Sleepy Eyes Knitting

I MOVED!

2011-10-18T15:15:00.013-04:00

Hey knitters!!!

I'm really excited to tell you that I've moved my blog (and podcast...and website!) over to a new location! Please join me at http://www.GinaHouse.net :) I'm most likely going to keep this blog here, but everything that's here (except old blog posts) will be at the new website: podcasts, free patterns, patterns to purchase, etc. I think you're really going to like it - it's very much more like me and like my personality. It took me a lot less time than I thought it would to create it - thanks to the amazing iWEB program on my iMac! Yipppeeee!

New Features on the new website:

1. Better and brighter layouts
2. New Amanda Hat Tutorial movie
3. Podcast, blog and pattern downloads available in one handy website!
4. At least 5 photo albums (hooping, designs, knitting projects, family, trunk shows etc) to check out
5. New (upcoming) podcast and blog post! (very similar to this, lol!)

That's just the things I can think about right now...

I would LOVE for you to head over to the new place right now...subscribe to the blog and podcast...even to new photo albums!

I'd love to hear what you think and see you soon!

Love, Gina

New Designs are Creeping Along...

2011-10-10T14:04:00.023-04:00

My new book is slowly coming together...if I'd only be able to focus on it (and not be distracted by my hundreds of other hobbies), I think I'd be further along. Seeing the lovely Kelly from The Elegant Ewe at SOAR this past weekend really motivated me to work on my book more. She (and the amazing owners of the Elegant Ewe) has been super supportive of me and my Dreamscape books. And, of course, my knitting group...especially Sarah, Jackie, Judy and Hilary.

In the past couple of months, I've completed 2 lace shawl designs (The Beauty Shawl is shown at the top.)and 1 cowl design. I'm sketching out and making plans for 7 more designs. The way things are going right now, I think the book is going to be geared towards lace. (Don't moan!) It will be lace projects that are accessible, fun to knit and for all ages. I have a project for almost every age bracket. I'm shooting towards getting this book done for early spring 2012.

My intention was to have the book done by the end of December 2011, but I was freaking out with stress over Tim going into college, trying to refinance our mortgage and working on getting my Hoopnotica Teacher Training (to start my hooping/hoopdance classes this fall) that I just said, "Okay...you're your own boss. Just put it aside and get back to it when you're more happy and calm." I can just imagine the projects I'd be putting together for the book if I was stressed out and upset...like the Knitted Noose and the I-Cord Strangler (which is not to be confused with the Crochet Chain Choker).

(pic of me with my Hoopnotica Teacher Training group for Level 2)

Anyway, I'd also planned on blogging much more than I have been, but it seems like I'm somewhat addicted to Facebook and my knitting page on there. I keep forgetting about my poor blog :( It's so much easier to add daily updates, pics and new albums of photos on there...know what I mean?

So, while I work steadily (and knit faithfully) on my new designs, I'd love to hear from you about what aspects of a knitting pattern book that you like best. If I'm able to incorporate those aspects into my new book, I will. So far, I know I'll be including:

- Spiral Binding
- No-glare paper
- Paperback
- Lace charts on its pattern page
- Wraps per inch for yarns
- Specific yarn information and suggested type of yarn for projects
- Full color photographs (with close ups, as well)

Anything I might be missing?

Thanks again for all of your support of me and my designs. I wouldn't be able to do it without you!!!

Gina
xoxoxo

Just in case you don't already know, here are other places you will find me (more often than here on the blog):

Sleepy Eyes Knits on Facebook
SleepyEyes on Twitter
SleepyEyes on Ravelry
SleepyHeads Group on Ravelry

and, of course, my website stuff:

Yoga Garden
HoopGlow on Twitter
Yoga Garden/Hoop Glow on Facebook

Contest Winner!!

2011-08-04T11:35:00.008-04:00

I'm VERY happy to announce the winner of the Design Naming Contest.....

Norma H of Columbus, Ohio!!!!
(NHoran on Ravelry)

Out of the 30+ truly fantastic suggestions that I received (via Sleepy Eyes Knits on Facebook, on the blog, and on my SleepyHeads Ravelry group), 3/4 of my favorites were suggested by Norma.

I've decided to go with....

"Tilia" (for lime tree)

It's a lovely, simple name and just has the little bit of extra sparkle that I wanted to describe the shawl's character.

Norma will be receiving a gift package of yarn and goodies, will receive a free copy of this lace pattern (or any pattern of her choice) and also be named on the pattern in the description.

Congratulations, Norma!!!!

I also want to thank EVERYONE who gave suggestions for this contest - I really loved reading all of the shawl name ideas! Thank you SO much!!!

(Please stay tuned for next month's contest as well!)

Before I go, I wanted to leave you with a couple of pictures of the new shawl design, "Tilia", blocking. I still have some writing, editing, and photography to do on the pattern, so keep a look out for a new post when the pattern is finished and available for purchase.

and

What do you think???? :D

Lace Shawl Design-Naming Contest!!!

2011-07-20T16:03:00.008-04:00

Hey knitters!

I’m in the process of designing my very first triangular lace shawl and I need some pattern name suggestions.

In order to make this a fun process, I thought I’d have a contest.

RULES:

1. From now until July 31st, 2011 comment on this post with suggestions of names for my new lace shawl.

2. Suggestions should somehow relate to the shawl in some way (note “images” below) and I’d prefer if the name wasn’t already being used in Ravelry as a pattern, particularly a lace pattern.

3. The winner will not only be named awesome and amazing (on here, my blog and facebook), but also will receive a FREE copy of the lace pattern (or pattern of his/her choice in my pattern store). There is also free yarn involved (that part is a surprise).

4. In the first week of August, the winner will be announced, as well as the unveiling of the new pattern (pics included)…available for purchase on my Raverly pattern store as well as here on my blog.

The above picture is the yarn I'm using for this design: Mad Color "Classica" in the Margharitaville colorway.

Can’t wait to read your suggestions!!!

Hugs,
Gina :D

Here are key images to work with:

margharitas
limes
lemons
waves
fans
ripples
cool, frosty drinks
summertime
cotton sundress
sunshine
salt

Good luck!!!

SleepyHeads Group on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/sleepyheads/1752283/1-25

It's a Gemini thing...

2011-06-06T09:43:00.016-04:00

I think it's a Gemini thing to have a million interests at one time. At least, that's what's normal to me. It seems like, once I feel like I've mastered (or semi-mastered) a hobby, craft or activity, it's time to move on to something else. I think that's why I loved school so much growing up. Every year, every month, every day was something new to learn. I don't think I'll ever go back to college to get my Master's degree (I've got a B.S. in Mathematics), but I love learning and I think of my life now as my own, personal college.

In life, I've not only had experience with being a daughter, friend, sister, girlfriend, wife, lover and mother, but also learned how to read, sew, crochet, knit, quilt, cross stitch, paint, cook, canning, making soaps, candles and dolls. I've taken up yoga, Reiki, reading tarot cards, bellydance and now, my favorite, hooping and hoopdancing. These are only a partial list of the interests in my life of learning so far. Is it because I can't sit still? (very possibly - you can ask my husband) Is it because I'm flighty and can't stick to anything? (possibly) Or is it because I just can't stop my love of learning and absorbing new information as much as possible? (that's MY answer - lol)

This year has been a challenge. I've had an incredible number of changes and events in the past year and I sometimes feel like I'm not quite caught up yet. In some people's eyes, these changes and events may seem trivial and unworthy of so much contemplation and time. But, to me, the accumulation of these things has been overwhelming - both good and bad. I've tried to organize these experiences in my mind and heart and, hopefully, at some point I can say that everything is in it's place - and can sigh in relief. In order to keep some perspective, I've made sure to write down all the things I'm grateful for each day and it truly makes a difference.

Having such a large number of hobbies and interests helps to calm my mind and dampen my feelings of being overwhelmed. For the most part, knitting is my activity of choice when it comes to calming my emotions and balancing any feeling of anxiety. It's amazing how two needles and yarn can be so relaxing!

The past few months, sewing has taken over - more as an obsession than a relaxation. I find that, as soon as I get my sewing machine out, I'm frantically tracing, cutting, looking over patterns and dimensions and then, exhausted, sitting at the sewing machine to crank out my project. Of course, sewing is so much fun and very rewarding - I love creating practical items for myself, my home and my family. But, man, is it frantic! It's go-go-go the whole time. Whereas with knitting, I can sit there, knit one stitch as slowly as I feel like, daydreaming about whatever I want and the knitting still happens and I'm still calm. of course, sometimes there are outbreaks of craziness - like yarn that breaks, splits, knots, pukes up the middle or a pattern that is just SO wrong that you feel like strangling the designer (that sometimes includes myself!). But, on the whole, knitting is wonderful.

I'm happy that I've gotten my knitting mojo back in time for the end of spring/beginning of summer. That time, of course, is known (to me at least) as the Summer of Lace Knitting.

