Spectra!

It's been a while since I found a project that was so much fun to knit that I didn't want to stop even to go to bed at night.  I was at my favorite LYS a couple of weeks ago looking for nothing in particular (something that gets me into all sorts of monetary trouble lol) when there on a mannequin was this scarf/shawlette thing.  It looked GREAT!  I asked for the pattern and then hunted down the yarn for it.

The pattern, "Spectra", by Stephen West (found here--also see the other great pic's of the pattern there!) called for all fingering weight yarns and size 5 needles.  However, the model at the LYS was made from DK and worsted weight yarns and size 7 needles.  I picked out a Noro Silk Garden color and a funky new superwash wool/cashmere blend DK--the dark green--and wished with everything in me that I had my size 7 needles with me!

It's one of those patterns that you just don't get sick of working on before it's done.  Watching each color melt into the next is so cool!  Anyway, so I finished it last night.  In addition to being fun to knit, there are all sorts of different ways to wear it--as a capelet, as a cowl, as a scarf, etc.  I LOVE IT!!  Ya, I have a feeling there will be several on the Christmas list getting one of these this year...

Happy knitting!

Misc.

I miss posting on here.  I have gotten so caught up in Ravelry and Facebook that I have neglected my blog and really it is so much more personal.  Not to mention it is infinitely easier to upload pic's to my blog than it is to put them on Ravelry.  Don't get me wrong, I love Ravelry!  It is a fantastic place for inspiration!! But I have a terrible time getting pic's on there.

Anyway, so here I am back to my blog. 

No job prospects in my life still.  I would like to think I could make a living of my craft's.  However, I think that the fact that my patterns don't fly out of my two stores, nor does my yarn--which is some of the finest out there, that I should continue to search for a job among the "others".

I was very surprised this past Holiday season that I had NO yarn sales.  That's a first for my stores.  I take that as a sign that I should not kid myself into thinking that somehow, magically, I will make a living from them.  It's sad really because I love yarn, fiber, knitting, crochet, etc so much.  I just don't know how to make a living at it.  If I had the money I could open a yarn store here, but what are the chances it would make enough to pay me a decent wage?  Very slim probably.

If any of you have any suggestions or ideas I'm all ears.

Yes, It Can Be Done

I did it!  I knit both of these sweaters in less than two months.  They turned out so nice!  

How Late Is "Too Late"?

So the day before yesterday I came across some lovely aran sweater patterns and decided that I should make a couple for Christmas gifts.....I am aware that it is the end of October and that Christmas is less than two months away.

(Great looking sweaters huh?)

Not too mention, but you all know what a flakey knitter I am.  Even as I had the thought of making these sweaters I cast on for a gorgeous pair of socks with US size 0 needles--lol.  And then decided I had an AWESOME idea for this scarf...all silk :)  I knit it straight through til it was done and it's gorgeous!

Do you suppose I can focus on just these two sweaters?  I am hoping that by making two at the same time, when I get bored with the one that I will turn to the other and not turn to starting another project.  I figure the two sweaters are different enough that they will keep my interest also.  And it's not like I'm knitting sweaters with fingering weight yarn.  The one sweater is with heavy worsted/bulky-ish yarn and the other is with worsted.  So they so work up pretty fast?  Maybe?

Here's hoping :)

And Now My Gobi Desert Yarn Creation

You saw the yarn....and here are the socks.  Or at least the first pair.  They knit up really quick and they were a lot of fun to make.  Real simple and very warm.  I actually have enough yarn to mix and match around to make another pair of socks and perhaps a nice warm hat also.  It's great!

Thought I would include my pattern for these "House Booties" as a free pattern.  So if you would like to make a pair also, here you go:

Gobi Desert House Booties

Size: Woman’s Average to Large

Gauge: 22 sts = 4 inches

Needles: One set of five size 3.25 mm/US size 3 dpns

Yarn Description: Handspun Camel Hair yarn from Mongolia--www.snowleopard.org. 3 skeins, 1 in natural, 1 in tan, 1 in black. (this is enough yarn to make at least two pair)

 

Cuff:

CO 48 sts. Divide sts evenly onto 4 needles, join careful not to twist work. Work 1 x 1 ribbing for 4 rounds.

Leg:

Work graph through round 10. Work 7 rounds even in stst. End ready to work short-row heel.

Short-Row Heel:

Using tan yarn begin working short-row heel.

Row 1:  (WS) Sl1, p22, w&t last st.

Row 2:  (RS) Sl wrapped st, k22, w&t last st.

