Purlybird Gets the Yarn

On sock hiatus

2008-08-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

I was away on holidays for a week and then needed a week to recover. While I agonized over what knitting to bring I did very little knitting - I was waaaaaay too exhausted chasing after my two year old all day in Disneyland.

Anyways, I have some major knitting mojo since getting back and while setting aside socks for awhile I have made some awesome progress on other projects. I finished my Lu sweater/wrap and LOVE IT. Already know I will make another one in a different yarn
I have also started a Knitting Pure and Simple children's bolero in 100purewool 'Hardly' colorway.
And still chugging away on my sea silk Montego Bay scarfIn spinning news, I got some lovely rovings from my Summer of Yarn Love swap pal and have my first bobbin of Crown Mountain Farms Corriedale pencil roving (Dance of the Dervish) done. It is the first of three as I attempt my very first 3-ply sock yarn.

FO Satisfaction

2008-07-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

Mr. Greenjeans is done - ends need to be woven in and needs blocking. Overall I am happy with it. The fit is baggier than I would like but it will still make a nice cozy sweater for the fall/winter. For my first sweater I am very happy with it.

Also finally finished my Spring Forward socks - love the pattern and will probably make them again. The repeat is easy to memorize but not boring and looks pretty cute!

In spinning news, I worked up some yummy Fleece Artist merino that I got from the fiber fest:

and made this

And in the mail this week I got my Ravelry organic cotton tote. It is so cute and perfect for holding my spinning fibers - and yes I also got a whole bunch of fiber as well that it is currently stuffed full of. Right now I am working up some corrie pencil roving from Crown Mountain Farms.

The spinning madness continues...

2008-07-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

and yes my knitting has been languishing...a bit.

Here is my half done Noro scarf -just so it looks like I have still been knitting ;)

Here is some stuff that has come of my wheel this week:

2-ply alpaca merino fingering weight - this stuff was dreamy to spin. I am looking forward to the alpaca fleeces I have on their way to me.

Some stuff from exclusivelylindalee: pima cotton in "sunflowers" and a mixed batt of Merino, Tencel, Blue Face Leicester, and Corriedale called "Mojave Nights". The pima cotton was very difficult to draft evenly but the end product is still very pretty.

The mixed batt was my first time spinning from a batt and it was interesting working out a good pre-draft to include the mix of colors I wanted.

Summer Dreamin...

2008-07-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Okay so this has been a week of major fiber indulgence. Last Saturday my birthday spoils included a Lendrum DT complete set, in addition to some lovely bamboo and corriedale fibers.

I also snagged some raw fibre for $2!! It was quite dirty and has a lot of VM that I am still working through but it started like this

and when cleaned up looks like this

It is soft and fluffy and I can hardly wait to spin it.

This is some stuff that came off my wheel this week:

And my knitting has been taking a backseat but I did finish my first spring Ahead sock and working on the heel flap of my second.

I also got my first package from my Summer of Yarn swap pal that contained two lovely skeins of deep blue malabrigo - yummy! Thanks swap pal! I hope I am not too hard to shop for - right now my desires seem to be drawn towards spinning - although sock yarn still has a dear place in my heart ;)

For the Summer Memory contest: I am currently making what will be some of my most treasured summer memories. I am spending the summer at home with my daughter and these long, lazy days just sitting in the backyard watching her play while I knit or spin or prep fibre could not be more perfect. I feel so lucky and blessed to able to have this time with her and be a part of her growing up.

Reasons to smile today:

2008-06-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

1. Last day of school - whoohooo!!! Long, lazy days of summer knitting and spinning here I come!!

2. Tomorrow is my birthday and we are going to the Olds Fiber Festival where my dear hubby is going to buy me my first spinning wheel, and I am going to indulge in fiber, fiber and more fiber...oh and yarn too...

3. Next week two of my LYS's will be having sales!!! Yes, I feel it is a sign that since this will be during my "birthday week" I should be given free reign to spoil myself!

4. Happy, happy mail day. Received my long coveted Lexie Barnes Flo in my absolute FAVORITE LB print, and two new spinning books from Amazon:

My new LB bag inspired me to take a picture of my LB collection:
Yes it is an addiction but it makes me HAPPY :)

Spinning Frenzy!!!

2008-06-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

So I went to my Beginner Spinning class last Saturday at Make1 Yarn Studio and it was awesome. Amy Swenson was the instructor - she was super nice and easy going, very encouraging despite any spinning mishaps. Let's just say my attempt at Andean plying left me in a bit of a tangled mess, but still look what lovely product resulted:

And here have been my other attempts this week:

So I am totally hooked on spinning now and since next weekend is my birthday and coincidentally it falls on the exact same day we are going to Olds Fiber Week - my hubby is getting me a wheel!!! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!! At the top of my list are a Lendrum or a Schacht Ladybug. I am hoping to try a bunch of different wheels out before making my final decision.

In knitting news, Mr. Greenjeans is hibernating. I need to rip out the one sleeve I completed because it is way huge. I am going to finish the button band first so I can see how the sweater sits on my shoulders. I am hoping this will give me a better idea for sleeve length - I want a 3/4 length and right now it is hard to guesstimate where that will be because I can't tell exactly where the sweater will close yet.

I also started my June socks - there are the Spring Forward pattern from the latest summer Knitty. Chose a spring-y colorway - STR in Calico. So far loving the pattern and how the colors are working up.

I swung by Pam's Wooly Shoppe yesterday to check out their selection of wheels (they carry Lendrum and Ashford) but the lady working did not know anything about spinning sadly. Still I was able to pick up a couple of practice rovings and best of all my long-lusted for sock blockers. There are unfinished and not fancy but less than ten bucks!! And I can easily sand and stain them myself. Here they are showing off my latest sock WIP:
Here is a cool sock project needle-keep I got off etsy from marelle:

It's very sturdy and perfect for keeping my DPNs safe from breakage or dropped stitches.