In New Hampshire, it doesn't get overly warm but, to us, it's damn hot. When it's humid outside and the temps are in the high 80s, I don't feel like touching the fiber on my spinning wheel, doing any exercise (unless fully air conditioned) or cooking on my stove. The last two are inevitable, but the first I can substitute with some nice, lightweight, super fine yarn and an interesting lace pattern.

Here are some of the lace projects that I've finished so far this spring/summer:

1. Pleidades Shawl

-Knit using Mad Color's (formerly Sereknity Yarn and Fiber) Perfect yarn in Purple People Eater colorway

2. Weekend Shawl

-Knit using Swoon Fiber's sock yarn in Pinkish Red/Maroon colorway and Cascade Heritage sock yarn in brown colorway.

3. Echo Flower Shawl

-Knit using Jaggerspun Zephyr merino/silk in white colorway

and, the shawl I'm working on now is this,

4. Spring Things Shawl

-Knit using Karabella Lace Mohair in a neon green colorway

(All of my projects are also on Ravelry with more detail and more photos. Click HERE for my Ravelry notebook page.)

Along with knitting lace, I'm finding a lot of joy in hooping and hoopdancing. As I've mentioned before, I'm taking a teacher training course with Hoopnotica in September - in the meantime, I'm teaching free hoopdance classes in my neighborhood for experience. So far, they're going amazingly well and I'm having a lot of fun. (I hope my students are, too!) I'm still working on shoulder hooping, leg hooping and angled hooping. I look forward to my 30+ minutes each day that I practice ; )

If you're ever in the southern NH area, I'd love to see you at a class. The free classes are ending at the end of August, so take advantage while you can! If you'd like more information about Hoop Glow hoopdance and my classes, click on these links.

Thank you for still being loyal to my blog and for listening to my babble. It's so nice to know that you're still out there...

*HUG* :D

Spring Update

2011-04-05T10:30:00.039-04:00

(Me in my new design, Winter Hiking Hat)

Hey Knitters!!!!!

I know it's been many, many months since my last post. I've watched my blog update go from over 300 hits a day to a very sad 90 hits a day. Yikes! What a depressing situation - though completely understandable. I really hate it when I'm following a blog and then that person doesn't update for a LONG time. But, I guess they usually have a good excuse.

Here are my excuses:

1. College
Helping my son, Tim, get through his college applications and scholarship applications...as well as going through the HELL of financial aid and horrible horrible FAFSAs. Though, I must highly recommend using the wonderful organization NHHEAF, if you are in New Hampshire. We went at least 3 times and, every single time, they were more than helpful. The people who work there try their very best to explain the whole college and financial aid process with you, without making you feel like a complete idiot. Happily, Tim has finally chosen to go to Champlain College in Burlington, VT (with a $10,000 scholarship!) for Game Programming. Also, Tim will be inducted into the French National Honor Society in May. Yay for Tim!!

Tim also participated in the 2011 Penguin Plunge in January to raise money for the Special Olympics - that was a great day!

2. Hooping

(my Pink "Firefly" LED hoop from Hoopnotica)

I'm preparing myself for the Hoopnotica Teacher Training in September this year. As many of you know, I also teach yoga (http://www.YogaGardenNH.com) and I'm hoping to add hoopdancing to my teaching experience - and I'd love to incorporate hooping into a yoga class as well. I started hooping in December 2009 and it was a very slow process for me to start with. I couldn't even keep the hoop going around me more than once for weeks and weeks. But, I kept it up and now I've learned lots of cool tricks and hope to practice enough so that I can teach others in the fall. I've been practicing at least 30 minutes a day and I'm making progress. If you want to check out my hooping page, click here for HoopGlow. Yay for me!

3. Sewing

Okay, I'm a traitor to knitting. It's true. I've spent most of February - April sewing (and hooping). And not knitting. I'm trying to work on my new (!!) book, a sequel to Dreamscape. And I'm lacking the enthusiasm that I was hoping I'd have. I have ideas sketched out for most of the designs and have already started on (which is very lovely, but going pretty slowly because of my other interests) Did I tell you that I had to order a 4th order of 100 Dreamscape books in December?? I was really happy about that. But, now, sales are down and I think knitters are waiting for something new. The other knitwear designers of the world must either be single or retired, because I'm having the hardest time trying to keep up with my housework, my family and my hobbies. Maybe I'm just too scatterbrained? But, those other designers must really focus 100% on their designs 24/7 to be able to crank out such fantastic things continuously. Sadly, I can't (and really don't want to) do that. While my kids are still somewhat young, I'd like to enjoy them. I have years and years left to devote to designing. Right??

Anyway, that was a tangent.

My hubby bought me a sewing machine last year for my bday in May and I was too scared (yes, scared) to use it until a few months ago. I usually always sewed everything by hand (toys, blankets, eye pillows, etc) and the machine really intimidated me. Luckily, it's a Hello Kitty machine, so it's less scary :D My friend, Hilary, came over and ~~forced me~~ helped me to start sewing and that was a breakthrough. Since then, I've made SO MANY things:

3 pairs (or more) of Waterproof mittens for Ian's winter hiking expeditions
1 balaklava and 2 cowls for Ben made of fleece
4 collapsible shopping bags for friends and family
2 baby quilts (in duck patterns)
4 Robot squishy toys
1 pretty patchwork bag with handles
1 knitting accessory bag
1 accessory bag that matches the patchwork bag
1 black peasant blouse (for me)
1 adorable strawberry skirt (for me)
1 super cute cherry pillowcase for my bed
1 pair of Spongebob flannel pajama pants
1 sweet Pennant Banner for a very special little girl that says, "Riley's Room"

So, now you can see why I haven't been knitting! lol

If you're into sewing, too, check out the book: "One-Yard One Skein Wonders" by Storey Publishing. I borrowed it from the library at first, but ended up spending so much time and money copying the patterns that I liked that I just bought the book. More great sewing books that I found are: "Weekend Sewing" and "Sew What? Skirts" - both are very nicely organized, appropriate for beginners and fun to read - and are inspiring.

4. Designing

As I wrote above, I'm in the process of creating my new book so all of the knitting I've been doing lately has been, well, work. It's not something that I can easily pick up and just enjoy. I've got to pay attention to what I'm doing, write down changes or mistakes that I've made to my pattern and just THINK alot. That's not always a fun way to go about knitting. My friends have suggested that I just have 2 projects going so that I'll have something mindless and fun to knit, but then I KNOW I'll end up procrastinating and not completing my designs for the new book. So, I'm trying to be responsible, but...it's hard.

I have completed a number of projects so far this year:

Angora/Merino Wrap
Amanda Hat for me
Armando Hat for my dad
Mittens
An Amanda Hat with earflaps
Ben's felted clogs
2 Winter Hiking Hats (my new design...Ravelry link HERE)...(see top photo)
2 sets of Baby Duck socks
2 sets of Baby Duck hats
A Baktus
and, my favorite, my Garden Gnome Mittens.

If you want to see some pics and/or details of them, click HERE for my Ravelry page.

5. Blog
Let's face it. Facebook has taken over blogging. Or, at least, I think so. Most of the people who keep in touch with me (in the knitting world), do it on Facebook. I constantly update my sewing and knitting projects on there - with links and pics. I'm finding it harder and harder to update my blog. But, here is where I have links to my patterns and other stuff, so I won't get rid of it. But, if you're interested in keeping in touch with me more often, friend me :)

This is my personal page: http://www.facebook.com/gina.sleepyeyes
(if you don't mind seeing stuff about my family, friends, hooping, sewing and knitting...it's less censored than here...lol)

Or, you can friend me as Sleepy Eyes Knits: http://www.facebook.com/sleepyeyesknits
(where I only update knitting related news/shows/projects/etc)

So, I think I've pretty much updated most of the stuff that I've been doing. Sorry that there's not too many photos and very little talk to knitting, but I hope that will change once I get more time on my hands. Hopefully!

Would love to know how you're all doing and thank you again for being so loyal to my blog. Hope to see some of you on Facebook, too!

Lots of love,
Gina :D

P.S. YIKES!!! Almost forgot...did you see my NEW Classic Elite pattern (Webletter #171), "The Kimberly Shrug"??? This pattern (named after my sister, Kimberly) came out right after Christmas this year. You can download this FREE pattern HERE on the Classic Elite website.

Check it out and let me know what you think!! :)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

2010-12-25T14:06:00.022-05:00

(My family on Christmas Day)

Hello Knitting Friends!!

I wish I had more time to blog the past couple of months, but I at least wanted to write to say that I'm still "out there" in the knitting world and have missed sharing my posts with you.

Here's a quick update of what I've been up to:

* Due to popular demand (yay!), I've ordered a 4th set of 100 Dreamscape books to sell in 2011. Check out my Etsy shop for more copies - I sold 300 books in 10 months!

