLlhrlRUdHwSHyoA3VilSSd1lnYE/s400/100_5272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395772163677219298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-jc9L1oPZ_vY74KjIUzVJp-JHfXjWRxucQJYrsAbYdbx5R4T8hTNXAkC5PeuOMmr1oVE2NxgroypcUj4T1vie1xQVjTws585uneUfL6M5BUePPXtuP1bac6dDrsutyq-DYZKlYQ8TIU/s1600-h/100_5275.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-jc9L1oPZ_vY74KjIUzVJp-JHfXjWRxucQJYrsAbYdbx5R4T8hTNXAkC5PeuOMmr1oVE2NxgroypcUj4T1vie1xQVjTws585uneUfL6M5BUePPXtuP1bac6dDrsutyq-DYZKlYQ8TIU/s400/100_5275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395772169405177618" border="0" /></a><br />The yarn is Knit Picks Alpaca coud, colorway "Autumn Heather" the needle is also Knit Picks, a fixed circular size 3, 24". I am going to cast on for this as soon as I finish one of the projects above.<br /><br />In other news, I've been spinning. I find that if I spin during Sunday football games, I get a ton of spinning done. The most recent spinning I've been doing is a CJ Kopec's October Spin Along fiber, a SW BFL colorway "Trust Me" - vibrant rich shades of red, burgundy, gold, orange, brown, violet and more. I spun it into a fingering weight single. I got 582 yards and am in LOVE with this yarn. I am waffling between making a cowl and fingerless mitts or a small shawl like Swallowtail or Ishbel. The colors were too pretty to ply together, and I am thrilled with the color separation I got.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMarJh1N7J7KWOQq3ehMTCiqh5_cVrQYD1w6ru0kTFxE4xRfrvSafmmFlr-5wErTM7AZPz4yFZYanFlKkzLdGtmQJJJCQkMslOUvCuuvE72E6jZJFMaETb8jTDQtiC-pWuY4TwQ2NTqc/s1600-h/100_5268.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMarJh1N7J7KWOQq3ehMTCiqh5_cVrQYD1w6ru0kTFxE4xRfrvSafmmFlr-5wErTM7AZPz4yFZYanFlKkzLdGtmQJJJCQkMslOUvCuuvE72E6jZJFMaETb8jTDQtiC-pWuY4TwQ2NTqc/s400/100_5268.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395778147193272226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhu1_G4rz4gdguY_qjVoj-ngofV6-MdLjWNL5S-IgZxbdA8w2I4BqiWq_t5CeaE3HG-zwhCEcvKmnWF2Epdf29SPz1UpGT16mhtd3r5wZeQF5vWdZZuWB7Gg_pQ5REw3jhN3wxqxiO-o/s1600-h/100_5264.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhu1_G4rz4gdguY_qjVoj-ngofV6-MdLjWNL5S-IgZxbdA8w2I4BqiWq_t5CeaE3HG-zwhCEcvKmnWF2Epdf29SPz1UpGT16mhtd3r5wZeQF5vWdZZuWB7Gg_pQ5REw3jhN3wxqxiO-o/s400/100_5264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395778144157379362" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi8j6Sb8tFGum8GfcKmHqkvqC2o8unnqznXkROgNt3TBfMxK9FysWzEQSt0JXgGkTlarHaaQLKTcrnR1arSylObbII3cZ8fOWZaLaRjFq1CCoBDn8ThAO6_XGSkEs6i0udDa730q_WD4/s1600-h/100_5263.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi8j6Sb8tFGum8GfcKmHqkvqC2o8unnqznXkROgNt3TBfMxK9FysWzEQSt0JXgGkTlarHaaQLKTcrnR1arSylObbII3cZ8fOWZaLaRjFq1CCoBDn8ThAO6_XGSkEs6i0udDa730q_WD4/s400/100_5263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395778139914734114" border="0" /></a><br />How is your Christmas knitting coming?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-44033577131756583582009-10-14T09:56:00.002-04:002009-10-14T10:19:44.213-04:00Setting Up AccountsI filed for a tax number and Seller's Certificate from the State of Maine this week, and am waiting to get paperwork for that. I have no idea what will happen when my husband and I file our taxes this year, but since I only estimated making $200 for the year, hopefully it won't be too bad. I have *no* idea if I filled out the online form correctly; there is an assumption that one knows what is being asked for each fill in box and drop down menu. I guessed.<br /><br />I ordered 2 lbs of undyed fiber, bought the vinegar I need for the dyes, and photographed my first two braids of roving. I'm not very happy with the pics, so will try again soon. I need a brighter light for the outside of my lightbox. <br /><br />I set up a free account with Quickbooks Online for my income/expenses. So far, this business has cost me $157.40 (not counting the dollar something for the vinegar). That doesn't sound too bad, especially considering most of that was put onto a $100 visa gift card I won a while back. The free version of Quickbooks is very simplified, but so far, I like it. I haven't been able to find accounting software that I've liked for a business; most of the free stuff I've seen is for personal/home accounting. <br /><br />I verified my checking account with PayPal. Now I'm a "verified" member and can use either my credit card or bank account for purchases. I am combining my paychecks from work with my husband's in HIS bank account, and hope to use my old checking account for the business. <br /><br />I am keeping a list of ideas for my shop - thing like product themes, contests, freebies, etc. <br /><br />I am taking an online freebie class about starting your own business. So far, I've learned lots of good stuff. I'm taking notes to refer to later.