Row 3:  Sl wrapped st, p21, w&t next st.

Row 4:  Sl wrapped st, k20, w&t next st.

Row 5:  Sl wrapped st, p19, w&t next st.

Row 6:  Sl wrapped st, k18, w&t next st.

 

Repeat in this manner, working one less stitch per row, until 4 sts in the middle and 10 wrapped sts on each side.

 

Row 1:  Sl1, k3, k st & wrap together, turn

Row 2:  Sl1, p4, p st & wrap together, turn.

Row 3:  Sl1, k5, k st & wrap together, turn.

Row 4:  Sl1, p6, p st & wrap together, turn.

 

Continue in this manner, working one more st and wrap per row, until all wrapped sts have been worked.  End on a RS row.  Cut tan yarn and resume using natural color.

 

Foot:

Working in stst, k even until foot measures 2" (about 5 cm) less than total desired foot length. Change to tan yarn and work toe decreases.

Toe: 

K one round even.

Rnd 1: K to last 3 sts of needle 1. K2tog, k1. Needle 2--k1, ssk, k remaining sts. Needle 3--k to last three sts, k2tog, k1. Needle 4--k1, ssk, k remaining sts.

Rnd 2: K all sts even.

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 16 sts remain. Graft remaining sts together.

Finishing:  Weave in ends.  Work second sock.

Abreviations:

CO: Cast on

1 x 1 Ribbing: knit one stitch, purl one stitch. Repeated for all sts around.

Stst: Stocking stitch--knit all sts around.

Sl: slip stitch as if to purl

K2tog: knit the next 2 sts together.

Ssk: Slip next st, slip second st, then knit the two slipped sts together.

W&t: wrap and turn. With yarn in front, slip next st as if to purl, wrap yarn around slipped st to the back of work, slip wrapped st back to left hand needle, turn work around to begin next row.

Copyright – Tama Vaughn, October 2011

Please do not distribute this pattern or sell any items

made from it without my prior permission.

www.twistedharefiberarts.etsy.com

Enjoy!

Look What I Found!

The day the new Interweave Knits "Knitting Traditions" Fall 2011 came available, Interweave sent me a notice.  They are well aware that I will spend my last penny to purchase these magazines.  I spent two hours just "thumbing" through the digital edition--ya I couldn't wait for it to come in the mail, takes too long.  On page 78 were these rustic, nothing fancy, but certainly functional looking socks called "Gobi Desert Socks".  They looked all fluffy and warm--and you know how I feel about all things "fluffy".  Made from handspun camel wool spun by nomadic herding women and their families of Mongolia.  I found myself rushing off to find the Snow Leopard Trust that sells this luscious stuff and uses the proceeds to benefit snow leopard conservation and supports these people.

And look what they did!! They sent my order right out! Seriously, from magazine view to my mailbox took only 4 days and that included the weekend!!  The yarn is now safely nestled all snuggly in my lap where I can pet it often.  Don't know if I'll ever find something worthy to knit out of it lol.  It's amazing, lovely, and all for a good cause. 

I recommend it if you like rustic, handspun, soft yarn.

Ya, I feel spoiled right now :o)

Tribute to Barb

I hope she doesn't mind....my cyber friend Barb is awesome!  She and I have been taking care of a couple of knitting blogs the past few years and I feel like I have got to know her a little bit.  Even though I have never seen her face I really like her.

Barb lives somewhere on the east coast.  She was affected by the hurricane that hit there just a while back.  Just as the power got turned on and she was headed back to work she got really sick.  I was concerned and had emailed her that I hoped she would  be well soon.  Her response was that she was starting to feel better then she said, "I can still knit though and that is all that counts."  I teared up.  Ya, I know, silly.  But really sometimes you need something to get you through all the hard times. 

Everybody has their "security blankets" their "means of escape".  Some turn to substance abuse, some get depressed and hide, some become work-a-holics, some just give up.  But Knitter's....we knit.  We get out the yarn, sometimes we get a pattern, and we grab our needles and we "escape" by turning to something familiar, something comforting, something soft :) and pleasant.  For me I almost always am knitting for someone else.  I get caught up in thoughts and memories of them.  Times shared together and hopefully future times together.  I think about them wearing what I am making and how it will look.  I loose myself completely.  Soon I've forgotten all the sadness, the problems,  the difficulties, etc.  I make positive thoughts my focus, twisting and looping and combining my thoughts of happiness and good times with every stitch.  It is such a healing process.