Look what I got from my Mystery Theme swap!

2008-06-12T18:13:00.001-07:00

The theme was organic/earth-friendly - some beautiful organic yarns from Elann, cute patterns, and lovely Brittany needles. I can't wait - the pakucho is perfect for summer knitting.

And a few pics of knitting:

I finished my May socks (basic stockinette using self-patterning Online Beach - pretty boring but I needed a quick knit to get caught up and start my June socks). I plan to cast on the new Spring Ahead pattern from the latest knitty.

Here is the first square from my Lizard ridge Afghan. I am slowly collecting single balls of random Noro Kureyon colors. Can't get enough Noro - the colors are positively scrumptious.
And last but not least - my second spinning attempt with some merino roving from Doodlebirds Creations:
I am still doing "park and draft" which is slow but I am enjoying the process and watching the fibre twist - it is so satisfying!!

Here is a close up of the yarn:

My first yarn...

2008-06-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

is kinda lumpy, bumpy, and pilly - but I made it and it was fun!

I checked out a few videos on Utube to get started and I know I will still have lots of questions for my spinning class next Saturday. So far I am really enjoying practicing with my spindle. I was really reluctant to start spinning because I did not want "another hobby" that would detract from my knitting obsession but I find it has has only re-focused my obsession. Now I can hardly wait to spin up my own yarn to knit.

My hubby has hinted that I may get a spinning wheel for my birthday at the end of the month (he really is spoiling me). And I have been looking to get some books or magazines on spinning - I already have the Spring issue of Spin Off and I have heard that this book is another good reference: A Fine Fleece. I will be adding it to my wish list for sure.

I will be posting a knitting update later this week :)

Well I finally caved and did it!!!

2008-06-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

I signed up for my first spinning class - it will be next weekend. I am hoping to learn how to spin in time for our trip to the Olds Fiber Festival at the end of June.

I am also hoping I resist the temptation to buy a wheel....

Oooooh so excited and nervous. In anticipation I am ordering a whole whack of fiber from Crown Mountain Farms from an upcoming coop - the prices are just too good to resist. I will also be getting some sock yarn for myself and my Summer of Yarn Love swap pal - whoopee!

kinda fun and pretty accurate...

2008-06-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

You Are An INFJ

The Protector

You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity.

Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is.

You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience.

You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them.

In love, you truly see relationships as an opportunity to connect and grow.

You enjoy relationships as long as they are improving and changing. You can't stand stagnation.

At work, you stay motivated and happy... as long as you are working toward a dream you support.

You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.

How you see yourself: Hardworking, ethical, and helpful

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Manipulative, weak, and unstable

What's Your Personality Type?

Summer of Yarn Love Questionaire

2008-06-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the list of questions for the swap! Have fun! Please post this to your blog and make sure your pal and I can easily find it!

Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft? Knitting for 3 years
Do you spin? What type of spinning? YES - new spinning wheel - NEED fiber!!
What are your favorite yarns/fibers? What are your least favorite yarns/fibers? Favorites: merino, wool, alpaca, tencel, bamboo - I love handpainted sock yarns or other yarns with variegated repeats. Currently in love with Noro and collecting more Kureyon for my Lizard ridge. Other favorites include STR, koigu, Misti Alpaca, malabrigo, schaeffer yarns, Claudia Handpainted, Shibui, Fleece artist/Handmaiden, Zen Yarn Garden, DIC Smooshy. Things I avoid include acrylic and mohair (unless it is blended with a natural fiber) - dislike viscose /rayon/ and other synthetic fibers.
What are your favorite colors? What are your least favorite colors? My favorite colors are autumn hues or jewel tones - I like rich colors - dislike pastels
Are there any yarns/brands that you are dying to work with but never have? Have never tried any handspun, Sundara, Colinette Jitterbug, new Noro Silk garden sock yarn, STR Ravens series colors, DIC Classy, Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (for a Rusted Root), Sheep Shop
What is/are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? I always have socks on the needles, and alternate with another larger project (sweater, shawl, etc), and then another small travel project like a scarf or mittens or hat. I usually knit garments but do have a few toys/accessories on my list that i just haven't gotten to yet. I do not knit bags.
What are you currently working on? Anything you plan to work on this summer? See blog for current WIPs. For summer knitting I plan to work on my Lizard Ridge, continue with my pair of socks a month challenge, and maybe start a lace shawl of some sort.
What is your favorite FO? (Post a pic if you would like.) Sorry too hard to choose one - I love my chevron scarf, my peekaboo mittens, and my current Noro striped scarf (which is still a WIP)
What is your oldest UFO? Baby Bolero from Debbie Bliss knitted in Phil Eponge - heading to the frog pond
Are there any techniques that you want to learn? more advanced lace knitting, steeking (yikes!!)
Are you on Ravlery? What's your ID? Birdee
Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? yes, size 7.5 shoe (but I like a short cuff)
Do you collect anything? yarn and knitting bags
Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift? yes
Do you love sweets? What are your favorites? chocolate - 'nuff said
What are your favorite scents? none
Where do you keep your needles/hooks? various cases
Do you have a wishlist (Amazon, Etsy, etc?) yes etsy favorites; amazon wish list;
Having a birthday this summer? June 28
Are you allergic to anything??? Please let your pal know! Cats

Yes, I Fell Into the Pit...

2008-05-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

known as Ravelry. Yes, I was sucked in by all the bells and whistles and, alas, let my poor blog fall to the wayside.