*I was able to complete 60 knitted projects this year (woo-hoo!) including a couple of new designs, more Amanda Hats, some lovely cabled items and some toys for the kids. (Will update with more info on this in January) You can check out pictures on my Ravelry 2010 page: click HERE.

*Three of my new designs - "The Bobbi Scarf" (on this Sleepy Eyes Knitting blog), "The Ericka Scarf" (in the new 101 Sock Skeins Wonders by Judith Durant) and "The Kimberly Shrug" (in the Classic Elite Webletter on Dec. 28. 2010) were all published this year - and a fourth, "The Winter Hiking Hat", will be written (but might not be up on my blog) by the end of 2010.

*My oldest son, Tim, got accepted to 2 colleges so far: Becker College (with a great scholarship!) and UNH Durham. Keep your fingers crossed for the other colleges. He's excited to start his career in Game Programming/Design : D

*I had many (over 20!) Amanda/Armando Hats featured in Annie Modesitt's book, "1000 Fabulous Knit Hats!" - it's a perfect knitter's gift and I love, love the photos and patterns ; )

I want to thank all of my family and friends for their amazing support this year through all of my trunk shows, book signings and pattern debuts. THANK YOU sooo much for test knitting, admiring and coming to visit me at these events. Love you!

I want to especially thank these yarn stores for hosting my Sleepy Eyes Knits trunk shows and selling my books in 2010:

Fresh Purls (Karen, you're wonderful!)
Windsor Button (Thanks so much!)
Yarn Sellar (You're always so welcoming, Patti and Julie!)
The Knitting Studio (Thanks to the very friendly group of Lee, Leslie and Bridgette!)
Elegant Ewe (Thanks so much, Kelly!)
The Yarn and Fiber Company (Thanks, Cyndi and Jerry!)
Slater Mill Guild Studio (Bernadette, you rock!)

Have a wonderful Holiday, Christmas and New Year and I'll be posting very soon!

With love, Gina ; )
xxoxoxo

A New Pattern, Recent Trunk Shows and Hooping a'Plenty!

2010-10-24T18:31:00.040-04:00

I'm back! Finally...whew...I think once a month posts are all I can possibly get in at the moment. If you're on Facebook or my SleepyHeads group on Ravelry, that's a MUCH easier way to see what I'm up to and see pictures of my latest designs/trunk shows.

Anyhoo, I thought I'd update now before another month goes by without a post. I'll start with the smaller, personal stuff and then end with my NEW PATTERN! Yay!

FAMILY

The past month or so, it's been constant work helping my oldest, Tim, get his college applications sent in, essays written and portfolios created. He's intending to go into Game Programming/Design and has 5 colleges in mind. I thought that the Common Application would be so much easier, but really, it wasn't. Two of the colleges Tim was interested in weren't accepting the Common App and seeing how easy those were to fill out made me think, "Why the heck isn't the Common App set up like THAT!" The CA website is just not that user friendly at all and there is little room for change or being able to add things that aren't listed as options. Ugh. But, at least there'll all in and now Ian and I just have to focus on the horrors of the CSS Profile and the FAFSA. (please kill me now)

This is his senior picture, which I think is very handsome ; )

HOOPING

As some of you know, I got addicted to hooping last December and I've been loving it. Now that I can actually keep the hoop around my waist for more than 5 seconds, I love grabbing my hoop whenever I have a free minute. The best part is, I don't have to change into any fancy clothes or make sure I have an hour of allotted time to work out. You can work out with this slightly weighted hoop for only 30 minutes and burn over 300 calories! I'm having such a fun time with this that I've decided to get my Hoopnotica Teacher Training certificate so I can teach hooping next summer. I'll be taking that weekend intensive in March 2011. I've been practicing every day for my training....well, mostly hitting my head with my hoop and banging the hoop on my legs, but I still keep at it. LOL! I even thought of incorporating the hoop into my yoga class routine. As long as I have enough space and some interested yogis, I think it might be awesome! Check out Hoopnotica's website for more information, pictures and videos on hooping, weight loss, teacher training and to buy their stuff (adorable hoops, dvds, cds, etc.)

TRUNK SHOWS

I'm delighted to say that BOTH of my recent trunk shows were a HUGE success! As of this moment, I have absolutely NO Dreamscape books to sell -only PDFS. That's amazing! (There are still a few Dreamscape books available online to purchase - either at Coveted Yarn or Willowgate Yarn - see links on right sidebar...so hurry before those are sold out, too!)

Tonia Barry of the Classic Elite Design team, was wonderful and asked me to have a show at the Hub Mills Yarn store in Lowell, MA. The day went by so quickly and I loved looking at all of the gorgeous yarn in the store. It was lovely meeting so many people who came to look at my knitted samples and buy my book. I'd definitely visit that store again : )

Bernadette Vaughan of the Slater Mill Guild Studios, went out of her way to make my day fantastic. She organized this wonderful Knitting/Spinning/Quilting event at the Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI and I thought it was amazing. There were not only vendors but, also my trunk show, presentations on spinning, beautiful quilt samples, and hot cider and goodies to munch on. The space was so beautiful - bright, light, roomy and felt so good to be there.

I was there for 5 hours and it seemed like just one! I sold ALL the rest of my Dreamscape books and had a large number of people interested in my designs - trying them on and complimenting them. I felt like someone important for that little while! : D

I'm happy to say that I've been asked back in January for their annual Knitting Weekend - where I'll be able to teach an Amanda Hat class and a Yoga/Knitting class during the weekend. Woo-hoo! I can't wait!

Thanks from the bottom of my heart for Tonia and Bernadette!!

FINISHED KNITTED PROJECTS

1. A Blanket for my Mom (I knit 3 of the squares and my friends knit the others):

2. The Harriet Cardigan from "A Fine Fleece" in Jaeger Pure Merino DK in blue:

3. Two Cowboy -themed washcloths for my sister's bathroom: (the other is a brown cowboy boot)

4. Another Persephone Beret in white for my mom's friend

5. A pair of Garter Stripe Baby Socks to go with the EZ's Baby Surprise Jacket in my handpainted sock yarn

6. And Gun Shy toy for Ben - who is obsessed with anything like laser guns and such.

Currently, I'm finishing up my friend Libby's scarf (in new pattern!) and the Fylindales Cardigan, also from "A Fine Fleece" in an imported 100% Scottish Wool aran yarn in the colorway, Blossom.

NEW PATTERN!

My newest pattern, called "Bobbi's Birthday Scarf", is now available for purchase! Yay! This scarf is a classic, cabled, unisex scarf with a twist - you add fabric to the back! If you're a quilter, you can even line the scarf with one of your gorgeous quilted creations. Depending upon the yarn and fabric you choose, this scarf could be made for anyone in your life...family, friends, teacher, bus driver, etc. The pattern is $5.00 and you can purchase the pdf here on my blog (see right sidebar of homepage under "Patterns for Purchase" or on Ravelry.

Well, I think that's about all that's new at the moment. As you know, I'm going to begin working on my newest Sleepy Eyes Knits book in January 2011 in hopes that it will be published by December 2011. This book will include baby, toddler and child patterns in a readable and colorful format. I'll be using the spiral bound format again and I'll also be offering a set of BOTH Sleepy Eyes Knits books for a great price around the holidays.

MY PATTERNS IN OTHER BOOKS

By the way, have you seen all of the Amanda Hats in the new book, "1000 Fabulous Knit Hats" by Annie Modesitt? Check out the TEXTURED HATS section. Most of those hats were knit by me or friends of mine. Soo cool!

Also, my OTHER new pattern in finally out in the new book, "101 Sock Skein Wonders" by Judith Durant. My "Ericka Scarf" is on page 94. The scarf is named after one of my close knitting friends, Ericka, and is knit using only ONE SKEIN of Noro Kureyon sock yarn, though you could use any sock yarn for this project. It would look best in a semi-solid or striping yarn, though. Take a look at both books and let me know what you think!

Hope you're all doing well and thanks so much for staying loyal to my blog.

Hugs and Happy Knitting!! xoxxo

Falling into Autumn with 2 NEW trunk shows!

2010-09-01T16:57:00.022-04:00

Hey there! I know it's been over a month since I posted. Mostly, this summer, the kids and I were busy going in the pool (yay!) and keeping busy. It was harder to knit during those hot days (the past few here in NH have been brutal!), but I did manage to get some pretty great projects finished.

We also spent a good amount of time looking at colleges for Tim. We went to WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute...where Ian and I went to college), Daniel Webster College, Champlain College and Tim visited Clemson University with his grandpa (he's the head of the Graphics Department there, as well as a professor). So far, WPI is top choice for everyone, but it's a hard school to get into...so cross your fingers for him! He'll be taking his SAT's again in October and applying (early admission) to WPI before November. (please please please)

(It might help that he was actually born right off of campus and I was pregnant with him through almost my entire second year there - he took all of the classes I took! Do you think he can get college credits for that.....???? lol)

Ben is now in 2nd grade and I can't believe it! He's up to over my shoulder in height and he's only 7. I feel like the Incredibly Shrinking Woman in this house of tall boys/men!! He keeps cracking me up with all of the funny things he says and it's actually a little bit frustrating when he asks me something that I don't know the answer to. I always say, "Let's google it!"