So Barb, here's to you :)  I agree.  With all that I have been through in the past couple years, I am "starting to feel better" also.  Thank goodness "I can still knit though"  and to me "that is all that counts". 

Happy Knitting

More Adventures

So, Monday I went to work.  Things were progressing as usual with my boss attempting once again to be as abusive and rude as possible.  I got back from lunch and discovered I had been "terminated".  Interesting.  I have come to the conclusion, as I have pondered the entire situation, that my boss has been unrealistically difficult to work for since I let his "little buddy" go this past winter--actually in February.  He is difficult to work for normally but it has been TERRIBLE since February.  I began thinking along those lines because not more than an hour after I was escorted out his "little buddy" was back......and in my position.

As a result of being suddenly unemployed I find myself under alot less stress, if you can believe it, than I was while I was working for "The Tyrant".  There are several options available that have been lurking in the background of my life since last year and I can't really decide which way to go. School? Self employment? Moving back to Colorado?

The past year has been insane between Sean and I separating, work, moving, buying a house, Sean dieing, The Daughter deciding she needed to get married at 17, PB moving back in with all of his prejudices firmly in place that his dad put there, etc.  Now my job of just over two years that I thought was secure and what I would be doing for a good long time is gone.

I could go back to school and finish.  That would, for the most part require moving.  Not really in the mood to move since I've decided I like it here--all the snow and wildlife and outdoor stuff to do.  I have a couple of online businesses. None of which are doing real great--unfortunately.  I could alway get another job, but quite frankly I'm really tired of working really hard so someone else can make the big bucks. 

What I've kind of decided is that I'm going to apply for unemployment right now and see what happens next.  I believe there has to be a reason for me leaving Pyro City.  Something else needs done.  I don't know what it is so until it reveals itself I think I will just "drift" along looking for it.  Really don't know what else to do.  I have a million projects, knitting, home, etc that all need my attention so in the mean time I will pursue those and try to get ahead.

What a year! 

Snow!

It started last night.  The heavy white clouds full of snow just waiting to fall rolled in early in the evening.  By the time I went to pick up PB from the dance it was snowing huge fluffy white flakes.  This morning dawned with bright, beautiful sunshine and cowboy blue skies. 

No denying the fact, I love snow!  Especially newly fallen snow.  Everything is covered in a beautiful white fluffy blanket this morning.  We got about six inches of new snow.  I love how the sun reflects off of the snow flakes and makes everything look like it's covered in rainbow glitter. 

I feel sad when I hear people say that they hate the snow.  The snow is such an important element of weather.  Without it there would be ALOT less water to drink, water lawns with, wash cars with, etc in the summer.  What happens as we grow up?  We all loved the snow as children.  I don't think I have ever heard a child remark, after looking out the window and seeing a world of white, "Snow!  I hate snow!  What did it have to snow for?"  No, they are excited and eager to run out and make snowmen and snow angels, sled, skate, have snowball fights, jump around and throw the snow into the air......

We all loved it then.  I still do.  Yes, I get up and shovel out my sidewalk just like everyone else.  At work I have three parking lots that have to have all the snow removed from everytime it snows.  My truck slips and slides as I drive through town just like everyone else's.  I have to bundle up in warm socks--handknit of course--coats, hats, gloves, and boots.  But I love the snow.  I love the rain, I love thunder storms, I love the warm spring sunshine, I love all the seasons and the weather that goes with them.  The only thing I do not like is wind, but it serves its purpose.

Maybe the reason I like snow and cold and it doesn't bother me is because I knit :)  It is so much fun to see if I can create the ultimate snow gear.  Whether its hats, socks, sweaters, scarves, or mittens  I want to see just how comfortable I can stay with all my own snow wear in the coldest of snowy conditions.  Way more fun than trying to stay cool during hot summers!!

A Little Lost, But Not Gone

I've tried to blog several times over the past few months, but nothing would come out.  Things are moving along.  I've started some other hobbies/business in an effort to get some money coming in.  HB left us with nothing.  I do get some social security money to help me take care of the kids, but that's it.  Definately not easy.

I finally got moved into a new house.  I love it.  There is a very peaceful feeling in the house that makes living there very nice.  I haven't had much time to unpack though.  I wish I could wave a magic wand and just have everything put itself away lol.  Between working full time at the fireworks store and my new ventures I don't have much free time....actually I have no free time.  I think I am trying to bury myself in projects so there is no down time.  Down time means time to think about things and I don't want to.