<br /><br />I am looking for fiber business owners to intern/shadow next summer. I haven't contacted anyone yet, although I do have a few people in mind. I would like to begin sending letters in the spring, explaining who I am, what I want, and why they should let me. I figure if I can get my shop off the ground over the winter - have some sales, grow a business - they will be more willing to help me. The fiber/knitting community is very supportive of small businesses, even when they technically "compete" with each other.<br /><br />I am thinking about long-range goals: Getting a TM, having a graphic designer design me a logo and possibly my own webpage (speaking of which, I'd better snag the domain name today if possible), branching out to brick and mortar stores as well as other online vendors (TLE, for example). I am also trying to find ways/space to maximize production possibilities. Right now, I can dye two, possibly three 4 oz. bundles of fiber in an evening, and they take about two days to dry. I can only dye two nights a week reliably, thanks to my second job. <br /><br />I am working on pricing and shipping costs in my head. I will have to play with these as I start shipping and see what actual costs will be. Ideally I'd like to be able to say I ship for free (first class) with an option to upgrade to Priority for another two dollars. Does that sound fair? Depending on cost of shipping, I may charge a small fee of a dollar or two to offset the costs. I'll have to wait and see. Initially, I will be offering free shipping as an incentive to get people to purchase fiber from a brand new shop.<br /><br />Question: should I start a new Etsy account using my company name as the seller name? It will start me back to a zero ranking, but perhaps I could link to my boutrosbabe shop? Or does it matter what the shop is named? I am starting to think it does, and I need to know before I start listing items. Help!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-69198636246434599372009-10-12T08:01:00.002-04:002009-10-12T08:28:14.604-04:00Highland HandmadesFor a long time now, I've been wanting to get into the fiber business. I don't consider knitting and spinning to be hobbies; they are an integral part of who I am. Knitting and spinning are, to me, a lifestyle. I'd like to be able to live more of my life in those fields. I have thousands of ideas, things I want to do, try, create. I bounce many of my ideas off of my husband who is always supportive and encouraging. He knows that some day, ultimately, I'd like to have my own yarn and fiber shop. I'd like to get up each morning and spend the day doing what I love and sharing my love of all things fibery with others. I'd like to teach classes in the evening. Have a shop cat. Have an afterschool group of kids who learn to knit and donate their items to charities. In my head, the possibilities are endless.<br />But like the characters in Eugene O'Niell's play "The Iceman Cometh," I'm afraid that most of my dreams are just that - dreams. The pipe dreams that his characters are forced to confront but shy away from instead of grasping. The great "what-ifs" of life. As long as the idea stays in my head, I can never fail. I can keep dreaming about the yarn shop I want, making it better and grander than ever. <br />Recent events in my life have, however, forced me to reconsider. To wonder if maybe taking the risk is less dangerous than staying where I am now. Because as my life is now, I am professionally unhappy. I'm questioning my career choice for the first time, wondering if I really want to be a teacher forever. The more I think about it, the more my answer is no.<br />The problem is that I know NOTHING about owning and operating a business. I have never taken a business class, have no friends that own their own business, and am afraid to risk everything and fail due to ignorance. It's all just so overwhelming!<br />There are a few things I know that I can do. I can dye fiber and yarn and sell it online. I can start with just an internet presence, and if someday it expands, I can move to a brick & mortar location later. I can start small and get all my puzzle pieces lined up. If I start on the edge, the middle section might be easier.<br />So I have been spending a lot of time online looking at how to start a business. What do I have to have to do even a tiny bit? I want to have all the legal stuff correct from the beginning so it's easier later on. The first thing I did was google my potential business name. I went to the Trademark and Registration depts. and searched their databases. I found nothing with my proposed company name. I will have to trademark it myself right off, but I don't know if that will cost money so for now I'm holding off. The name? <span style="font-style: italic;">Highland Handmades.</span><br />The next thing I did was totally free and super easy. I filed for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS. I can now purchase yarn and fiber *wholesale*. Granted, I don't have the $500 I need to purchase a bump of undyed fiber, but since I'm all about the baby steps, I'll worry about that later.