What a difference a yarn can make!

I'm constantly being amazed by you guys!  It makes me so happy to see what you are doing with my designs and what you are coming up with.  Last week I was scrolling through my feed on Ravelry and spotted BlissKnitters Windbranch that she knitted up in Noro Silk Garden Light.  Check out her project page for more details.  I hadn't really thought about using a self striping yarn on this hat, and I'm so impressed with how it turned out!  It just goes to show how changing yarn can give a whole new look to a design.

One of the many things that I love about yarn is how similar to painting or coloring it can be.  The hand painted variegated skeins are my absolute favorite because they tend to knit up like a soft abstract painting.  Each skein is a little work of art and always have a bit of a surprise when I knit with them.

Happy Knitting!

2015 was a little bit of the year of suck, and when 2016 finally came around, I was ecstatic for a new beginning.  Last year Andy wound up changing jobs twice within a very short period of time.  One is stressful enough (the first one wasn't by choice, the company he worked for was sold), but compounding that with a second change to a brand new company, which has turned out to be a change for the better overall,  added a little bit of a strain to our daily lives for the first few months he was there.  In the midst of the job changes we found out that Andy's dad has cancer and then a short time later that his mom also has cancer.  They have both had surgery and seem to be doing as well as can be expected.  His dad is just finishing up his radiation and we are hoping for the best.

I had talked to my grandmother at Christmas and knew she wasn't doing well.  I tried to prepare myself for what was inevitable, but her death still came as a great shock and I am still recovering from it.  She was such an influential part of my life that it's strange to think of her not being here anymore.  I feel really lucky that I knew her for so long and know that most people don't have their grandparents when they reach midlife. 

The day after my grandma passed away, Jasper our rescue pug, was scheduled for surgery to remove his anal glands.  I considered rescheduling the surgery because of the timing, but his glands had been leaking multiple times a day and really needed to be taken care of.  We had tried every other option that our vet offered before choosing to have them removed.  The surgery seemed to go well, but then there were complications.  Jasper wound up being allergic to the antibiotic the vet gave him which caused projectile dirarreah that was like something from a nightmare.  His stitches blew out on both sides, the diarrhea lasted for two weeks, then suddenly he couldn't go to the bathroom properly.  We rushed him to the on call vet who did an exam and x-rays.  She sent us home with advice to give him probiotics and an anti inflammatory medication.  He condition got worse and I brought him back to see the vet who did the surgery.  She found a stricture from the surgery which is a scarring that gets progressively tighter over time. She said she wasn't going to do surgery on it again because it wouldn't help and to just bring him in once a month and have it stretched and to feed him Metamucil and stool softeners for the next six months. Yes, six freaking months of watching our poor dog try to go to the bathroom with extreme pain.  I decided to take matters into my own hands and started researching rectal strictures, which can be corrected with a procedure called Balloon Dilation.  On the recommendation of our pet sitter who is a vet tech I called another vet in the area who thankfully talked to me on the phone and asked to see Jasper.  While he was in the process of trying to locate a larger dilator than what was available here, Jaspers butt completely closed up.  We wound up going in for emergency surgery last Friday with the possibility of taking Jasper to VA Tech for additional surgery on Monday.  Thankfully the vet was able to remove the strictures and stretch things out a bit which means Jasper is comfortable and so far doesn't have to go to Tech.  Our new vet is very hopeful that this will be a long term fix. 

There is a lot more to the Jasper story and what has been going on in my personal life, but it's really too much to write about publicly.  I wanted to share with you why I haven't been posting as often and haven't been on social media as often as I usually am.  Of course I'm still designing and have a new hat pattern that was released last week: Windbranch.  If you have a chance, please check it out.  It's an easy knit and works up quickly and the pattern is only $2.99!  I have a few releases planned for early spring - just in time for fiber festival season!

I am taking a temporary break from making bags for Michelle's aka Berry Colorful Yarnings, clubs, but she does have a couple of bag makers who are filling in.  Michelle has been really supportive with everything that has been going on, and I really appreciate it :)

Flu

Last Monday I was minding my own business and went to the doctor for some routine blood work.  I started to feel a little tired on Wednesday and by Thursday morning there was no way I was getting out of bed.  Coughing, fever and feeling like I had been hit by a truck.  I figured it was just a little bug and took some Dayquil and Nyquil.  By Saturday I was not improving so Andy hauled me back to the doctor (can you see the irony here?) where I found out that I had the flu.  Five days of Tamiflu and lot's of rest has me almost back to normal.  I normally don't go to the doctor when I first get sick as usually I get better fairly quickly.  This has been a huge learning experience and I have to say that if you are not feeling well and it's flu season, don't wait.  I could have been feeling much better sooner if I gone in when I first started feeling ill.

Now, on to much more fun stuff!  Today I released Frost in Bloom - The Hat.  It's introductory priced at $3.50 until February 1 in my Ravelry shop.  Shown here in Indieway Yarns First String in the Delicate Pastels colorway. I've also updated the Frost in Bloom infinity scarf pattern with new formatting and my logo. 