My oldest son just turned 22 years old.  (Can't believe it!!!! There's no way I am old enough to have a child that age.  After all I am only 29 lol, pretty sure)  We went to Colorado to celebrate with him.  We took Sunday to go up to Ouray Colorado to play in the hot springs.  I forget that Ouray is the most beautiful place in the world.  Since most of the world has never been there I thought I would post a few pictures.

This is Box Canyon Falls Ice Park.  Notice the tiny person on the lower right :)

This is looking North West from Box Canyon.

More ice climbers and the mountains to the South West.

I love Ouray.  It is absolutely breath taking.  We spent the whole day there--most of it soaking in the hot springs.  I miss living in Colorado so close to Ouray.

So, if you are curious as to what my new ventures are check out The Hemp Hippie and A Cozy Corner.  I am working away at filling the two stores with stuff so keep checking back to see the new stuff.  I am really having fun with the new ideas and products.  I hope they take off--mostly because I need the money lol, but also because I am enjoying making all this new stuff :)

I will try to get back to blogging again.  One step at a time.

Life Happens....No Big Surprise

Well,  I have been putting off posting long enough.  Many of you know HB died in September.  It was absolutely devistating.  I am still having troubles going to work and want nothing to do with public places like the grocery store or church.  I want to talk about it but not where I am going to have a complete break down in a large crowd. 

As if his death hasn't been hard enough, the lack of support from his family has made this especially miserable for me.  He always insisted that if anything happened to him that they would stand by my side and be there for me and our children no matter what.  I told him that they would blame me and dump on me--guess who was right?  (I know I am sitting on my pity pot so bear with me a minute)  Thank goodness for my family and friends--cyber friends included.  All of you that have prayed, kept our family in your thoughts, and sent words of sympathy and condolences--you have no idea how much it has meant to us.  Your kindness has been my anchor in a stormy sea.

I am just now getting back to knitting, but my creativity is slower to return. No designing for awhile longer. HB was a huge supporter of my knitting and designing and it has been hard to pick it up without thinking of him. He would tell complete strangers about his hand knit socks and how lovely all my stuff was.  I will probably always think of him when I pick my knitting up.

Sockamania, the blog I was designing for, has closed down.  Between what happened in my life and waning interest we decided the time had come and the fun had run it's course.  We started a new blog called Tails of Another Yarn.  (You can find a link to it on my side bar)  This blog will be a "brag" blog where members can post their WIP's and FO's and get chances to win prizes.  Once my creativity returns I will design a few things for it here and there and maybe do a Mystery KAL or two, but for the most part it is just for showing off what everybody is working on.  If you would like to join us click on the sidebar link and read the "Welcome" and "How to Join" info.  We would love to see you there.

Again, thank you everyone who has been there, electronically or in person, for our family.

Tama

Follow Up

As a follow up to the last post--It took two months to create the sock pattern for the Sockamania September/October pattern.  However, in the week and a half following the first of September I not only created the November/December Sockamania pattern, but I knit both socks AND designed the feminine counter part so that the Sockamania members can knit the men's sock or the women's or both if they desire.  I'll knit the women's sock probably next month and spend the rest of this month trying to get caught up on a bunch of WIP's and UFO's that have been accumulating since June.  BUT the patterns for two pairs of socks and one pair are completed and ready for November 1st.

It's so silly!  Why would one sock take me TWO months to create and another less than two weeks?  The only thing I can think of is that one sock was a pain, though it didn't start off as such, and the others I enjoyed every minute of them and found myself knitting them obsessively.  I thought about them all the time and couldn't wait to get them out and work on them.  The first, I hated and had to force myself to knit.  That has to be it!

Anyway, so have no fear Sockamania members, November will be sweet after having to knit the last pattern. 

Happy knitting.

Designing Isn't All Fun

Any designers out there?  If so you will understand what I am about to write about.  If not perhaps you can apply it to other aspects of life?

So, as you know I design sock patterns for Sockamania.  Each month I create a sock pattern..knit the socks, create the pattern, then publish it for the Sockamania members to knit up the following month.  I usually start with some kind of theme--summer, autumn leaves, winter skies, etc.  This helps me start brain storming what I would like to create.  The color scheme, lace or multi-colored, etc. 

From there I get the yarn, or dye the yarn, and start the sock.  Here is where if something is going to go wrong it does.  I don't get it.  All the planning and brainstorming should result in a sock being created right?  Wrong.  Somehow, at some point, the sock idea falls apart and I find myself knitting a sock that I HATE.  Once I reach that point I think to myself, "If I hate it everyone else will hate it also."  Following that thought I find myself avoiding the project--NOT A GOOD IDEA WHEN YOU HAVE A DEADLINE.