<br />The next thing I have to do is get a Seller's Certificate. In order to do that, I need to get a tax number. That comes from the State of Maine, and I'll be working on that tomorrow. As I understand it, once I get my Seller's Certificate, I am legal to sell in the State of Maine. No idea if this will cost me money. <br />Once I'm all legal and stuff, I need to work on increasing my inventory. I'll be selling from Etsy.com, and many sellers on Etsy say you should start with 6-12 items for sale in your shop, and should update with new items often. I have two items so far, and will probably do a third one today, but will have to wait until the end of the month to get the fiber shipment I need for the rest. I will spend some time looking for yarn to pick up in the interim, so I can sell some of that, too.<br /><br />I am definitely lucky that my friends on Plurk have helped me with much of this. They are infinitely supportive and for that, I love them dearly. Coby, Jenna, and Brandy especially. They are fiber artists in their own right and for them to believe in me means the world.<br /><br />I will keep you updated as I journey towards the life I've always wanted. Wish me luck!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-30766344808206526512009-10-05T10:36:00.002-04:002009-10-05T10:50:32.880-04:00Christmas Project UpdateOkay. So the mitts did NOT get done when I thought they would. The first mitt was done ahead of schedule, and the second mitt was right behind it - until I got to the thumb. For some reason I had a hard time getting motivated to pick up and knit those thumb stitches and weave in the ends. I busied myself with re-knitting Hubs' sock in straight stockinette and ignored the mitts for the better part of two weeks.<br /><br />Yesterday I was watching my favorite video cast "Around the Twist" and enjoyed Carin's update on her Christmas knitting. In that same episode she discussed what her next spinning project would be. Now I know that Carin is a speedy knitter and that with a video cast she is highly motivated to complete projects, but still. She is getting much more accomplished that I am and has a fifth as much Christmas knitting to do as I do. As soon as Hubs went off to do the cleanup at the mill, I got started.<br /><br />First I made the lightbox I've been meaning to for a month now. I participate in a spin-along each month and need a better way to photograph my finished skeins. It was easy and only took about ten minutes.<br /><br />Second, I went up to my craft room and finished spinning the first half of the BFL fiber I bought from Spunky Eclectic this summer. I need a dk weight two ply for the thrummed mittens I'm making for Tara for Christmas. I love spinning BFL, so this was no hardship. I'm going to try to have the second half done this week.<br /><br />Third, I sat on the couch and finished those mitts. Thumb, weaving in of ends... all of it. I even made sure that I closed a couple of holes I had near the thumb. They are totally done:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14891173/100_5216_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14891173/100_5216_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As you can see I need to work on taking better lightbox shots.<br /><br />Fourth, I cast on for another of my Christmas Projects. This one is Christmas Project #3, an Elephante for my friend Caitlin. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14891780/100_5220_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14891780/100_5220_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I have all four legs done and finished increasing for the body. I have two and a half inches of straight knit to go before I begin the body decreases. It's a really fast knit so far, although the m1fb into every stitch on the body was a pain that first round. I'm using Red Heart Super Saver multi for the body and some soft cotton chenille for the feet, ears and nose. To fill it I'll be using bamboo fill. This way the toy is washable and naturally antibacterial as well. Caitlin has a very rare autoimmune disorder, so germ-free toys are important. I hope she likes it.<br /><br />That's all I have for now - I'll take a pic of elephante in my lightbox once he/she is done. How is your holiday knitting coming along?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-67245286872545590872009-09-17T09:28:00.003-04:002009-09-17T09:39:29.454-04:00Christmas Projct #1: Mom's Maine Morning Mitts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14081360/100_5160_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 323px;" src="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14081360/100_5160_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14081432/100_5164_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 428px; height: 322px;" src="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14081432/100_5164_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14081480/100_5162_medium.