Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Spinning

I am so new to this spinning thing and I must admit that I have gotten a bit frustrated at times.

But so far, I've found that I have taken a wrong approach about learning to do this right.  First of all, I was looking for sub-standard roving to practice with. I found out now, that that is a big mistake!

I've been struggling to spin a consistent yarn with some really bad roving. This morning I bit the bullet and told myself to try the super soft alpaca.  OMG ~ What a difference!

I'm not spinning a perfect yarn yet, but boy-oh-boy... this is so much easier to work with!

Take a peek at what I've spun this morning:

Not bad, if I do say so myself!

So now it is starting to make sense to me and I'm getting into the groove and rhythym. 

My first advise to a new spinner - don't work with low grade roving... it will only mess you up!

Happy Knitting!  (or spinning!)

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Getting Organized

Yesterday I spent the day trying to get organized. The key word is trying, but I do feel I've made some progress.

Let me first say that we are in year 7 of a total home make over.  We are slowly putting the house back together after spending the first few years tearing it apart, but the living room is not one of the rooms that has been put back together yet.

And the living room is where I spend most of my time knitting.  I found myself putting yarn here and there in baskets and being unable to find the colors I needed.  I put my needles in a tupperware container and would find only one of the size I was looking for. 

So, yesterday, I put together a cubie, made a needle organizer and claimed a corner of the living room as my territory.  I'm sure it will look better once we get some spackle and paint on the walls!






I also set up a packing/mailing station in the garage.  I had one upstairs in the spare bedroom, but guess what?...  We are finally starting to work up there, so I had to move it.  Horray for starting another room!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Flower Power

Brand new and one of my favorites!

This sweet felted wool bowl is super fun!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ It's here!

Happy Birthday to me!!  I got my spinning  wheel! 

Now I need to practice, practice, practice.......


Let the spinning begin!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Blue Heather Bobble Neckwarmer

I woke up to 33 degrees this morning.  Winter is going to come fast and summer is behind us already.  Last weekend I cleaned out what was left of the garden and I hope to plant some more bulbs for spring flowers this week.

So, it is time to start thinking about keeping warm this winter.  And what better way to stay snuggly than with this soft blue heather handknit neckwarmer.  Kind of classic, kind of hip... a great accessory either way!



Visit valeriesgallery.etsy.com for more fun neckwarmers.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Autumn Leaves

I'm so excited to share my newest felted wool bowl with autumn leaves needlefelted in the center.

I hope you like it as well!




Fall is one of my most favorite time of year.  I think it may be because of the gorgeous colors!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Red Triple Cabled Scarf

Everyone needs a classic red scarf.  It just isn't winter without one!

I finally finished knitting up this super soft triple cabled scarf in 50% alpaca / 50% merino wool.   I will admit that it took awhile.  It was one of the projects that gets set aside and picked up again, over and over again.
But I made myself sit down and finish it yesterday and I'm so very glad I did. 

It is a long flowing scarf with a great drape and is just so cuddly and warm.




Happy Knitting!

Till next week.....

Thursday, October 7, 2010

My Very First HandSpun

Last night I spent the evening with Chris who patiently showed me how to spin.

I'm definately spinning too tight and need to practice more, but I think I have found a new obsession!  I love the soothing rhythm of the wheel and the fiber flowing through my fingers.

I've ordered a wheel and hope that it comes soon as I can't wait to get practicing!


Sunday, October 3, 2010

I am in shock and just need to shout out!

I can't believe that my little booth won the Judge's Choice at the Harvest of the Arts Festival in Lowville this weekend!  I was in total shock when they presented the blue ribbon to me.  I am grinning ear to ear tonight!





I am speachless... which is quite rare!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Cables and Knots

Last week I bought Viking Patterns For Knitting by Elsebeth Lavold and I have been intrigued ever since.  This has got to be the most intricate cable pattern collection ever.  So I'm off to challenge myself and hopefully make some incredible scarves and hats!


I have been wanting to learn to make horizontal cables for quite some time and I finally found a couple in this book.  They are more like curlyques than cables, but I love them!

I made a swatch that I am super excited about.  Perhaps a bit more excited than I should be (based on Daryl's eyeroll when I excitedly showed him this):

I'm off to the second day of the Harvest Festival of the Arts in Lowville today, but I have a full weekend coming up that is just knitting!  (well, perhaps a bit of cleaning too, but mostly knitting only!)

Until next week, keep you needles clicking!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Festival of the Arts - Lowville NY

Day one of the Festival of the Arts was fantastic!  I am thrilled to be one of the artists at this event.  The weather is cooperating after a week of rain and the turn out on Saturday has been great.

The kids have their own art barn to create masterpieces and make kites.  The lawn was filled with young avaitors flying their kites. 




The artists are in barn that I consider the Hilton Hotel for Horses.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Each artist has a stall to themselves and although we joke about being in jail, it is a very, very cool spot.





I'm having the time of my life demonstrating my work and talking to all the great folks stopping in my stall. Although it was a bit chilly, I can't wait to go back tomorrow.