This doesn't happen every month--THANK GOODNESS--but often enough that something needs to be done.  See, this month is less than a week to the end and I haven't even finished the sock for next month.  Not to mention, I haven't even started writing the pattern.  NOT GOOD!  I've been lying to myself that I will do it this weekend, but I know that come this weekend I will find something more fun to do than knit a sock I hate--you know, fun stuff like laundry, vacuuming, dishes, etc. anything that keeps me from having to knit that sock.  I was even toying with the idea of starting over this morning--a desperate idea that I know is impossible.  I am a fast knitter, but knitting is only part of the process.

I don't know what to do.  Finish the hideous sock from hell or see if I can do the entire process on a whole new idea in 6 days.  The whole new idea sounds way more fun........................

I am not dead....REALLY

I am still here, somewhere.  Just been busy.  The 4th of July in my store is like Christmas for  the malls and department stores.  We start gearing up for it in May and it lasts until August.  In the middle of all the long hours 7 days a week, my husband and I split up.  As if my world wasn't crazy enough at that time of the year that has made it even crazier!  Things are settling down now, finally, and I am getting my life re-organized.  The Daughter will be going back to school here in a couple of weeks, so she will finally have something to do again besides watch every movie we own twice a day and everything available on YouTube lol!  Then maybe life will get back to some assemblance of "normal".

I haven't been doing much knitting, no time.  I can't wait to get back to it.  I do have socks in the making for Sockamania.  September's sock pattern is gorgeous!  I will be sure to post pictures.  If you like making socks and would like to join the fun, take the side-bar link to Sockamania and join us!  We would love to have you!

I'll be posting a little more often now...Happy Knitting!

Is is Spring Yet?

Mother Nature is playing tricks on us here.  One day it's gorgeous and in the 60's the next day it's snowing, blowing and in the 20's and 30's.  I don't know whether to wear my sweater or light t-shirt to work every day.  Either way, it seems like I end up too hot or too cold.

Work is getting busier and busier everyday.  Building up to that "busiest week/month of the year" for us fireworks people.  Seems like everyday there is so much to do that I am starting to have to stay later and later for work.  Which is good, because then the day goes by faster.

I finished my "very special shawl" a couple of weeks ago, but haven't had time to post about it.  So, finally here it is:

It's my hand spun satin angora and bombyx silk blend yarn. It is incredibly soft and warm.  I absolutely love it!  I feel like I have achieved Knitters bliss with this one.  I believe it is the most beautiful thing I have created, plus my precious bunny Copper can be with me everyday now. ( He died of old age several years ago and I miss him very much.)

Anyway, just wanted to get a post in before the entire month was gone.  I am working frantically to get the June Sockamania pattern done right now.  With work being busy and the type of sock I designed it has not gone as quickly as some patterns have in the past.  It is a gorgeous sock!  I'll post pictures of it next time.

Happy Knitting 

Yarn is so PICKY!

So, last month I started designing the sock pattern for the March Sockamania KAL.  I had all of these really great ideas:  cute, bright colored Easter eggs, a nice plain background, etc. 

• I dyed up some bright colored yarn, dried it, rolled it up for a nice center-pull ball, and began knitting my idea that was in my head. 
• Only a few rows in, I decided (or rather the yarn decided) I did not like the "eggs" design I was knitting. 
• Ripped it back and re-vamped my egg design. 
• Again, ewww icky! 
• One more time
• Decided it was the color of the yarn. 
• Back to the dye pots with a new idea for the color combination.  The yellow turned out orange--not happy, but will work with the bright pink that was supposed to be pale pink. 
• More egg knitting.
• WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!! (What's wrong with this yarn!)
• Ripped it all out.
• Avoided knitting for three days while I tried to calm down and re-think the entire design idea.
• Threw the entire "Easter Egg" idea out the window and focused on just "Spring".
• Started knitting again.  
• Got to the heel and thought, "Wouldn't it be cute if I did an I-cord tie!"
• Ripping out again.
• Finally decided on the I-cord tie and found a cute lacey/flower bud looking design and finished the sock in no time.
• I still hate the yarn color!  And since when does yarn decide what to knit it into?  What was wrong with Easter Eggs? 