Okay...enough family (for now)....here are some of the fantastic projects that I finished over the summer with pics. Also, at the end, I have a listing of the TWO (woo-hoo!) trunk shows that I have coming up this fall. Can't wait to go...they both seem like they're going to be lots of fun!

FINISHED PROJECTS SINCE LAST POST

October Frost Cardigan
From "A Fine Fleece"
Size: 43" bust
Needle size: US 6 and 8
Yarn: Queensland Kathmandu Aran in Burgandy
Yardage: 1600 yds
Time: May 8th-May 22nd, 2009 and then August 20-31, 2010 (about 4 weeks total)
Fun Level: B- Started off very fun (I knit the back in one week and one arm the next week), but then I lost interest (also having a hard time knitting all those cables during knitting group) and didn't pick it up until August 20, 2010. I finished the other arm, two fronts, collar and both button bands in 11 days. Woo-hoo! Love the way it looks, though I realized that I knit both arms in the wrong size, so they're like monkey arms. Besides that, it's a gorgeous and cozy sweater. The yarn is perfect for it!

Ben's Log Cabin Afghan
From Sarah Bradbury's "Log Cabin Square" instructions
Size: 54" square
Needle size: US 8
Yarn: Noro Kureyon (in many colorways for squares) and Cascade Eco+ in purple heather for the trim
Yardage: 1760 yds for squares and 956 for trim (2 skeins of Eco+)
Time: January 2010 - August 3rd, 2010
Fun Level: B. The Squares were super fast and fun to knit and I think I would've kept making squares all year. I stopped at 16 for a square blanket. The trim was very, very monotonous to knit and that was the worst part. I finished all the squares by the end of January and then didn't start knitting the trim and putting the squares together until the end of July. I finished by the first week in August. It's the prettiest blanket I've knit so far. Only wish I could give the piecing to someone else to do!

Baby Surprise Jacket 1 (& 2)
From EZ's "An Opinionated Knitter"
Size: Newborn (and 9 month)
Needle size: US 3 (and 6)
Yarn: My hand-dyed fingering weight merino (and Jojoland Rhythm)
Yardage: 276 yds (and 380 yards)
Time: 1 day (and 4 days)
Fun Level: A! This is a totally fun and addictive pattern to knit. As soon as I was done with one, I had to cast on immediately for another. I love how easy it is to knit and how creatively designed it is. To put it together is just magic. Highly recommended!

Ian's Woodsman Socks 1 & 2
From EZ's "An Opinionated Knitter"
Size: Men's large (size 10.5" shoe)
Needle size: US 6
Yarn: Harrisville Designs New England Highland in High Hemlock and High Evergreen
Yardage: 252 yds for each pair
Time: 9 days for 1 pair, 5 days for the second pair
Fun Level: A- Super easy to knit pair of worsted, hiking socks for the winter. My hubby loves the thick, slightly rustic yarn and how warm they are. I was able to knit a single sock in two days. I changed up the colors for the second pair so I was able to knit 2 full pairs of men's socks from 3 skeins of this yarn. Yay!

TRUNK SHOW & BOOK SIGNING #7:

September 25th (Saturday)
11 am - 3pm
Hub Mills Yarn Store
Lowell, MA
20% off all yarn, books and bags that day!

TRUNK SHOW & BOOK SIGNING #8:

October 3rd (Sunday)
12 pm - 5 pm
Slater Mill Guild Studio
Pawtucket, RI
Sign up to win a FREE gift basket including a Dreamscape book, yarn, chocolate and goodies!

There are literally only 40 Dreamscape books left in the world to buy (LOL!)...true, though. I have some listed on my Etsy shop and a few more one-of-a-kind stitch markers left, but they're going fast and, after these trunk shows, there may not be any left to put up in the shop. (Kind cool!)

As usual, I'll have the rest of my Dreamscape books, design samples and will offer a FREE pdf of the Dreamscape book to all who buy a book at the trunk show. Yay!

Hope to see some of you there and thanks SO much for your support and love! xoxoxxo

Almost 10,000 yards of yarn knit up so far in 2010!!

2010-07-16T15:50:00.018-04:00

Wow! I just heard that calculating the yardage of your knitting projects is a more accurate way of knowing how much you've knit in a year, compared to the number of projects. Makes sense, doesn't it? I mean, you could have knit tons of tiny projects and it would SOUND awesome, but someone else could've knit one HUGE project and feel inadequate ("Why can't I knit FASTER???").

This way, you really know how much you've knit. I think it's pretty cool. And, being the mathematical geek that I am, I love adding up numbers and organizing my projects. It keeps me motivated and happy.

Wanna know my calculations so far??

(If not, please scroll down to the bottom of this post - LOL!)

So far, if considering all of the projects that I've finished (see list below) this year, I'm up to:

Nine thousand, three hundred, fifty seven and four tenths of yardage!!

9357.4!!!!

And, when I'm finishing sewing up Ben's Log Cabin Square Afghan (with the Cascade Eco+), it'll be over 9835.4!!!

AND....

When I'm finished with my holiday stocking (just finished Ian's), it'll be OVER 10,000!!!!

Makes me feel very, VERY motivated.

You should do the same for yourself. It really makes you feel like you've accomplished something wonderful and will help to get you in gear to finish lots of those UFOs. Try it!!

Okay, here is my list for Finished Objects of 2010 so far:

1. Ben's Hai-Ryo Dragon in Berroco Comfort
2. Bobbi Scarf in Patons Classic Merino
3. Chimera Flower in Valeria di Roma Angora
4. Peresphone Beret in Debbie Bliss Stella
5. Fudge Swirl Cabled Mock Turtleneck sweater in Berroco Ultra Alpaca
6. Cacodemon in Cascade 220 and Lion Brand Fun Fur
7. Eyeballs in a kit from Mary Jane Mucklestone
8. LegoMan in Cascade 220
9. Persephone Beret in Sereknity Sweet
10. Log Cabin Pillow in Noro Kureyon and Cascade Eco+
11. Another Log Cabin Pillow in Noro Kureyon and Cascade Eco+
12. Robin Scarf in Jade Sapphire Cashmere
13. Snowy Night Gansey Holiday Stocking in Cascade Ecological Wool (Ben)
14. Fan Stitch Half Circle Shawl in Ivy Brambles Romantica, Cherry Tree Hill Suri Lace Alpaca and Jaggerspun Zephyr
15. Captain Underpants in Cascade 220
16. Victorian Lace Scarf in JoJoland Cashmere

17. Gate and Ladder Shawl in Kauni
18. Cat's Paw Square Shawl in Aurora Inca Tops
19. Liquorice Lace Shrug in Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace
20. Painted Ruffle Scarf in Bashful Bags and Fibers Super Bulky yarn
21. Super Loops Scarf in Bashful Bags and Fiber Super Bulky yarn

22. Snowy Night Gansey Holiday Stocking #2 in Cascade Ecological Wool (Tim)
23. Annis Shawl in Universal yarn Starlight

24. Annis Shawl #2 in Katia Mississippi 3 Solid

25. Hallowig in Berroco Ultra Alpaca
26. Another Hallowig in Berroco Ultra Alpaca (see pic at beginning)
27. Snowy Night Gansey Holiday Stocking #3 in Cascade Ecological Wool (Ian)

AND...when I finished sewing it together...

28. Log Cabin Afghan in Noro Kureyon and Cascade Eco+ (Ben)

I feel soooo knit-motivated now!! Woo-hooo!!!!

(more blogging soon with updates on Dreamscape, shops to buy it in/from and new patterns coming up!)

Happy Knitting to all and to all a good night....

Dreamscape Reviewed in Spin-Off Magazine!!!

2010-06-07T10:06:00.014-04:00

OMG - found out from my friend, knitting and spinning guru, Vicki (who taught me how to spin!), last night that she'd opened up her newest Spin-Off Magazine (Summer 2010) and saw a full page (page 18) review on my Dreamscape book!

How friggin' awesome is that??

I think the review was pretty great and the constructive criticism was definitely helpful concerning the photography. I mean, Ian and I aren't professional photographers (it's just a hobby, really) and I was going more for a certain artistic, vintage style and look...rather than close-ups of the stitches.

I thought we did have some stitch definition with the photos (especially since Ian tried to keep only the knitted item in color, with the rest of the photo "aged"), but I'm sure I could've added extra pictures with more focused details of the knitting - if I'd had the time and extra money, of course.