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 327px;" src="http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/boutrosbabe/14081480/100_5162_medium.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This is mitt #1. Mitt #2 is almost done. I have to finish the top of the cuff and do the thumb. These were surprisingly quick to knit, although I didn't get them both done by the Sunday night deadline I set for myself. I will hopefully get them done this weekend? <br /><br />As soon as I finish those, I think I'll cast on for Elephante or the pink beanie. I need to look at loose cast ons for the beanie or I will need to knit it top-down, because otherwise the bottom edge will be too tight. It's always too tight. <br /><br />Zedd likes the mitts. What about you?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-24957082093976855902009-09-10T08:34:00.003-04:002009-11-10T10:07:30.913-05:00Christmas Knitting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/christmas-tree-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 281px;" src="http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/christmas-tree-5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It's that time of year again. Time to think about holiday knitting. It may only be the tenth of September, but for someone who knits as slowly and as infrequently as I do, each fall presents a unique blend of trepidation and joy.<br /><br />I thought I'd post my Christmas Knitting list here (no one who knows me in real life reads this blog, so I think I'm safe), with Ravelry links where possible. Since this will be primarily a resource for me, I will also post notes about each project. If you have knit any of these, please leave me a comment on how it was for you. I can use any and all help I can get!<br /><br />I should also make the disclaimer that I am not done my Girasole blanket yet, and it takes first priority. I have 19 rows plus the edging left and I do not want to put it aside when it is so close to being finished. So that comes first. It's not going to be a gift - it's for me - and that's something I can live with.<br /><br /><br />1. Grammie: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/icarus-shawl">Icarus Shawl</a>. I purchased 3 skeins of Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud (colorway Autumn Heather) for this. I still have to buy the pattern ($6 download, or the whole book for $16.47) and a 24" size 3 circular needle. The shawl is simple but large.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11/10 update: Chart 1 done, two repeats of rows 19-42 done. </span><br /><br />2. Daddy: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/boutrosbabe/trigger-finger-mittens">Trigger finger mittens</a>. I did a pair last year in acryllic yarn and hated it. This year I have a skein of Peace Fleece wool and will use that to make the mittens. They are very fast to knit up; I just have to DO them.<br /><br />3. Mom: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maine-morning-mitts">Maine Morning Mitts</a>. I'll be using Knit Picks Shine Worsted (colorway Hollyberry) for these, as Mom is allergic to wool. This is a cotton/modal fiber. Again, I think these will be quick - I just have to do them. They would be an easy car project.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11/10 update: Finished</span><br /><br />4. Bear: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/boutrosbabe/mock-cable-socks">Handknit Socks</a> and a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/boutrosbabe/tightly-knit-hat-cp4">Tightly Knit Hat</a>. I started a sock already for Bear, but it has two types of cables and one is complicated, so it's slow going. He suggested I rip back and start again with plain stockinette, so that's what I'll do. I know that it will go much faster to do mindless stockinette and his feet are huge so the socks will take a long time anyway. I'm using Enchanted Knoll Farms sock yarn in a pumpkin, burgundy, and black colorway. The hat will be knit with Peace Fleece worsted (colorway Siberian Midnight) on size 2 needles. 2 is a very small needle for worsted weight, but Bear wants a wind-proof hat, and so I'll create as tight a gauge as possible. We have not discussed if he wants ear flaps or not, or if it will be in stockinette or garter. Ideas?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11/10 update: Hat is finished</span>. Plain hat with Jared Flood's "Turn a Square" decreases. Hat is a bit short. Turns out he wants a finely knit hat (fingering weight yarn) not a tightly knit hat. Tough. He gets what he gets. <br /><br />5. Tara: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/yarn-harlot-thrummed-mittens">Thrummed Mittens</a>. I'll be using handspun BFL from Spunky Eclectic (colorway Nova Scotia) and a natural camel colored alpaca for the thrums. This will be a challenge because I haven't done thrums before, but Tara is worth it. I know these mittens will be super soft and warm!