The handspun sweater that I had posted about last time is nearly done.  I'm so excited about it!  It fits me really well and I love how it kind of stripes in the center.  The fleece that I used was from a Jacob sheep which are multicolored.  It's a little difficult to blend the colors together evenly when processing fleece by hand so some of the skeins that I spun are darker or lighter and have a cool striping effect.  I think I was pretty lucky with where the darker stripe is. It sort of looks like it was intended that way and gives a slimming illusion in the waist area. 

I knitted the button and neck band all in one piece, adding a bit of mitering where they join.  It still needs a final steam to smooth out the button band.  I'm heading out tomorrow in search of ribbon to line the inside of the button band with.  The buttons are so cute!  I had purchased two of them a couple of years ago from Melissa Jean while I was at MDSW.  I had no idea what I would use them for and when I laid them out on this sweater I knew they were perfect!  I went to her online shop and ordered more (thankfully she had them in stock) and they arrived yesterday.  There will be nine of them, which is why I need to line the button band. 

The First Clue from the Intersect MKAL went out today.  I can't wait to see everyone's projects!  If you have a chance pop on over to the Indieway Yarns group on Ravelry to see all the Intersect projects!

Intersect Mystery Kint Along

The Intersect Mystery Knit Along pattern is now available!  I'm so excited about the MYKAL, it's two fun filled patterns that are perfect for those of us who have been overwhelmed with holiday knitting and need a little something to sit back and relax with.  

Wendi has a thread going for the MKAL in the Indieway Yarns Group on Ravelry where you can join in on the fun and we can answer any questions that you may have.  

Intersect is specially priced until Jan 1 at $6.50 which includes both patterns for the MKAL, no coupon code is needed.

Here is a little information about the MKAL and the pattern:
 

Welcome to the Intersect Mystery Knit Along! Two effortless projects, clear instructions, six clues and a lot of fun along the way. Both patterns have been test knitted and tech edited to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience!

The first clue will be released on January 17th with a new clue being released every Friday for five consecutive weeks. Join us in the Indieway Yarns Group where you can post progress pictures and we can answer any questions you may have.

The clues are designed for those of us who have been wiped out from holiday cheer and want something fun and relaxing to knit.

What are the two projects? A hat and matching mitts. Why is this being disclosed? You may have thought it was supposed to be a secret… Well, Wendi and I felt that knitters would want to have an idea of what they were going to be knitting. It helps in choosing the color of the yarn, and this way you won’t be expecting an Estonian shawl or something of that nature.

Wendi from Indieway Yarns has generously offered a coupon code for $2 off per skein (may be applied to non–sale yarns) for the MKAL. Use it when ordering in her Etsy shop : https://www.etsy.com/shop/Indiewayarns?ref=si_shop For 1 skein: 1mystery For 2 skeins: 2mystery

Materials needed for the MKAL: 2 skeins of Indieway Yarns Best Worsted. The color used for the original design is Periwinkle. The pattern looks fab in tonal and semisolid colors, and also will work in variegated colorways as the pattern stitch will break up pooling that sometimes occurs.

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holder (optional), and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Needles:
Hat: US 5/3.75 mm 16” circular needle, US 6/4mm 16” circular needle and dpns, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Mitts: US 4/3.5 mm set of dpns or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge:
Hat: 22 sts X 28 rows = 4” blocked in stockinette.
Mitts: 20 sts X 32 rows = 4” blocked in stockinette.

Gauge is critical to the fit of both the hat and mitts. Be sure to take time to check your gauge.

Now all that is left to do is to choose a color for your hat and mitts.   Wendi sent me this fantastic shade of deep purple called Black Currant which I am in love with! I just took a peek in her shop and I don't see that colorway in there, but a little birdy told me that more Best Worsted is being added to the shop later on today, so be sure to check and see what colors she is adding.

 

A Festivus Fortherestivus

That's right, it's the time of year that many of us have been waiting for.  It's almost December 23 which means it's time for the Annual Airing of Grievances for Festivus! Since no one ever likes to go first in these things, I will start: 


To my mother who decided to tell my Grandmother she is putting her in a nursing home. Right. Before. Christmas. What is wrong with you? I can't comment further on this, because quite frankly I am infuriated. You couldn't wait a couple of weeks to do this?

To the person who brought the nut encrusted cookies of death into our home last year.  Do it this year, and it will be the last time you are invited over.  I really want to print out a copy of this article to give to you, but my sweet husband has asked me not to.

Share your Festivus grievance in the comments section by Thursday December 26 and be entered to win my new Intersect Mystery KAL pattern!

I will be talking more about the pattern the next couple of weeks here on my blog and in the Indieway Yarns group on Ravelry.  There will be a thread for the KAL in the Indieway group (it should be up today or tomorrow).  The KAL will consist of two patterns and six clues.  The first clue will be released on January 17th with a new clue coming out each Friday after that.  So, are you wondering what the patterns will be?  A very cute hat and matching mitts!  The samples that I did continually get compliments every time I wear them.  The test knitters have all been sending me pictures of the ones they have made and it's so much fun to see what they look like in other colors.  For the KAL you will need two skeins of Indieway's Best Worsted.  It's a really enjoyable yarn to knit with.  It has a great hand, shows stitch definition well, and best of all it wears well.  It's soft and warm, and I've worn the heck out of the mitt's and there are no signs of pilling. I hope you can join us for the KAL, the Indiway Group has a lot of great gal's in it and the KAL is going to be a lot fun!  