PMS or Silly Knitter Syndrome

I don't know what is wrong with me the last couple of days, but I seem to be awfully "weepy".  I was reading Elizabeth Zimmermann's book "The Opinionated Knitter" and started crying because she passed away back in 1999.  I knew that already.  In fact I am plenty old enough to remember clearly when it was announced.  So what was I doing yesterday crying over it 11 years later?  She was THE most awesome Knitter ever!  She slapped a whole generation in the face and said, "Stop being a bunch of sheep and think for yourselves!"  There should be some kind of sculpture, statue, or monument built of her somewhere honoring what she did for knitters, maybe even just "plain people", everywhere--who knows how many non-knitters out there have her to thank for their marriages, lack of therapy bills for their spouse, lovely knitwear that keeps them warm and comfortable each winter, etc, etc.  What an amazing person!

Ok, so that's not all.  I found myself in tears again as I gazed at the most beautiful sweater I've ever seen.  The Yarn Harlot (Stephanie Pearle McFee) made a sweater from a Dale of Norway Pattern called Whistler.  I honestly think I have never seen a more breath-taking sweater.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  Go see it!!  She posted about it on March 3rd.  I must have one!  In fact, as a result of seeing it on her blog the other day, I went and bought some yarn to make me something similar.  I haven't made too many sweaters in my knitting career so I won't start with something that detailed, but I plan to make something very Scandivian!  (Unfortunately some other projects will become UFO's because I feel very obsessed with knitting this sweater right now.)

Speaking of obsessed, I am in the process of making my third, yes I said THIRD, Trinity shawl.  I just can't get enough!  They are so much fun to make.  This one will be for my grandma's birthday.  I will get some pictures taken and post them later.  I wonder how many of them I am going to make before I burn out on them?  I don't usually make the same pattern over and over just to see what it looks like in different colors.  I think I've even thought up a way to make it into a circular shawl.  We'll see if I remain obsessed enough with it to try that out.

Happy knitting!

My Trinity Shawl

I know I just barely started this shawl, but I couldn't stop working on it and as a result.....it's done!

I love IT!  HB says that he likes it the best out of all the things I have made for myself lately.

The yarn is Cashbah from Hand Maiden.  It is a superwash merino/cashmere/nylon blend.  I don't remember the name of the colorway.  The way the colors play out in the pattern it almost looks like peacock feathers.  The pattern is called The Trinity Shawl/Shawlette.  You can find the link to the pattern here.  It really looks difficult, but it was VERY easy! and so much fun to knit.  

(It almost looks like a butterfly here).

I have made plans to make another one, but much larger, out of some precious handspun yarn I have been hording for years.  It is the last of my precious satin angora bunny Copper's fiber.  He has been gone several years now, but I am sure he would approve of this shawl pattern for his lovely fiber.  I will definately post pictures when it's done.

Happy Knitting!

Good Stuff!!

TADA!  Here is the sweater I started in Florida.  It took all day Saturday to sew up!  It turned out wonderful and I LOVE IT!!  It's a great pattern, but the fact that the entire sweater is knit in separate pieces means I will probably never knit it again.--You know how I feel about sewing--

It is made from Svale by Dale of Norway.  The drape of the fabric is unmatched!  The silk/cotton/viscose blend makes it soft yet crisp.  Great stitch definition!

Now I can start another sweater!  Probably another Lopi one.  I have yarn to make two more of them.  I just need to make up my mind which one.

Look what HB bought for me!!!  He really knows how to make a lady feel loved!  Not only does he listen when I tell him about knitting stuff--that I know he really isn't interested in--but he is willing to support my habit.  You gotta love a man like that!

He also bought this gorgeous yarn for me!! 

It's Casbah by Hand Maiden.  Merino/cashmere/nylon.

I already started a shawlette with the blue blend. That yarn with my new needles is HEAVENLY!  So heavenly that I was up until midnight knitting because I was enjoying it so much! 

I'll post pictures of it when it's done.

Happy Knitting!

Promised Pictures

Ok.  FINALLY, here they are:

This is the Westin's private beech.  It was really beautiful!Our motel room was AWESOME!

The Tampa evening skyline from our motel window.

And that is a few pictures from Florida.  I love Tampa.  I can't wait to take the kids and go back for a visit someday!!

Here is the hat I made for The Daughter:

She love's it--a huge plus when making her something.  I used a bulky weight merino/cashmere blend yarn.  The results are warm, soft, and wonderful!  This is another one of my "off the top of my head" patterns--not bad!

So, there are the pictures I promised the other day :o)