Well, I have decided to re-commit to my blog. With the end of the school year drawing to a close I see myself having plenty of time over the summer to post regular updates on my knitting and yarn acquiring adventures.

Like sparking up with an old flame, it is best not to try to make up for all that lost time and rather just pick up right where we left off.

My current WIPs:

Mr. Greenjeans from Knitty- Cascade 220 Autumn heather. My first adult sweater - this is for myself and so far so good. Just one and a half sleeves left to go.
Basic socks in Online - some cotton blend - got this for Christmas from my MIL - so cute - perfect for summer socks!
Noro silk garden striped scarf - inspired by Brooklyn tweed. this scarf has sparked my love affair with Noro and triggered me to start a Lizard Ridge Afghan - more on that another time.
An FO: These are the Berry Season socks from Two-Socks-at-a-Time. They were both knit at the same time on one long circ. It was fun to do and I am glad I tried it because now I know that I am an old-fashioned gal and prefer my trusty DPNs. Yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Lakeview.

Final Swap package - and other self-indulgent goodies

2007-11-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

What a magnificent and thoughtful package. The Manos is in the most luscious colorway - I have never knit with this so I am itching to try it out. And my long sought after lockable stitch counter that can be hung from around my neck - so perfect I started using it right away!! And then some lovely addi lace needles for me to try - I already have a project in mind.
Oh and some chocolate that barely made it to this blog post...it will not survive the weekend I am sure LOL.
For myself I also picked up some lovely sock project bags from a seller on ebay. These are hand sewn from lovely brocade and the inside is lined with pockets that are perfect for holding little sock knitting accessories like my stitch counter, chibi, scissors, etc. I even picked one up to send to my secret pal!
Then from etsy I got this cute little sock needle wallet on sale!! It holds all my sock needles in one handle little package!
I am on the brink of finishing my second Vestee. This one is for my niece for Christmas and will have a hood. This time I used Phildar Pure Laine that I had sitting around in my stash.

I can hardly wait for the next secret pal this spring!! Must start accumulating stuff now!!

Random knit bits

2007-11-20T17:54:00.001-08:00

This is my display of many straight needles that I hardly ever use. But there are some beautiful wooden ones my mother brought back with her from Viet Nam so I love to have them on display.
A cute little shawl pin I got recently from RubyVegas on etsy. It definitely makes my shawls more user- friendly.
And finally - good progress on my so-called scarf!

A celebration of FO's

2007-11-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

My Trekking socks - no, they don't match - but yes, I LOVE them!!
My Branching Out scarf - finished just in time for MIL's birthday this weekend. It blocked out beautifully - I think I will need to make another one for myself:)

Yarn Splurge

2007-11-08T15:29:00.001-08:00

So my LYS was having a sale....picked up a Dream in Color Kit for a baby sweater that I have been drooling over since I saw it on the Yarn Harlot's blog. Also, picked up a little something for my swap partner.
THEN Roxy Yarns had a sale on some ArtYarns sock yarn and their Cascade 220. So of course I had to pick up enough to make my husband a sweater in some nice gray. And also some pretty blue ultramerino sock yarn.
THEN someone was having a stash clearout sale - I am a sucker for a good sale - can ya tell? Snagged some Yarn Pirate - WOOHOO!! and Louet Gems for a great deal!
Oh, I did do some knitting amidst my wild spending spree! Started a So-Called scarf for my mommy. A yummy 100purewool colorway that has been sitting in my stash for awhile.

Squeee - another secret pal package!!

2007-10-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

A sock kit from Robyn's Nest! The "Fall Fire" colorway is exactly something I would have picked out for myself, and the Robyn's nest signature colorway is totally not something I would have picked out BUT I love it for exactly that reason. It is so fun and colorful - makes me think of bubblegum :) When they become socks I will call them my bubblegum socks. This is part of why I love swaps - I get stuff that I normally would never even consider for myself and I love it!
A close up of a the lovely dangle-free stitch markers that came with the kit. A very nice package indeed - I may have to look into this sock club...hmmmm...;)
And finally a picture of my finished, felted clogs. The peace fleece felts up quite hairy but I think a nice shave will leave them with just a fine halo. I really like the shape and texture I got with these. I will be giving these to my FIL this weekend for his birthday. I will be trying another pair next for my mom for Christmas - this time with some Paton's classic merino.

More yummy yarny mail!

2007-10-23T17:05:00.001-07:00

So I needed to order some suede slipper bottoms to put on my felted clogs. Since I got them from knitpicks, of course, I had to make the cost of shipping worth my while - sooooo I also picked up a couple of skeins of Gloss in pumpkin (very nice and beautiful sheen) as well as a book I have been wanting.

Was tempted to add some of the new Harmony needles - especially a couple of ones for magic looping socks - but resisted - maybe something to put on my Christmas list.

Meanwhile, I plan to felt my clogs tonight and hopefully sew on those bottoms by the weekend when they need to be gifted.

One down, one to go

2007-10-21T12:42:00.001-07:00

One of my trekking socks (unblocked and slouchy looking) is done. My first self-striping stockinette sock. Really cute - I like this yarn. Now I have to get the Branching Out scarf done before I can work on the next sock.
Also picked this up yesterday. Love the Sugarplum Shrug and some of the kids knitted items (I think the teddy bear is one of the cutest I have ever seen). But I especially love the section on gifts for knitters - some really cool stuff there!

Some sock yarn indulgence

2007-10-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

Red Bird Knits is having a free shipping promotion for October so I had to pick up some of their sale sock yarn. I must say I am thrilled by the Lana Grossa - the colors in person are exactly what I expected from what I saw on the screen - which is not always the case.