All in all, I was thrilled with the review and I want to thank Jean Lampe for taking the time to look at my book. Thanks so much!!

I was also super happy to find my Fireball Horseshoe Cap in this issue as well (must.buy.more.copies!) on page 88. Another full page description of the hat that I knitted out of my handspun, using Ivy Brambles' corriedale fiber in "Fireball" colorway (love it!). That was a quick, fun and adorable knit.

Whew - what a day!

I also wanted to share with you some pics of my Liquorice Shrug by Megan Marshall.

I needed a shrug to wear with my sleeveless black dress for a friend's wedding a couple of weekends ago and found this pattern - which I loved. You pretty much knit two of the same pieces (well, one goes the opposite way) and sew the seams. Great pattern and pretty easy to knit. The only thing I had trouble with was with trying to knit this in 2 weeks (just made it - finished it on the DAY of the wedding!) with size US 3 needles. I'd give it a little more time next time, I think. LOL!

Here are the details:

Yarn: Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace (used a little over 2 balls)
Color: Black
Needle: US 3, 24" circ
Weight: Fingering (I doubled the lace yarn)
Changes: I made my shrug with longer sleeves. Instead of the sleeves being 16" long, mine were 22" (8" of the sleeve actually goes over the back of your shoulders, so my sleeves were actually only 14" long) and I omitted the crochet trim. I liked the more "flowing" look of the ends of the sleeves - made them look more like bell sleeves that way.

Here's me in the shrug (in the hotel bathroom, of all places...jeez!):

and me with my sexy, handsome hubby, Ian in the reception hall at Stonewall Farm in Keene, NH: (Ian was one of the groomsmen...oh, the tux...the tux!)

I think that's all the news I have so far. Oh, Ian bought me an adorable Hello Kitty (Janome) sewing machine for my birthday on the 23rd (turned 37!!) and all of my friends got me the most amazing gift cards and sewing things so I can splurge on fabrics and such. I have the BEST and most thoughtful friends ever!!! : D

If any of you are looking for my Dreamscape book, please look on the right sidebar to my homepage (http://sleepyeyesknitting.blogspot.com) for 3 online shops to buy my book: My Etsy shop, The Yarn and Fiber Company and Willowgate Yarns. You can also download the pdf of Dreamscape off of my blog (sidebar, using Paypal) and/or on Ravelry.com here.

Would love it if you'd pass the word on! Hugs to you all and Happy Knitting!! xoxxo

17.5 Projects Finished so far in 2010!!!

2010-05-10T10:18:00.038-04:00

Hi everyone! I know it's been forever since I've posted. I've been frantically working to help my oldest son, Tim, to get into the WPI Frontiers summer program for Interactive Gaming and other school related tests - AP Computer Science and SATs. I can't believe this fall will be his last year of high school and then he's off to college. The whole process so far has been overwhelming, confusing and exhausting...and he's only a Junior! Things are so very different from when I was getting ready to apply to college. It's like a whole other world! So...that's what's been keeping me away.

During this time of confusion, my knitting has definitely helped to keep me sane and more patient. I've been whipping out projects that I've wanted to knit for a long time, though I've been postponing finishing Ben's Log Cabin Square blanket for a while. I finished knitting all 16 squares (using Noro Kureyon) in early February this year, but adding the garter stitch borders is sooo boring, time consuming and frustrating. (It's VERY pretty, though.) I hope I'll be able to get myself to finish it before Christmas! LOL!

Here are a couple of things that I've knit and finished since the last time I blogged:

TOYS (with Ravelry links)

1. Knitted Cacodemon (character from the DOOM game) for Tim:

2. Knitted Eyeballs for the boys:

3. Captain Underpants for Ben:

4. Holiday Stocking for Ben (with one for each of the rest of us on the way) in Cascade Eco Wool:

and, not a toy, but a Jade Sapphire cashmere "Robin" scarf for Jackie for her birthday this year:

Also, I've become obsessed with knitting shawls from the book, "Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls" by Martha Waterman. Though the information for the patterns aren't as detailed as I'd like (ie. yarn used, yardage, sometimes gauge or dimensions), they've all been super fun to knit and I love every one that I've made so far.

(listing in order of the first knit to most recent)

1. Garter Lace Triangle shawl in handpainted cashmere

2. Children of Luir stole in Knit Picks Telemark wool

3. Fan Stitch Half Circle shawl in Ivy Brambles Romantica, Cherry Tree Hill Suri Alpaca and Zephyr lace

4. Gate and Ladder Circle Shawl in Kauni EE

5. Cat's Paw Square Shawl in Aurora Inca Tops baby alpaca

I only have 3 more left - I'm working on the Cocoon Stitch Half Circle shawl at the moment and then plan to knit the Kerry Blue Square Shawl and, lastly, the Os and Vs' Circle Shawl.

Whew! I've got Shawl Fever!!!

This past Saturday, I went to the NH Sheep and Wool Festival and bought:

-Sereknity "Wattamelon" Faulkland fiber and "Margharitaville" Classica fingering weight yarn (for the Os and Vs shawl!)

-Ball and Skein Arequipa (80% alpaca/20%silk) in "Peacock Strut" with lovely semi solid teals/blues

-A gorgeous hand-dyed silk scarf (from Purple Hummingbird Woolens) with hand felted flowers on the ends by a girl who is making/selling these to help pay for the harp she wants. So cool! I could've bought at least 2 more of her scarves. Gorgeous stuff.

Here I am with Heather/Sereknity at her booth at S&W:

and with Dendrea - it was her very first time to S&W!!! We had a blast!

So far this year, I've knit and finished 17.5 projects! Yay!!! My goal is to finish: 3 more shawls (named above), 3 more holiday stockings, finish Ben's blanket and finish my October Frost cardigan. Will I do it??? We shall see.....

UPDATE on my Dreamscape book: So far, I'm very, very happy with how the book has done. I've sold 225 books since December 2009. Yayyyy!!!! I'd love to sell the remaining 75 I have before this December.

Hard copies of my book are now available here:

1. My Etsy shop
2. Yarn and Fiber Company Website
3. Fran's Willowgate Farms Website

PDFs are available here:

1. The home page of my blog on the right sidebar
2. Ravelry

As a little motivation to everyone out there (and in celebration of my upcoming birthday), I'd like to offer a FREE PDF of my Dreamscape book for you AND a friend with every purchase of a Dreamscape book (hardcopy) from my etsy shop or from either of the online stores that I've listed above.

After purchasing the book(s) from any of the three websites, email me that you'd like your free PDF copy of the book, along with your order number. Send me either both your Ravelry name and your friend's (much easier for me to send there) or your two email addresses. (For a limited time, your book(s) will come wrapped in black gauzy ribbon and come with a handcrafted stitch marker.) Please let me know if you'd like to have your book signed and whose name you'd like in the book.

Thanks so much and Happy Knitting!

Happy Easter/Spring Equinox!

2010-04-04T16:14:00.018-04:00

I know that I haven't posted for a LONG time. I've got at least 3 FOs (a lace shawl and 2 knitted toys) to show you, which I'm excited about. But that'll have to wait until the weekend is over and I have more than a few minutes to spare.

Also, I've got some good news.

A new online yarn store, Willow Gate Yarns, will be selling my Dreamscape books! I just mailed 20 out on Friday and looking forward to seeing how they do. Thanks, Fran!!

You can also purchase a copy of my book at The Yarn and Fiber Company, as well. If you haven't visited either online shop, I'd totally recommend giving them a try.

So, until I have more than a few minutes to blog, I just wanted to share some family pics with you.

I was excited to actually get a pic my almost 17 year old, Tim...me...and my 7 year old, Ben...and there wasn't too much grumbling. (Check out the Felted Clogs that he's wearing!)

Another great pic which I hardly ever get...all the gals in my family - My sister, Kim...my mom, Karen...my grandmother, Catherine (90!) and me.

My dad, Tom...Ben...my hubby, Ian...and Tim. I can't believe that Tim is just about taller than his dad!

The loot that the kids got in their baskets - I'm trying to phase out lots and lots of candy in exchange for some cash and 1 Lindt chocolate bunny. Yummy.

Things have been busy around here and I'm excited that I've got another yoga class going at Berkana Massage and Bodywork Therapies. You can check out more information about the class HERE. I'm also still going to bellydance class (so much fun!) and trying to train myself in hooping so that I can do a teacher training session with HoopGirl. We'll see....

Hope you're all having a great week and I'll be back soon with lots of great pics of my finished knitted objects. Yay for knitting!!

Yooo-hoooo! It's Me! I'm Catching Up...

2010-03-11T10:36:00.041-05:00

(L-R: Patti, Eileen, Julie, Sharon and Me)

Hmmm...I thought I'd blogged more recently, but realized I hadn't. I'm finding it harder and harder to divide my time between Ravelry, Facebook and Blogging. A lot of people say that blogging is outdated. Is that true? I know that at least around 200 people are checking out my blog daily, but WHERE ARE YOuuuuuuuu, lovely people??? he he

Anyway, I wanted to share with you my FANTASTIC trip to NETA (New England Fiber Arts) Spa weekend and my recent finished handspun yarns and projects. Ready??

