What!?! A spinning wheel? Really???

Pretty soon a Babe's Production Double Treadle in white is going to be residing with us.

I'm pretty much in shock. Mike and I have wanted a spinning wheel for over a year now. I've read so many posts on Knitter's Review about the pros and cons of different wheels. We would love a Lendrum or a Fricke, but unfortunately that's just out of our price range right now. The Babe met all of our requirements: Affordable, double-treadle, comes with bobbins and a lazy kate, generally good reviews for being a wheel constructed with PVC pipes. I'm sure this will just be our first wheel, but...wow...a first wheel! Now, to make sure our actual spinning passion matches that of our wanting to spin passion.

Pictures as soon as it gets here!

The PinkLady Bag by Designs by Shelley in Lamb's Pride Worsted pre-felting

James Blunt CD included for scale and to show my new favorite CD. My closest friend, D, had me listen to this CD one night and I was instantly obsessed.

The Pink Lady Bag post felting

This is a hairy beast of a purse. The mohair in the Lamb's Pride fluffed out when I felted it. It looks like a little lamb. I'm in love with it!

Grumperina's Odessa in Knit Picks Andean Silk - Sangria.

This pattern was a joy to knit. I've never knit with beads before, but it was a blast and there is now hope for my previously cast aside beads.

I've been looking for a job for almost two weeks now. It's been difficult, but it has given me quite a bit of time to knit as I'm sure you can tell.

It's almost a sock

Sock in progress shot.
I'm winging this sock. Mike really likes the farrow rib pattern so, after much searching with no results, I decided I would have to do it myself. I cast on 72 sts and worked the farrow rib pattern down to the heel. I'm continuing the farrow rib pattern down the top of the foot.

Fair Isle Take One

Last night I decided that it was absolutely silly to continue being afraid of Fair Isle knitting...well, any colorwork basically.

I went to the Philosopher's Wool site and watched the video then took the pattern for the sample bag and changed it a bit and knit this hat. It was a great experience and I really can't wait to knit more Fair Isle patterns.

Silly life...getting in the way

The past few months have been difficult to say the least. It's been a struggle to find time and/or energy to knit. This is a knitting blog, so I won't bore you with all the details, but my marriage is not very stable at the moment. We're going to do the whole counseling thing and I really hope that it works out, but at this point it's very unsure.

However, I have been doing some knitting and here is pictoral proof.












From left to right: Ribbed scarf in Knit Picks Elegance - Fawn, My So Called Scarf in Yarn Bee Mosaic Twist - Blue Lagoon, and Farrow Rib Socks in Knit Picks Essentials - Fawn

I'm working on a rolled brim hat to go with the My So Called Scarf. I contemplated whether I wanted to do the hat that matches it, but I decided against it. Thank you to everyone who offered to send me the pattern though!

One of these things is not like the other...

(Taps playing in the background) You served me well for two pairs of socks and numerous sock starts. Little did we know that there was a weak spot in your middle that would snap at the most inopportune time. Thank you for holding yourself together just long enough for me to knit the stitches, the ones that clung perilously close to death, off and onto another needle. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You will be remember each time the Razor Shell Socks are worn. Farewell, my friend, my US2 Bryspun DPNs.

Edited to add that I might have raided the stash that I was planning on sending off to a friend and...well...took a set of bamboo US2 DPNs. It was a for a good cause though, I mean, come on! It's the Razor Shell Socks. That's quite a lovely reason to become a needle thief. Yeah, knitting has really increased my rationalization skills.

Update Post

WARNING: PICTURE HEAVY POST FOLLOWS!

Thanks, Gracie! It was such a joy to receive this package today. I was home sick all day and when the mail carrier knocked on the door and my husband brought this to me in bed...well...let's just say it was very welcome! It's gorgeous and I love the card. Thank you, thank you, thank you!


Pattern: Rib Tips Socks
Yarn: Cascade Fixation in Black
Needles: US 3 Bryspun DPNs

Mike is pretty happy to have these and is even gracious enough to ignore the honking ladder going down the side of his foot. I think I pulled too tightly at the join of the DPNs and stretched the Fixation out too much. Lesson learned. Pattern: Cozy
Yarn: Joseph Galler's Peruvian Tweed bought at Yarns and Fabrications the newest LYS in my area. If you live slightly north of Cincinnati or slightly south of Dayton you have to check out Yarns and Fabrications. It's small right now, but I'm sure they're going to grow. My SIL and I spent a couple of hours in there agonizing over yarn purchases and Lori, one of the owners, is just the nicest, sweetest yarn store owner I've ever met. And if you get a chance to meet her kids they are darling!
Pattern: Razor Shell Socks written by Miriam L. Felton
Yarn: Knit Picks Sock Garden in Zinnia
I'm in love with this pattern. It's just absolutely fabulous.

The yarn is a little brighter than I anticipated when I bought it for a scarf and so it became destined for socks and I think they're going to be perfect for Autumn.




And finally...the children relaxing. This is generally the view that I have while knitting. Aren't they just adorable?