I also got the Knitting Pure and Simple baby cardigan pattern. I saw on someone else's blog they had knit this pattern with many different yarns. It seems like a good basic and versatile pattern to use for baby gifts. It is knit in the round with minimal seaming so that makes me happy.

I also cast-on a pair of socks - my first plain stockinette pair - out of that Trekking. Love the colorway, love the stitch definition of this yarn. I could never understand why before anyone would knit boring stockinette socks - but in this last two weeks when all hell has broken loose with childcare issues - I have found this sock to be highly therapeutic.

The fibertrends felted clogs are all seamed up and just waiting to be felted. And I need to finish up my Branching Out scarf ASAP - but my sock calls to me...

Turkey and giving thanks...

2007-10-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

for time to knit.

This long weekend has allowed me to indulge in some tasty yummies and some knitting relaxation. I was able to finish up my hat and get some seaming done on my felted clogs.
As you can see, pre-felting they look a lot like giant smurf feet.

Okay, a long awaited update...

2007-10-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

Some small progress on my hat. I have had very little time to knit - or even sleep for that matter. Really looking forward to the long weekend.
And some yarn porn. A few skeins of lovely Artyarns supermerino sock and Schafer Anne that I scored in a partial trade for some peace fleece in my stash. So not TECHNICALLY stash enhancement right? 3 skeins in - 3 skeins out.

The cure for crankypants Mondays.....

2007-09-24T18:24:00.001-07:00

is an AWESOME secret pal!!!

Check out what a wonderful little package she put together for me. I think the malabrigo wants to mittens. And I think I need to cast on some new socks!! Oh and what beautiful beeswax candles in my favorite color. As well as the cutest little tissues with sheepies on them and some small packets of Eucalan. Too thoughtful isn't she?

I have been having the crankiest Monday - was out of town for the weekend, got home late last night, and feeling overwhelmed at home and at school. I know I was terribly cranky to my students today but I swear they were after my last nerve!!! But to come home and find this package really cheered me up. It's so nice to think some sweet person out there picked these things out thinking of me :)

So I guess I also owe a WIP - I cast on some malabrigo I had been saving for the cute little Foliage hat from the latest Knitty. It has just been waiting to be something special like this.
And some self-indulgence this weekend. A visit to two not-so-LYS in Calgary - picked up some koigu at Pudding Yarns (the only place I have ever seen koigu in person so really I felt obligated) and some Trekking in a colorway that just called to me at Make1Yarns. Make1 is my usual haunt when I go to Calgary. It was my first time at Pudding Yarns and it really is a cute little shop!

Too tied to knit?

2007-09-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

I know - hard to believe. But ever since school started I have been exhausted just trying to keep up with things at work and at home. My new school is almost an hour commute each way which means getting up at 5:30 in the morning - which would not be so bad if I wasn't getting up 2-3 times a night for my little munchkin who is laso still adjusting to our new routine of early mornings.
Add to that the fact that my DH has been out of town this week.

So at the end of the day, after getting home, having dinner, and putting my munchkin to bed, I briefly ponder knitting, and then collapse into bed - sore and exhausted from my long and crazy day.

Okay, whine-fest is over. I will try to post pics this weekend of some of my WIPs and one FO that needs to be felted. Until then all you (zero) blog readers will have to wait ;)

Smitten with my mittens

2007-08-30T12:15:00.001-07:00

So they are done and totally awesome. Of course, it's 28 degrees Celsius out today so probably not suitable mitten weather. Now I am on a total mitten kick and want to keep knitting mittens - for EVERYONE!

But alas I shall return to to gift knitting, autumn birthdays (SIL, MIL, and FIL) are all sneaking up fast so I better get a move on!

Yay progress!!

2007-08-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

A cute little ipod cozy knit with some leftover handpainted merino - so pretty I think I will need to make another one. Sorry about the sideways pic - too lazy to flip it.
Peekaboo mittens from Magknits. I have been dying to make these up and the short little camping trip we took this weekend gave me the perfect opportunity to kick start them. I could not bring any gift knitting since most the the gift recipients were coming with me so instead I brought stuff for ME!!! This colorway makes me want to sing - so bring and happy - can't wait to wear these come winter. The yarn is one lonely skein of 100purewool I have had sitting around for awhile - the softest merino - actually very similar to malabrigo.
Also finished up around the campfire is this cute little Maple Seed Hat. I can't remember where the pattern came from but it is lovely and a very quick knit. I made it for myself but it turned out too small. However, it looks adorable on my dd so it shall be hers! I will have to make another one for me. The yarn is worsted weight Misti Alpaca baby alpaca in the cinnamon colorway.

Secret Pal Contest #2

2007-08-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?

a good project bag - perfectly sized for the project with an accessory pouch or pockets for keeping odds and ends

2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? If so, how much and what type of project?

Absolutely, I always take at least one sock project, one larger project to make progress on, and depending on how much car travel time usually one more small project that I try to start and finish on the trip for a sense of accomplishment.

3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot? I have travelled to California, Mexico, and various parts of Western Canada - never been out east yet but would like to someday soon. My favorite spot is still the good ole Rocky Mountains - beautiful and serene - could not ask for a better place to knit.

4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it? My favorite book that i currently own is One Skein - so many projects I want to tackle in it. The other favorite I am lusting after is the IK Favorite Socks book - just the pictures are like sock pron to me ;)

5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)? yes, my current favorites are Stash and Burn and She-knits.