Since beginning spinning about 5 years ago, I've tried to attend the NETA Spa weekend. (I think I've only missed once.) For those of you who don't know about this great event, I'll explain. If you knit or spin or work with fibers in any way, this group is for you. On usually the last weekend in February, the group (who mostly only converse online over the Rav group or Yahoo group) meets in Freeport, ME at the Hilton Garden Inn/Hareseeket Hotel for a Thursday - Monday (or Friday- Sunday) weekend of shopping (wonderful shops around Freeport), visiting the yummy vendors at the hotel (where you can buy the most unique fibers, yarn, patterns, spinning wheels, spindle, looms, glass buttons and other accessories), chatting, eating, spinning, knitting, crocheting, weaving, and perhaps having a Spa treatment (at the Hareseeket Hotel or nearby Spa) - pedicure, manicure, massage, etc.

(L-R: Ericka, Kerrie-Ann and Sandi in our knitting/spinning corner of the hotel.)

It is totally worth trying out, if you've never been. You don't have to be a NETA member (though it helps because you get updates on what's going on, when/where to book your hotel room and how to win prizes, etc.) to go. If you want to pick a day, you can just go over to the hotel, shop and sit and work on your projects with the hundreds of other knitters/spinners/weavers/crocheters.

I love it, not only because it's a mini vacation, but because you'll see the most amazing handcrafted clothing, accessories and items all in one place! Everyday, you'll say to yourself, "Oooh, I LOVE that shawl!" or "Where did you get that YARN??", etc. And, the best part is, no one looks at you like you're crazy and back away from you screaming! LOL! Everyone is happy to share what they've made and let you touch it and answer as many questions as you want to ask. Sometimes, they'll even let you try it on! Or take pictures of them in the item! Woo-hoo!

This year, I think that the Winner of the Most Ogled Knitted Item in our group was Amy's Shetland Tea shawl from "A Gathering of Lace" book (pages 39/40) in oatmeal, pinks and natural white. What was most surprising, was that this was Amy's FIRST knitted lace EVER!!! (Yes, you may hate her. She's okay with it.) Not only was it beautiful, but it was knitted perfectly and it was the most flattering color on Amy. Now...if only I'd taken a picture of her with it on. Damn it.

I only got a pic of her WITHOUT the shawl. Ugh.

(Britni and Amy at Spa)

I had the absolute BEST time this year and even got to exercise on the treadmill every night, go to sleep early and wake up early so that I could spin, knit, spin and SHOP! Yay!

Heather even sold 7 of my Dreamscape books and 1 Lisha Lace pattern! Yippeeee!

Now, if I don't start showing off my loot and finished handspun...plus FOs...I won't ever be done before the end of the day. So...the rest of this post will be short and sweet - with pictures! ; )

1. Spunky Eclectic's booth (Amy's in a whirl...she's so busy!)

2. Heather/Sereknity's booth (Heather is wearing my Persephone beret in her Sweet yarn!)

3. Items I bought...mmmm.

(Della Q spinning bag and lovely sportweight Angora/merino for a sweater/shawl for me!)

(Spunky silk purple scarf for Donna, Spunky Targhee and Spunky bfl/silk fibers)

(Alpaca Obsession merino and bamboo with nylon sparkle fiber for Hilary)

I also bought some glass sheep stitch markers for Jackie and Donna, a glass needle threader for me, 2 skeins of gorgeous Sereknity yarn ("Margaritaville" in Classica for me and "Envy" in Worsted for Jackie) and a little more fiber.

HANDSPUN GALLERY

1. Spunky Ecletic's BFL/Tussah Silk (I created a 2 oz, 2 ply, 100 yard, worsted weight yarn in "Cotton Candy" colorway)

2. Spunky Eclectic's Targhee Combed Top (4 oz. 2 ply, dk weight, 195 yards in "2010" colorway)

3. Alpaca Obsession's Alpaca with Angelina Sparkle (3 oz, single ply, laceweight, 300 yards, in "Faded Jade" colorway)

4. Enchanted Knoll Farm's Superwash Wool/Nylon/Recycled Sari Silk/Sparkle (3 oz, single ply, fingering weight, 280 yards, in "Birthday Party" colorway)

5. Enchanted Knoll Farm's Superewash Wool/Recycled Sari silk/Sparkle (3 oz., single ply, fingering weight, 300 yards, in "Blue Jay" colorway)

And, FINISHED OBJECTS!!!!

1. Lego Man for Ben (Some Assembly Required pattern with Cascade 220)

and

2. Hat for Ian (Ann Budd's Hat pattern with Rowan Lima in a goregous deep green, 881, I think)

3. Log Cabin Square Pillow (Log Cabin pattern with Noro Kureyon- 226 on back, 250 on front)

4. Persephone Beret (My pattern with Sereknity Sweet yarn in "Floozy" colorway)

Whew, I'm beat! Off to do some bellydancing, hula hooping and then have some lunch!

What have YOU been up to??

The Elegant Ewe Trunk Show - Yay!

2010-02-24T11:20:00.016-05:00

Well, I didn't know what to expect for my last trunk show of the Winter. I had hopes, but didn't dare to hope TOO much. Every trunk show since December has been wonderful and profitable...so, I thought one of them was bound to be a little disappointing.

But, NO!

I have been the luckiest girl EVER and ended my Winter "tour" with a bang. Thanks to Denise (who got in touch with the lovely people at The Elegant Ewe), to Marci (who gave the go ahead for the whole thing) and to Kelly (who quickly organized, advertised and planned out the entire event - and who was so friendly and helpful to me the entire time) - because of them, this last trunk show was an overwhelming SUCCESS!!!

I not only sold 24 books (even had less to leave in the store than I thought I'd have! woo-hoo!), but enjoyed every moment of my time there.

The Persephone Beret class was so much fun - the ladies that I worked with were funny and welcoming and I had a good time watching their berets slowly progress through the class.

Here is another pic of me and the ladies -

I was grateful to everyone who bought a book at the shop that day and to some wonderful friends that came to visit (and most of them already own my book, so they just came to support me!) -

Tracy, Denise and Sarah (below is Sarah with her little boy, me and Denise) from the Concord Knitting Group

Hilary and Caroline from our ManchVegas Knitting Group

How luck I am!

Kelly even made homemade cookies (yuummmmmm!) and had coffee for everyone, too. I completely forgot to take a pic with her (like I also forgot at the Yarn Sellar with Patti), but I'm sure I'll be going back to the Elegant Ewe again and again and I can snag her for a pic then.

I also had some time to shop after the trunk show and I bought 2 bars of the most luscious smelling soap, another Wallaby pattern (which I keep losing) and a skein of local Alpaca/Cashmere sportweight yarn in a chocolately brown to make Ian gloves with. (The pattern I bought was designed by Kelly!)

All in all, another FANTASTIC day and then, I went off with my hubby for a romantic weekend in Boston. We took the local bus and a couple of T trains to our hotel, saw a Damon Wayans comedy show (awesome!), visited the Musuem of Fine Arts (we were there for over 3 hours and only saw a fraction of the stuff we wanted), watched an Omni Theatre show "Arabia" at the Boston Museum of Science, visted the Brattle Book Shop (and bought many books), and finally walked around Chinatown and sat in the Bamboo Garden.

Oh, life was good this weekend.

I also finally gave my mom her Fudge Swirl Cabled Mock Turtleneck sweater (it's her birthday this weekend!) and it fit her PERFECTLY!!! I was so happy. Here she is wearing it:

and from the back:

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Will be back on Monday or Tuesday for the next post of my NETA Spa weekend and my finished Lego Man knitted toy. Yayyyy!

Yarn and Fiber Co. Trunk Show!

2010-02-19T15:32:00.013-05:00

A very belated post about my lovely trunk show at the store I work at, The Yarn and Fiber Co. and, because I'm headed out to work very soon, this will be brief but, hopefully, exciting! LOL : )

Here are the highlights of the day-

My trunk show set up - very nice, I thought:

Picture with the owners (and my bosses), Cyndi and Jerry:

Wonderful knitters and designers (!) buying my book:
(L-R: Joan of Jocre Arts design fame, me and the fantastically fun, Dendrea)

Books waiting to be bought - 17 total sold for the day...Yay!

My always loyal and thoughtful friends from knitting group:

(L-R: Amy, Heather, Me (ugh...horrible pic of me) and Rebecca)

(L-R): Amy, Chris, Ericka and Heather

The day went by quickly and it was nice to be in my familiar surroundings (and not have to work...he he) while knitting with friends. I loved seeing people buying my book and then being able to help them find yarn to make some of the projects from it. AWE-SOME!!!