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11/10 update: 2 oz. spun, 2 oz. to go. </span><br /><br />6. Mark: I have no idea. Sportweight socks, perhaps? A beanie? I want it to be handspun, but I'm not sure what it will be yet. Ideas?<br /><br />7. Leigh Anne: pink beanie. I have the yarn (a pink alpaca/acryllic blend) but am debating the type of brim. Ribbed? Garter? Rolled stockinette?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11/10 update: She wants a bright white hat now. Pattern chosen is </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/irish-moss-toque">Irish Moss Toque</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">,</span> yarn will be Knit Picks Shine Worsted.<br /><br />8. Caitlin - My adorable 6 year-old friend. For her, an <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elefante">elephante</a>. Caitlin has a rare atuo-immune disorder that compromises her immune system so this toy will be stuffed with bamboo fiber since it has antibacterial properties. I don't know how long it will take to knit this, but I have pattern and yarn ready to go.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11/10 update: legs, body, tail done, stuffed and stitched together. Increasing from trunk to head now.</span><br /><br />9. Nicholas: As Caitlin's brother, he also deserves a handknit item. I'm thinking a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/viking-boy-hat">viking beanie</a>. They are too cute for words and I know Leigh Anne (his mom) got a good laugh over them a while back.<br /><br />10. Dani: My sister-in-law has always struck me as a bulky, cream, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/horseshoe-cable-hat">horseshoe cable scarf</a> (the Rav link is for a hat, but you get the idea). Bulky weight knits up fast, and I can get it cheaply in the bare colorway from Knit Picks.<br /><br />11. Thomas: My nephew. For him, a knit <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-giraffe">giraffe</a>. Giraffes are kind of his thing and since I have plenty of bamboo filling, I'll put that in the giraffe too.<br /><br />12. John: For this brother, I have *no* idea. I'd love to do something unique, but nothing has surfaced as just the right thing yet. I'll keep my eye out. He's definitely a unique person! It'll have to be something really really different.<br /><br /><br />Looking at this, I'm noticing this is a huge list. There are 4 months till Christmas, so that means I have to do 3 projects a month including this month. Maybe Girasole won't get finished after all! I will have to cast on at least one easy project this week, and hopefully get it done this weekend. I vote the Maine Morning Mitts will be up first. <span style="font-style: italic;">In this public forum, I'm stating that they will be done by Sunday, September 13, by 10pm. </span><br /><br />Wish me luck!! I will post pics when I can.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-31102063466402074982009-09-03T16:43:00.002-04:002009-09-03T16:50:18.831-04:00Hurry! Sale ends soon!I was wandering around the internet today while waiting for Open House at school to begin, and happened across <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/">Knit Picks'</a> website. I've used their yarn before for my Sister-in-law's wedding wrap (Michela), and like the company and the yarn they sell. I am planning on using their Alpaca Cloud (100% baby alpaca) yarn to make my ninety-four year-old grandmother a shawl for Christmas.<br /><br />I was THRILLED when I saw this:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.knitpicks.com/images/promo/lacesale.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.knitpicks.com/images/promo/lacesale.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Alpaca Cloud is only $3.99, and their Shadow Lace yarn (100% merino) is only $1.99!! In each you get 440 yards of laceweight two-ply yarn. I've ordered five skeins each of cattail heather and midnight heather in the Shadow Lace, and for Gram I got three skeins of autumn heather in the Alpaca Cloud. Of course, not all the colors are on sale - I think they put up the ones that aren't big sellers. But who cares? With 2,200 yards of laceweight, I can make almost any shawl I want to! Hurry up and get some yarn for yourself - the sale ends on the ninth!!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254584205334800790.post-28983672303728904112009-08-21T08:25:00.001-04:002009-08-21T09:07:23.415-04:00Dear Beverly,When I first started knitting, I was in college. I couldn't share my love of fibery things with my dorm buddies or classmates, because no one would have understood. That was back in 2002, before the knitting renaissance had really begun. So I kept it all hidden, knitting dishcloths and cat blankets in my spare time from yarn bought at Wal Mart. I thought I was happy.