6. If you could only knit with 1 color for the rest of your life, what color would that be? RED!

7. If you were far into a project and then noticed a mistake near the beginning what would you do? Frog it back and start again. I have tried just continuing to work forward but it always just ended up bugging me so much I had to frog it anyway (and then ended up having to frog more) :(

8. Where is the most unsual spot you've ever knit? In front of the campfire (with my trusty headlamp).

A few new goodies

2007-08-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well I was aimlessly wandering through Michaels the other day and found this new shipment of knitting bags/project bags, etc. And very reasonably priced, too. So I had to snag one of course to try out, and I think I will be back for more. I like being able to see the yarn inside and this bag also has grommets on both ends for feeding the yarn through which I think will be perfect for working from two separate balls of yarn. Can't wait to try it out! (The project inside is the very early beginnings of the Tilted Duster from the most recent issue of IK)
Also got some blue sky alpaca cotton that I ordered from the Knit2purl2 store closing sale. I THOUGHT I had also snagged enough malabrigo for a sweater project and some lion and lamb for clapotis but, alas, they were actually sold out. So while I am happy I did not spend that money, a part of me mourns the loss of my great yarn bargains. Oh well.

I just entered a contest from the She-Knits podcast - would be totally cool to win the prize of one of her bag kits - her bags are sooooo drool-worthy - I especially love that sunflower one. And her podcast is pretty good, too. You can check out the contest here.

Some more gift knitting and a sock

2007-08-14T19:02:00.001-07:00

First a lace project - Branching Out from Knitty - in Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool for my MIL for her birthday (or maybe Christmas) - undecided as of yet. Very pretty even unblocked.

And then some Tofutsies knit into a spiral eyelet pattern (my reincarnated Flicker sock that had to be frogged). This is my first sock on magic loop and I have to say I do like it. I think the sharp, metal tips will be much better for doing the lace sock patterns, but I will not abandon my DPNs. Those I will probably save for my plainer socks. Oh, and yes, the colors are pooling terribly but I don't care - I just need to finish some socks. It's been far too long.

Secret Pal 11 Questionaire

2007-08-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

LOVE
Malabrigo, Lorna's Laces, Koigu, Blue Sky Alpaca, Misti Alpaca, most merino, cascade 220, Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran

HATE
mohair and itchy wools or acrylics

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Ummm...my WIPs? Just joking.
Have my straights in a vase, DPNs/crochet hooks in a Della Q silk case and a Namaste hard needle case, and my circs in a Knitpicks binder

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

Knitting for about two years - self taught out of a book. I consider myself to be about an intermediate - have done socks, small sweaters, some lace, and cables - but no colorwork yet.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes, but it's on Amazon.ca

5. What's your favorite scent?

fruity, citrusy scents

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Anything chocolate (drool)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I crochet and sew.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

My music tastes are eclectic so may be safer to avoid this one.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

LOVE red - not a big fan of orange.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Have a young daughter who spends her days tormenting our small dog.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes, yes, yes, and depends in the poncho.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks, and just about anything that has a unique design, not too fussy, clean and classic styling, and preferably minimal seaming.

13. What are you knitting right now?

see blog

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Absolutely!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Metal circs (knitpicks or Addis) and bamboo or ebony DPNs

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes and yes

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Almost a year but really it is just awaiting a good frogging

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Ummm, does handpainted sock yarn count? oh and knitting bags, too.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I subscribe to IK but would not mind getting some back issues as I have only recently started reading and purchasing them.

Other things on my wish list include:

A good sock knitting book of patterns (IK Favorite Socks, Sensational Knitted Socks, etc)
kacha-kacha row counter that locks and can hang around your neck - have not found one yet
Handmaiden sea silk
lace Addi's to try

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Would like to try more felting projects

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes, I wear a ladies size 7 shoe - foot lenth is approx 9" heel to toe.

23. When is your birthday?

June 28

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

yes, My ID is Purlybird

One of a few WIP's

2007-08-09T19:54:00.001-07:00

I have a few others on the needles right now but here is a pic of just one of them. It is Argosy from Winter 06 Knitty - made with some Patons SWS. I actually like how it's working up and the yarn gives a nice halo effect. Not my favorite yarn to work with but it does look pretty. I know this yarn has gotten some mixed reviews so it will be interesting to see how it holds up.

I am also currently working on some socks from Tofutsies and some Fibretrends felted clogs for a birthday gift.

Buzz Lightyear and Bear have a serious discussion

2007-08-05T19:33:00.001-07:00

about current WIPs.

So I looked over tonight and somehow they had both been placed on the shelf and looked like this. I swear they were not posed like this on purpose - so of course my DH had to take a pic.

Anyhoo - just an update that I have been on Ravelry for about a month now but am ashamed to admit that I have just not had the time to really take advantage of all it's great features. The good news is I am making a lot of progress on my gift knitting (both for upcoming birthdays and Christmas). My munchkin is transitioning to a big bed out of the crib so I have been spending many, many nights at her bedside knitting her to sleep. Ah well - could be worse right ;)

Another FO

2007-08-01T20:36:00.001-07:00

Vestee
Originally uploaded by Purlybird

The color is really off in this photo - it is really more of a soft purple-blue. I really liked this pattern and this yarn. I am planning on making another Vestee soon - with a varietgated this time to see how it shows up in this stitch pattern.

I like how this pattern had a simple stitch pattern to memorize but not boring stockinette - and it worked up really fast.

First in a few FO's

2007-08-01T20:33:00.001-07:00

Nakiska
Originally uploaded by Purlybird

A birthday present for my SIL - in October - a cute little headband. I plan on including some knitted dishcloths, too - she has requested these in the past.

Wheee - vacation and birthday yarn!!!