And, one of the BEST parts of the day was when Jerry took my picture to model one of Joan's newest, gorgeous lace shawl designs: The Seashell Silk Shawl:

Please support Joan of Jocre Arts and Ivy Brambles by buying this pattern and the lace, 100% silk yarn to go with it. Beautiful!

Thanks, Cyndi and Jerry for a fantastic day!!!

BTW, you can order my book, Dreamscape from the Yarn and Fiber Co. website. Check it out HERE!

Visit me at The Elegant Ewe this Saturday 2/20/10!!

2010-02-19T10:59:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I know I'm WAY behind in blogging about the great trunk show I had at the Yarn and Fiber Co. last Saturday (will be up sometime today!), but I wanted you to know that I'm having one LAST trunk show for the winter THIS Saturday at the Elegant Ewe in Concord, NH.

From 10 am-12 pm, I'll be teaching a Peresphone Beret class and then the trunk show will be from 12 -2 pm. Feel free to come earlier, though to check out my book and try on some the lovely samples I have of my designs. (I LOVE when knitters come to visit and try lots of things on!)

Hope to see you and please pass the word on!!

PS. I also finished a really cute knitted toy that I'll have to share in the next post, too. He's sooo cute!!!

Visit me at Yarn and Fiber Company, Saturday 2/13!

2010-02-09T09:44:00.004-05:00

Please visit me for my 5th trunk show (eeek!) at the Yarn and Fiber Company this Saturday, February 13th from 11 am to 3 pm!

I will have samples of all of my designs to try on and copies of my Dreamscape book to buy.

As always, if you buy a Dreamscape book from the store that day, you will receive a FREE PDF of Dreamscape as a gift from me.

I'd love to see you and please come to hang out and knit with me and my knitting group! It'll be a fun day and a great way to stay out of the freezing cold!

Hope to see you on Saturday! Happy Valentine's Day to all!

P.S. For those of you who came to the Yarn Sellar last Saturday and are waiting for your FREE pdf, don't worry. It's coming! I'd lost the page with all of your emails, but luckily I found it and I will email them out to you on Sunday or Monday at the latest. Thanks for being so patient!

Yarn Sellar Trunk Show -Yay!

2010-02-09T09:09:00.019-05:00

I am SO lucky! Another fantastic trunk show at The Yarn Sellar for Dreamscape!

The day started off with a fun ride to York, Maine with my dear friend, Laurin - it was so relaxing and we laughed and laughed - even when we got lost (slightly) and couldn't find the yarn shop (which we've been to so many times-LOL!). We called out places that we wanted to visit on the way back home - like the When Pigs Fly bakery (yummy - I bought chocolate bread, 4 seed bread, sourdough and oat & honey, plus balsamic vinagrette and jellies) and Yummies candy store (omg - floor to ceiling candy - 10,000 pounds in the store!).

The fantastic and thoughtful, Julie, had opened the store early and had hot coffee, tons of water bottles, and sweet smelling munchkins ready for us. In a flash, we'd set up the trunk show on the table and the appendages (lol) and I was set to go!

Within 1 hour or so, I'd already sold 10 books! Wowza!

Not only did I have the BEST time meeting knitters (some of who came just to see ME! I just can't believe it...) and seeing them try on hats, scarves, shawls and mitts, but it was just so much fun sitting there and KNITTING. Laurin and I sat at the table and chat, knit and relaxed. Totally wonderful.

(A lovely Amanda Hat wearing knitter and me.)

There was one awesome knitter who came to see me, Amanda, who brought her family with her - and her beautiful teenage daughter (whose name I should I have asked) looked AMAZING in every single hat on the table. It was one of the best times of the day seeing her try things on and look fab-u-lous! She had her mom pick out yarn for every hat in my book! If only I'd gotten better pictures of her.....I did get a pic of her and her family at the table, though: (she's the one on the very left with the burgandy Amanda Hat on)

Some of my close knitting friends came to see me, too - Kerrie-Ann, Jackie, and Lora. Oh, it makes me feel incredibly special when friends are so supportive of me and my book. I love you guys!!!

(L-R: Kerrie-Ann, Jackie, Me)

All in all, another totally successful and super fun day - I sold 24 books by the end of the day. Laurin and I went shopping after the trunk show and out to dinner for yummy hamburgers at a restaurant on the way home. I got to finish the very last square to Ben's Log Cabin blanket. I'm sewing it up now. Yay!

I want to thank Patti and Roger (to whom I send many loving thoughts and hugs), Julie and Martha for all that they did for me for my trunk show - I can't tell how much it meant to me and you are all so wonderful. Thank you!!!!!

And, before I go, a pic of my mom's finished Fudge Swirl Cabled Mock Turtleneck - it's a birthday gift and I hope she likes it!!

And, also, on me:

What do you think?

Happy Knitting!!! ; )

Trunk Show at the YARN SELLAR this Saturday!!!

2010-02-05T14:10:00.008-05:00

Hey everyone!

Just a reminder that I'll be at the Yarn Sellar this Saturday for another "Sleepy Eyes Knits: Dreamscape" Trunk show and book signing. I'm happy to say that I will be there from 10 am - 4 pm (all day!!!) if you'd like to visit, shop and come to sit and knit with me. It's a wonderful store with such friendly and fun people - totally worth the trip....plus you get to see meeeee! LOL!

Almost every weekend this month I have a show, so if you miss this one, the other two are here in New Hampshire (at the Yarn and Fiber Co. in Derry- 13th and Elegant Ewe in Concord - 20th)

Lately, I've been knitting my heart out on little Ben's Log Cabin Square blanket-which is totally, wonderfully quick, fun AND addictive. I'm on number 15/16 of the squares I'm making and I think it may be finished by the end of this month. Woo-hoo!

Here is the current pic of it (with only 13 squares of Noro Kureyon on size US 8 needle):

I looooooove it!

Still working on my October Frost Cardigan, too...but it's hard to work on that at group, since each row has at least 3 different cable charts. It's coming out beautifully, but slowly.

As always, if you're interested, you can buy a PDF of my Dreamscape book on Ravelry and also on my Etsy shop -where you can buy the actual book (with free stitch marker!) as well. If you're able to come to any of the trunk shows before the end of the month, you will receive a FREE pdf with every Dreamscape book purchase. Do it now before it ends!!! (he he)

Have a wonderful weekend and, in the next post, I will show finished pics of my mom's Fudge Swirl Cabled Mock Turtleneck sweater!

Byyyyeee!

Knitting Studio Trunk Show!

2010-01-25T10:07:00.012-05:00

My 3rd trunk show was truly fun!

The Knitting Studio is called, "The Friendliest Yarn store in VT" and it's SO true. When you go into the store, you immediately feel welcome, comfortable and like you could stay there all day to chat and knit.

Before I even reached the door, I saw this sign in front of the shop on the sidewalk -

Isn't that awesome??? Ian was like, "Hey, that's pretty cool!" and I thought so, too!

I went inside the store to put down my trunk and boxes of books and Ian took this photo of me just inside the door -

Lee, Leslie and Bridgette of Knitting Studio are wonderful and made me feel very special that day. Leslie bought my very first book in cash because she said that she wanted me to have my very first sale right away. Isn't that sweet??

Here I am with Lee and Leslie before the show started. (And look at the great yarn in the background!!)

I set up my woolen goodies on the back table and, while I was waiting for interested knitters, I roamed the shop perusing their interesting and lovely assortment of buttons, yarn, patterns and books. It's one of those stores where you think you've seen everything and then, all of a sudden, you find something else that catches your eye.

The two items that I wanted to buy (but didn't this time, but will definitely get NEXT time!) were a beautiful lace/fingering weight Bamboo/Merino/Bison blend yarn (yummmmmy!) and the Eco Cashmere, which I've had my eye on every time I visit their shop. I ended up buying 2 skeins of a fushia Mirasol Tulsi, a skein of Regia Monster & book (for kids' socks), a couple of magazines for Jackie, a skein of Noro Kureyon for the Log Cabin blanket (in a color I hadn't seen before) and an adorable tea/coffee container that's green and stainless steel and had a sheep on the front saying, "Knit Happy".

I was totally lucky and grateful when a number of friends came by the shop to see me and the trunk show. Julie (CoolMoonYogaKnits from Ravelry) came with her adorable daughter, Phoebe and Pam (PamBill from Ravelry) also came to see me - and she looked so pretty in all of the hats. (I'm still thinking of that great Thorpe hat she had knit out of Malabrigo...it was great!) The four of us had fun trying on all of my designs and seeing which ones looked good on them. In this pic, they're wearing the ones that I thought looked the best.

Finally, Kerry (KMurphy4) came to visit me and that was wonderful to have a friend from home come to the yarn store! We sat and talked for a while (and planned later on to go to Dobra Tea house in Burlington to knit - which was sooo fantastic!).