<br /><br />Then in 2008 I found Ravelry. As soon as I received my invitation, I was a member of a knitting community! A new world opened up to me; one in which knitting was not only accepted, but was encouraged. Because of Ravelry I could knit in public, fearlessly. I wasn't a freak, odd, or an old lady. I was a knitter, and as such, slightly badass. It was awesome. <br /><br />In a Rav forum somewhere, I saw a mention of Plurk. Supposedly a bunch of knitters were over there, too, and could actually TALK to each other. Don't misunderstand - the forums and messages and all things Ravelry were great - but I was still missing any kind of conversation with other knitters. No one in my town knit, there were no public places you could go to knit and hope someone like-minded would happen along and chat with you about stitch counts and fiber content. Blindly, I signed up for plurk and cast about for knitters.<br /><br />And I found them.<br /><br />Knitters, dyers, spinners, fiber artists of all sorts were there, on Plurk, talking and sharing themselves and their WIPS. Every friend I made had a passel of other knitterly friends that amazed me. <span style="font-style: italic;">These are my people</span>, I thought to myself. <span style="font-style: italic;">This is where I belong</span>. One of my first Plurk friends was Loribird. It was Lori that first got me spinning. She actually sent me one of her spindles and several ounces of fiber to learn on. I am eternally grateful to her for opening that door.<br /><br />Another Plurker I met was CJKopec. She is one of the most talented fiber artists I've seen. I fell instantly in love with her stuff and signed up for her monthly spin-a-longs, enjoying each package of fiber I received from her.<br /><br />While I was reveling in the community aspect of Plurk, I met you, Beverlysyarncrazy. You, I learned, live only 20 minutes away. I learned that you are well-loved on Plurk because you are unfailingly kind and generous. You have positive uplifting things to say to each of us, and you are a fabulous listener/reader. You are a source of inspiration to many. I also learned that you are on a fixed income, but that you love fiber and spinning just as much as I do. On the day you plurked that you'd received a spinning wheel, a flurry of private Plurks appeared, all suggesting we should send you some fiber as a wheel-warming present. Nothing could be more fitting or more deserved. I looked at my stash, wondering what I could send you that would in any way be an appropriate thank-you to the friendship and community you'd provided for me. I settled on about 4 ounces of 100%merino from Ashland Bay, colorway Primrose." I wasn't sure it was your color, but I knew the soft feel of the fiber would please your fingers. I happily mailed it off to you, glad of a chance to give back to you some of what you've given me. It was gratifying to see how many people sent you fiber. I know I am only one of dozens of people you've touched.<br /><br />Then, last month, I got my own wheel. I trumpeted it from towers in Plurk, Ravelry, my blogs... anywhere I could find a forum to declare my delight. I already had a sizeable stash, and was delighted with a faster, easier way to spin it up. My next CJ Kopec spin-a-long fiber was completed in its entirety, something I couldn't have done with my spindles. I happily ordered August's fiber.<br /><br />When the box came, though, it was different from the others. It was twice the size of the happy square box I'd been receiving from Coby. Curious, I opened it up. In the box was my August fiber (beautiful as always).<br /><br />But something else was in there, too.<br /><br />Wondering if there had been a mistake, I reached in and pulled out the most stunning 4 ounce bundle of fiber, in several glorious shades of green. My heart stopped with the realization it must be meant for someone else, and I'd have to sent it back to Coby. I lifted the tag it came with so I could at least read the colorway name, in order to buy it for myself. The tag read:<br /><br />"Troll: 2/3 Merino 1/3 Colonial Roving. 4 oz. A GIFT FROM BEV."<br /><br />I'm not ashamed to admit it. Right there in my truck, I had a good cry. Because even though you have already given so much, even though money is tight for you, even though you have a thousand other friends, you thought of me. Without comment or expectation, you reached across the distance between us and gave me a gift stunning in its beauty and generosity. I spent days wondering how I was going to thank you - a Plurk didn't seem adequate, and posting on Rav didn't strike me as beneficial to you. I didn't want people to start asking you for gifts, thinking they could cash in on your generous spirit. Because I believe if you could, you'd buy us all things we really want. Because you feel that our friendship is a gift for you. I dont know if you realize that we are the ones who are so grateful to have you in our lives. In the end, I settled on this long and rather rambling blog post as the best way I have to thank you. <br /><br />Thank you, Bev. Thank you for being the kindest of knitters, spinners...<br /><br />and friends.<br /><br />Yours with Love,<br />HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03412373474762289674noreply@blogger.com11