2007-07-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Holy cow this past week has been amazing. I kicked off our vacation with the summer solstice sale at Make1 Yarns - hubby even bought me a $50 GC as part of my birthday present to give me a head start on the enabling (like I needed any help). So here is some pictures of my haul:
Some lonely skeins I got for a whopping 50% off including
Lorna's Laces fisherman's wool in mixed berries
RY Cashsoft aran (to make Nakiska for my SIL)
Regia silk in black
malabrigo in a gorgeous blue/black (will be mittens)
Blue Sky Alpaca organic cotton in soft purple (to become a baby bolero from One Skein)

Some Schaefer Anne and Schaefer Lola at 20% off.
And a most luscious skein of Scheafer Esperanza in the Indira Ghandi colorway (at 50% off!!). I had to knit it up right away into a cuddly wrap - feather and fan pattern.

I also arrived home to the Knitpicks order I had made for my first real sweater project. I also threw in some memories sock yarn to try and a set of needles to try magic loop for socks.
I think I will try making Viveka with the Wool of the Andes in Iron Ore or maybe the Orgami Cardi from this summer's IK - undecided so far.

Here is the knitting progress I made during my vacation. In addition to the Esperanza wrap, I also
finished a sock and a half for my hubby
made some progress on my Tofutsies flicker sock
front and back and part of both sleeves done on Vestee
And a good start on my Chevron scarf. I used one skein of STR in the Carbon dating colorway (that refused to be Jaywalkers) and one skien of Zen Strings Lotustoes in the Cherry Mocha Java colorway. I LOVE the combination - the blues with the browns (some burgundy and purples and grey thrown in) are marvelous - very ME!!

It's been a great vacation and birthday and so now I must settle into my yarn diet!!

Yarn sale - uh oh......

2007-06-15T15:41:00.001-07:00

Okay so I told myself I would be on a yarn diet until June 24 when I leave on holidays (and also happens to be my birthday week) - double the excuse to go on a yarn buying binge when my not-so-LYS will be having its annual summer solstice sale.

But then knitpicks AND my LYS decide to have sales and well you see the damage done (my KP order is on it's way). I picked up some WofA from KP to try my first big person sweater. I have made many baby sweaters but have not yet tried one for myself so I am really looking forward to this - and decided the $1.59/ball price tag meant it would be okay if it wasn't a stellar result.

Above are four balls of Lily Chin Chelsea (3 green/1pink) which I LOVE for summer tops, and four balls of Regia. I have never tried Regia but have heard good things and at less than 5 bucks a ball I picked up enough for two pairs of socks.

I also picked up a nifty little sock project bag. I love because it's got a cute pattern but is still clear so I can see what's in it - and it comes with a little matching accessory pouch.
I cast on some Tofutsies with my new Lantern Moon sox stix and I have to say I love both! It is the Cookie A pattern Flicker. PURTY!
Here is a pair of socks I cast on for my DH out of the grey Regia - he prefers solid colors and with all the handpainted stuff I am normally drawn to - this is the first sock yarn he actually said he might wear socks from! It is a modified version of the Thuja pattern from Knitty. I made the DPN stitch holders myself - cute eh?!

Wowee! TGIF indeed!!

2007-06-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

Look what wonderful goodies came for me on Friday! Some wonderful surpises from my HSKS partner including:

- a beautiful skein of Ravenclaw yarn from Cosmic fibers
- the most creative little knit bag that I love!!
- two awesome sock patterns from Cookie A.
- scumptious chocolate treats (love the koala and platypus!!)
- some adorable stitch markers
- and the OMG!!! rosewood Lantern Sox Stix (which already have some socks on them!)

Everything came carefullu wrapped in Ravenclaw themed blue tissue paper with silver stars. I can't tell you what amazing care and attention my swap partner put into this package and it all came from Australia. What a cool swap - I definitely think I will be signing up for the next one.
On a side note, I also got some Koigu and Mountain Colors Bearfoot in the mail that I bought off someone destashing. Never tried koigu so I am excited and the Bearfoot colorway is absolutely ME!!

Long overdue update

2007-06-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry, life has been chaotic and my laptop was struck down with several viruses that have taken some time for DH to undo.

Meanwhile, a few new projects on the needles and a few things on frog pond...I started the fluffy bolero from Erika Knight's Simple Knits for Little Cherubs. I am making it out of some stash yarn that I got at a boxing day sale last year - Philar eponge. I must say I love the soft, cushy feel of the fabric when knit up but it really is not that much fun to knit with :( Still I think it will make an adorable bolero for my little munchkin.
Vestee from Knitty - made with Lionbrand Cottonease in Lake. So far I have finished the front and back panel. I think I will be making many more children's garments with this yarn. It knits up well and will hold up well to wash and wear. There is also a nice selection of colors.

I have frogged my STR Jaywalkers for the last time - the colors started to pool terribly after I finished the decreases for the foot - so they are currently on a time out until I decide what to do with this yarn. They are diabolically opposed to becoming Jaywalkers.

I also frogged my clapotis for the third time - I keep making a mistake in the increase section. I have now printed a spreadsheet that should hopefully help me with my stitch counts. This I will tackle again when I am ready.
Also snagged an amazing deal on some books at amazon! Got all of these for $27 including shipping to Canada!!! They were some sort of special package deal and I am sooooooo happy. I have wanted LMKG for ages and keep renewing it from the library. I also love the pictures and projects from the other two and cannot believe I was able to snag these at such a great price.

My HSKS swap kit is all ready to go EXCEPT that the sock yarn I bought is on backorder. I am going to wait another week before possibly just trying to find some at a LYS.

Another trivia question

2007-05-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Trivia - May 27 through June 2

Who are the two people speaking in this quote and what book is it from? 5 House Points to those who post the correct answer to their blogs.

"I'm not trying to say what she did was sensible. I'm just trying to make you see how she was feeling at the time."

"You should write a book, translating mad things girls do so boys can understand them."

Hermione and Ron - it's from the Order Of The Phoenix

Some knitting progress...