PS The pattern will be available for purchase on Ravelry beginning December 27. 

The Outer Limits

The Outer Limits has been released and is now available on Ravelry!  Shalimar Yarns will have kit's to make The Outer Limits at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival this weekend.  They will also be carrying the Oktoberfest, Ribbon Street Cowl and Frost in Bloom patterns along with the yarn's to make them. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by the booth.  Andy and I will be there and are really looking forward to meeting you.

 

The Outer Limits is a super fun knit and makes a great gift. Knit it in your school colors, favorite team colors or to coordinate with your winter coat. The pattern is addictive so you may find that you have knit a whole bunch of them and have your holiday knitting done ahead of time!

The pattern requires 210 yards of each color of Breathless. One skein of Breathless in each color will make two hats. You could make them identical, or reverse the colors on the second hat.

Laurie was so kind to test knit this pattern for me.  This is her adorable grand daughter who I think may have a future in modeling!

 My morning was full of surprises including an email from John Warley asking if he could write about me on his blog.  If you have a moment hop on over to his blog and check it out. I just finished his book, Bethesda's Child.  Not only is it a great read, but it has a surprise ending which I really enjoyed. I really think the blog post he wrote is to shame me into starting his socks and sending them to him.  There is nothing like calling a knitter out in public!

The Dance of Spider Lunacy

There is nothing I find more terrifying than a spider.  I love scary movies and can watch them by myself in the dark.  Want to go through a haunted house?  No problem, I'll go and will even go through them ahead of you if you don't like to go first.  Put a tiny eight legged monster within ten feet of me and I turn into a shrieking lunatic.  The larger the spider, the louder I scream.  So the other morning when I went outside and nearly walked into a web that was more than two feet across I completely panicked.  And when the spider that made the web scuttled onto it with it's creepy legs and bounded around in a threatening manner I nearly lost my shit had a hard time keeping it together.  I slammed the sliding door (this is possible, who knew?!) grabbed a broom and a can of wasp killer.  If it kills wasps, it should be good for other bugs, right?  The can also guaranteed to shoot from as far away as twenty feet.  Broom in my left hand and wasp killer in my right, I went onto the deck and fired away.  First lesson that should be learned, wasp killer does not work on spiders.  The second is when you spray an insect that can shoot a web out of it's behind it's not necessarily the best way to go.  I'm spraying away and the spider starts swinging back and forth on a new web from it's behind and it's getting closer and closer to me.  I spray more and more wasp spray now wishing that I had gone with my original idea of a can of hair spray and a lighter.  I am now trapped in a corner of the deck while the spider from hell is swaying closer and closer.  The can of wasp spray is nearly empty and there is a puddle of it under where the spiderweb is. When the spray runs out, the spider lands on the deck and starts creeping around.  I scream like a little girl and start beating the heck out of it with the broom.  I'm swearing and screaming and beating at something that can't be seen from a distance.  So of course one of the neighbors was outside and saw the Dance of Spider Lunacy.  Of course they saw because what I haven't mentioned was that I was also in my pajamas.  It doesn't get much better than this.

Now the spider has had an entire can of wasp spray on it and is now being beaten to death with a broom.  What is the worst possible thing that could happen and go wrong here?  Yes, that's right the spider got away.  He managed to scuttle between the deck boards and was then no where to be found.  I looked all over.  Andy looked when he came home.  We figured that the spider must have died and all would be well.  That would be the logical thing to think and obviously the best case scenario.  As luck would have it, this morning I went out to take a few pictures of The Outer Limits hat before I send one of them off to Kyle.  Not only is there a new web the size of Manhattan on the lilac bush, but now there is an even bigger one on top of the pergola.  It's so large that part of it is connected to the birch tree growing next to the pergola.  The spider was in it and I swear he was laughing at me.  I doubt they make more than one web so I think he must have invited his friends and now there is an entire colony of them living out there.  I am sure they are conspiring to attack us while we sit on the new patio in the dark.  Little do they know that tonight when Andy comes home, it's going to be our Take Back The Patio night.  I'm heading to Home Depot for some spider spray in a little while.  

 I kept feeling like they might be crawling on me or plotting revenge, but I was able to take a few pictures of The Outer Limits without being attacked by the spider. The one's on the left and right are in Breathless Blue Raspberry and Ore.  The one in the middle is Breathless Love Potion and Ore. It's a really fun pattern and one skein of each color can make two hats.  Laurie has been test knitting the pattern and should have a picture to share soon.

 

It is cold here today.

In case it goes back to being completely unreasonably warm for the rest of this winter I am attempting to wear as many hand knit items at one time as possible.  Yes, I am aware none of them match or are even from the same yarn. No, I don't care.  And I went out in public this way.  Muh huh huh!