2007-05-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

Almost done my first jaywalker - after several false starts (problems with color pooling and gauge). I also got some cool stitch holders off etsy that do a great job keeping the stitches from sliding off my WIP when it is in my knitting bag. While my stitches are not prone to jumping off the needles themselves, I thought these would be good to safeguard against repeat performances of the time my dd pulled two dpns out of a (almost complete) sock-in-progress.

I got some malabrigo to knit my dh a hat - it is actually the first thing I have ever knit for him. He is picky and I wanted to make him something that I knew he would use and like. It is soft and snuggly and boring and plain - just like him ;)

Oh and I also finished the feather and fan stole out of the Artyarns regal silk for Mother's Day but forgot to take a pic before giving it to my mom. I am really happy with how it turned out, and I really loved working with the silk.

More Hogwarts Trivia

2007-05-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Trivia

1. Who is the Fat Lady's friend?
- Violet

2. When the Fat Lady was attacked by Sirius Black and fled her portrait, who took over for her as guard of Gryffindor Tower?

Sir Cadogan

3. Usually when Harry is in Dumbledore's office, what are the portraits of previous headmasters doing?

- Snoozing

4. Which one of the Triwizard champions did not go to the World Cup?

- Fleur Delacour

5. Who did Harry give his Triwizard winnings to?

- Fred and George Weasley

The next two are anagrams. Rearrange the letters to get the correct words.
6. Minerva McGonagall

7. Oliver Wood

8. What author's name appears on the book "Quidditch Through the Ages"?

- Kennilworthy Whisp

9. What does the Keeper do in a game of Quidditch?

- Guards the goal

10. In the Goblet of Fire why did the Mad Eye Moody imposter put Harry's name in the goblet?

- He wanted Harry to win the tournament

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Find these pictures and either post the pictures on your blog or links that will take us to those pictures.

- Dobby holding his sock from Harry
- Cho Chang and Harry's first kiss
- Viktor Krum and Hermione at the dance
- Mad Eye Moody

Okay, pictures like I promised

2007-05-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

First some knitklips - can't wait to try these - but first I need a project that actually requires seaming. I normally avoid anything with seams but I am hoping these little gadgets will make seaming a little more tolerable.

Beside that is two skeins of merino wool laceweight. One in a green semisolid and the other in soft variegated blues, greens, lilacs, yellows - just enchantingly beautiful. I think the green will become a leaf lace shawl - not sure about the other one yet.

Next is some impulse buying from the Knit Happens sale - which I must say from their poor customer service that no sale prices will ever tempt me to shop there again.
My order shipped one FULL month after I paid for it and I recieved no response to my email inquiries. I had to call them to finally get information on my order status. Very disappointing.

The yarn: Debbie Bliss cotton dk in yellow; Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran in peach; Kaalund Expressions mohair laceweight in anemone (the picture does not do this colorway justice - it is so delectable).

HSKS Trivia

2007-05-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Trivia #1What's the name of this potion?This potion has the colour of molten gold, and while exposed to the air, large drops will leap like goldfish above the surface without spilling.

The Mary Sue potion

Trivia #2Which book is this line from?"Harry and Cho were now too embarrassed to look at each other, let alone talk to each other; what if Ron and Hermione started going out together, then split up? Could their friendship survive it? Harry remembered the few weeks when they had not been talking to each other in third year; he had not enjoyed trying to bridge the distance between them. And then, what if they didn't split up? What if they became like Bill and Fleur, and it became excrutiatingly embarrassing to be in their presence, so that he was shut out for good?"

The Half-Blood Prince.

Trivia #3Who utters these words?"Oh I am glad I'm not on duty. I wouldn't fancy having to go and tell the Irish they've got to stop celebrating."

Arthur Weasley

Tons of new yarn goodies...

2007-05-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

but have not had time to sit down and post pictures yet.

Mother's Day was very nice. DH and DD got me a much coveted ball winder and subscription to Interweave Knits. I am very excited to get my first issue and wind my first ball of yarn.

Like I said I have been so busy the last week I have barley even had time to knit.

Will try to come back tomorrow with a more thorough, picture laden post.

Yummy yarn sundae and crafty goodness

2007-05-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well inspired by all the purty Zen Strings yarn I have - I assembled this tasty yarn sundae...mmmmmmm.....looks good enough to eat - um, I mean knit.

Following this creative inspiration, I made this cute little sock needle sleeve holder for my HSKS partner (yes, that first picture is upside down).

Could this be coming to you??? ;)

It's nice and compact and I think I will make one for myself next. It can hold up to four pairs of sock needles and would be great to keep in my sock knitting bag.

Owie - that was my knitting finger!

2007-05-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

Well, we spent the weekend putting in laminate flooring and well - let me tell you the splintered edges on those things are mighty sharp! I sliced open two of my fingers on my right hand (index and middle) - still hurts to put pressure on them so I am typing with my ring finger.

I can knit (thank goodness!!) but it can get awkward when the yarn wraps around the band aid.

Anyways, I have been busy finishing up my silk shawl for Mother's Day. I frogged and re-started my STR Jaywalker AGAIN!!! And I have been busy plotting stuff for my Harry Potter Sock Kit Swap partner. I have already chosen the yarn and the pattern for the bag. I will start on the bag as soon as the shawl is finished - so next week. I still have to settle on a a sock yarn and order some knitting goodies - so much yarny goodness, so little time!

I'll start my yarn diet right after this...

2007-05-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

More yarn pron arrived today. I ordered these awhile back through a coop and some great prices. This is all from Zen Strings - (from left to right) patchouli in worsted BFL, autumnal rainbow in dk weight, and two skeins of lotustoes sock yarn: naiad and cherry mocha java.

The colors are beautiful and the yarn is soft and squishy - can't wait to knit it up - right now the cherry mocha java is calling to me....

Oh and that jaywalker in STR I showed you progress on a few days ago had to be frogged :( It was too small - I did not realized how "un-stretchy" this pattern was - so I am starting again - good thing the STR frogs well and is still really nice to knit with.

HSKS trivia question #2

2007-04-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

"You will have your reward, Wormtail. I will allow you to perform an essential task for me, one that many of my followers would give their right hands to perform..." Who is speaking? 5 House Points Awarded

Easy peasy - Voldemort is foreshadowing Wormtail's - er - "handy" sacrifice

HSKS questionnaire - and so it begins...

2007-04-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?

Ravenclaw

2. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.

Lantern Moon

Brittany birch

Crystal Palace

I like 5" or 6" lengths in U.S. 1, 2 or 3's for socks

3. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?

want to try out how the Lantern Moon 5" sox stix are (U.S. #2) or the new Addi lace needles for magic looping (40" in U.S. #2)

4. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?

no strong preference as long as its purty

5. If your pal decides to send candies or chocolates are there any that you don't like?

prefer chocolate - do not really like hard candies.

6. What are your favorite scents?

fruity, citrus scents - no vanilla or flowery scents please

7. Do you have any allergies?

cats (quite severely actually) - one swap I got some yarn that made me tear up and sneeze everytime I worked with it - until I figured out that she had a cat!

Knitting progress...

2007-04-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

I was able to make really good progress on my Jaywalkers on Friday when I spent most of my day supervising exams - this allowed me to knit for close to 5 hours - and get paid for it! Just need to finish the foot and toe - then on to the next sock. While I love the feel of the fabric, I do find the STR to be quite thick - and this is just the lightweight. We'll have to see how it feels on the foot.

I also started my Artyarns Regal Silk into a scarf/stole in a basic feather and fan lace pattern. This yarn is so dreamy soft and drapey - perfect for wrapping up in. Loving the how the colorway is working up.

And finally - my one skein shawl is
complete - TA DA! Here it is being
blocked. It is my first time blocking lace and I do think I need to purchase some blocking wires or get DH to build me a frame for future lace projects.

HSKS trivia question - guess???

2007-04-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

"There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!" "You are quite wrong. Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness." Who are the two people in this conversations? 5 House Points Awarded

I would have to guess this is a conversation between Dumbledore and Voldemort? - it has been awhile since I have read these books - maybe time to go back and brush up....

Yarn fairy came today...

2007-04-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

With some new acquisitions from Sarah's Yarns - great prices and crazy fast shipping!

Two skeins of Artyarns Regal silk in colorway 123 - gorgeous blues, greens and purples, reminds me of the ocean - destined to be a scarf or lacy shawl.

Two skeins of Jaggerspun Zephyr in the "curry" - a warm, golden tan colour. This is destined to become Icarus.

In case you haven't noticed I am currently obsessed with shawls.

Current WIPs

2007-04-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

My currently active WIPs include

Katja - a halter top from Knitty for my littel girl knit from Lily Chin Chelsea. I am currently working the I-cord straps, and then will be working the rest of the body in the round. I am hoping this will be a quick knit in time for her to wear this summer.

One skein shawl from Knitters Review forum. I am making it out of Misti Alpaca baby alpaca (cinnamon colorway). It is very soft and has a beautiful drape - it is a mother's day gift for my mom - I should be able to finish on time - I hope....

Clapotis from Knitty of course. I have been bit by the bug. It is in Knitpicks Andean Silk Twist in the Dapper colorway. The yarn was on sale so I just had to try it out. I just started and it is on the back burner right now - but is a fun knit to distract me when I get bored of the other stuff

Jaywalkers - from magknits. Socks That Rock in the Carbon Dating colorway. I love the colors and the feel of the yarn knit up - I can see now why STR is so addictive.

In the frog pile - two false starts on my mother's day gift:
a feather and fan lace shawl and the lacy kerchief wrap from the Holiday issue of IK - they just were not knitting up fast enough for me to get done in time. But I do already have other plans for the yarn ;)

New Swap!!! Yippee!

2007-04-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

..combining two of my favorite things no less - knitting socks and Harry Potter!!

Check out the link to the Harry Potter Sock Kit Swap site - very cool!!! I got sorted into the House of Ravenclaw - actually not that surprising - I always thought that would be where I would fit best.

Cranky baby + yogurt raisins + yarn store = bad combination

2007-04-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

I felt that my yarn store adventure today would be a worthy first entry in my blog.

I needed some size 1 needles to start my Jaywalkers so I thought I would just pop into my LYS to pick some up (after trying some 5" Brittany birch needles, I just had to get more).

Of course when I discovered their recent shipment of Fleece Artist I just had to browse - but my cranky, teething munchkin had other ideas. So ignoring the teeny voice that told me I should just pay for the needles and go, I decided to bribe her with some yogurt raisins I had with me. And when she decided she had to hold the bag, being distracted by all the yummy fibre, I let her - and lo and behold I turned around to discover yogurt raisins poured all over the floor.

So now I was scrambling to pick up all these raisins before they got squished into the carpet, prying the ones out of my munchkin's mouth that she had picked up off the floor, trying to get her to stop screaming in protest at having her treats confiscated - all while trying to retain what little composure I had left.

Fortunately the store owner and other customers were very nice about it and found my little munchkin cute enough to forgive her atrocious behavior - as well as her mother's temporarily impaired judgement - I blame it on "yarn madness".

For putting the store owner through all that drama I felt obligated to pick up a skein of the Fleece Artist sock yarn and two sets of needles ;)