At the end of the day, I'd sold 20 books (yay!) and went home tired, but happy. It was a great day!

The next day, though, wasn't so great. We got up very early so that we could leave VT in time to make a friend's last-minute wedding in NH, which was at 1:30 pm. On the way there, my car overheated (three times!) and we ended up having to call AAA to tow it to a nearby town in VT. It most likely has a blown head gasket and I had to leave my lovely car in VT (which has my trunk show, Ben's boots & karate belt and Ian's snow shoes!) in the trunk). Ughhhh! Ian's grandfather (who is in his 80s!) drove us all home and then drove right back to VT. It was very generous of him, but I was also worried about him the whole time. Almost 7 hours of driving for a grandfather is alot! Luckily, he got home safely. Whew!

So...at the moment, we found out it will cost over $1600 to fix my car and I won't get it back until Friday or Monday of next week. ARghhhhhhh!

But, besides this bad news, I was truly happy with the trunk show and I'm so grateful to everyone at The Knitting Studio - thank you all very much and I'll be up there again soon to shop and visit! (And I recommend that you do, too! lol!)

Have a great day everyone! ; )

Trunk Show at the Knitting Studio this Saturday!!!

2010-01-18T12:36:00.003-05:00

Hi again, everyone!

Just a reminder that I'll be at The Knitting Studio in Montpelier, VT this Saturday from 1-4 pm for my trunk show and book signing of Dreamscape!

As a gift to anyone who visits the shop and buys a book that day, I'll be giving out a FREE PDF copy of my book!! Yay!

Please come and visit me at this wonderful and very friendly yarn shop. I'd love to see you!!

Windsor Button Trunk Show - Yay!

2010-01-18T11:38:00.012-05:00

I'm happy to say that the Windsor Button trunk show for Dreamscape went very well! Susan, the helpful and friendly owner of the shop, had two nice tables set up for me with pretty fabric and was very generous in letting me use her shawl props and heads to display my samples.

The store was much bigger than I thought it would be and I was disappointed that I wasn't able to shop around myself! (Hubby and I are planning another trip to Boston next month, so I'll be able to spend some time there then.) There was a great selection of yarn (the little that I was able to see from my table, anyway!) and an impressive selection of buttons. Next time I visit, I need some pretty 1" buttons to go with my October Frost cardigan.

I was thrilled to sell 4 books in the first half hour! After that, things were a little slow (for me, not the shop -that place was HOPPING!), but I was able to talk with a number of interesting people about their knitting and received some very nice compliments on my designs.

By the end of the day, I'd sold 24 books total - including the ones I'd sold to the store (so if you missed seeing me, you can always go and buy a book from them at the shop!) and that made me very pleased : )

Also, two wonderful friends visited me at the store - Jackie and Donna. Yay! I'm so lucky to have such supportive friends!

I have to tell you, though, the truly BEST part of my day.

Casey and Jess of Ravelry visited me!!!!!!!!

Ahhhhhhh!! EEEEK! Woooo-hoooooo!

It was literally 5 minutes before I was packing up to leave and they walked in - I thought I was going to pee my pants! (well, skirt)

I grinned like an idiot, hugged them and babbled on and on about how happy I was to see them - kind of like what I did the very first time I met them. (They must think I have mental problems.)

I smiled so much that my face hurt and felt like I was going to faint when Jess started trying on the Persephone Beret samples I had on my table. The smaller one (medium size) looked the best on her and I can only pray that she does make one for herself. She looked adorable in it.

They were both so friendly and helpful and fun to talk to. I can't believe they came. I really can't.

Could the day have ended any better than THAT???!!?? LOL ; )

A huge thanks to Susan and her husband of Windsor Button yarn store. Thank you both SO much for having me!!!

P.S. Two women came to the store and bought a book from me - I've tried to email them their FREE pdf of Dreamscape, but both emails have been returned to me. If either of you are reading this, Barbara B or Emily W, please email me your Ravelry name if you have one, because I can send you the book through there instead. Or contact me so we can work out a way to get it to you. Thanks!

Visit me at Windsor Button, Saturday 1/16!

2010-01-15T12:31:00.011-05:00

I'm excited!!

Tomorrow, I'll be at the wonderful Boston yarn shop, Windsor Button with my trunk show and Dreamscape book! I'll be there from 12 pm - 4 pm and will be offering a FREE PDF of my book if you buy a hard copy of the book at the yarn shop.

If you're free that day and would like, not only to shop at this great yarn store, but visit me as well - I'd love to see you there!

So far this year, I've been very busy with my knitting. Since finishing Tim's Lizard Ridge Afghan, I've started a knitted blanket for Ben, as well. I'm using the Log Cabin Square pattern and, as usual, the lovely Noro Kureyon in many colorways. I LOVE knitting blankets out of this yarn!

Here are the two squares I've made so far. Each are 10.5" square and very squishy soft and warm. I'm halfway done with a third square, too. They're VERY addictive : )

I'm also finishing up on my mom's Fudge Swirl Cabled Mock Turtleneck sweater in Berroco Ultra Alpaca. Another scrumptious yarn to knit with that isn't too expensive, but feels like it when you're knitting with it. Yummmm!

I'm done with the back, the front and one sleeve. One more sleeve to go! (Look above at beginning of post for a pic of the back of the sweater.)

AND...I've designed a new pattern (which I'm in the process of finishing up writing at this moment) called, "The Bobbi Scarf". This scarf is named after my cousin, Bobbi, who made me the most gorgeous pink and silver swarovski crystal earrings for Christmas. I created the quick to knit, cabled, wool scarf with fabric backing as my gift to her. It should be up by next week. Yay!

Hope you all have a great weekend and maybe I'll see some of you tomorrow at Windsor Button! ; )

Happy New Year 2010!!!

2010-01-01T14:49:00.025-05:00

Happy New Year, Friends!!!

I can't believe 2009 is already over. In a way, I'm totally glad. It was a good year for me, I think, but so so busy.

(Can't believe how BIG my boys are now, too!)

I've still got a list of 10 things that I really wanted to get done this year that I didn't do. Like:

- Finish Reconciling the checkbook
-Clean out Ben's closet
-Clean out art cupboard
-Organize my yarn stash (which I'm sure will be a month long project)
-Donate old toys
-Buy a pretty rug for the kitchen
-Get a knitting corner set up for me to relax in (with new comfy chair!)
-Finish all pairs of hand knit socks (at least 5 singles to do!)
-Clean out and organize my freezer (fridge part is done!)
-~~Force~~ (a-hem) Urge Ian to clean out the garage

But...maybe I'll get to those things THIS year...right? (right?)

The list above aside, the Year 2009 has been very productive for me.

(sorry, few pictures at the moment and very few links - I was trying to get this post done fast!)

I've published and printed my FIRST DESIGN BOOK - "Dreamscape":

-At my first trunk show at Fresh Purls yarn store, I sold about 34 copies of my book! It was one of the most awesome weekends ever!
-In the first two weeks that I had my book available, I made all of the money back that I spent printing the 100 copies!
-Soon, I'll be able to have another 100 copies printed (with an ISBN number this time!)
-I'm so grateful for everyone who helped with the book and for everyone who bought a book or pdf...THANK YOU!!!!

I've knit and finished 54 PROJECTS:

(must remember to add the new ones to Ravelry!!!)

-Amanda Hat in Ivy Brambles Superwash Worsted (tulips)
-3 Crocheted Dishsoap Aprons (various yarns)
-Golle Molle Baby Cardigan in Rowan Pure Wool DK (white)
-Lizard Ridge Afghan in Noro Kureyeon (many colors)

-Tim's Felted Clogs in Cascade 220 (red and black)
-Ian's Felted Clogs in Cascade 220 (dark gray)
-Fabulous Scarf in Ivy Brambles SW Worsted (tulips)
-Lacy Recyclibag in Green Mountain Spinnery Organic Wool (natural)
-Spring Savasana Socks in Ivy Brambles SW Worsed (spring meadow)
-Amy Beret in My Handspun (reds and pinks)
-Hai Ryo for Tim in Berroco Comfort Worsted (red) and Berroco Lumina (black/red)
-Ericka Scarf in Noro Kureyon sock yarn (long and narrow)
-Another Ericka Scarf in Noro Kureyon sock yarn (wider)
-Baby Bear Felted Teddy in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Worsted (brown)
-Baby Yoda Sweater in Rowan Wool Cotton (light teal)
-Plain Jane Socks in Sereknity Sock Options (Berry)
-Monk's Sweater for Teddy in Noro Kureyon (226)
-Grown Up Booties in Reynolds' Lopi (fushia)
-Tiny Shoes in Bunny Blend Angora sportweight (lt. pink and fushia)
-Mya's Sweater in Bunny Blend Angora sportweight (lt. pink and fushia)
-Button Up Neck Wrap in My Handspun (glittery blue)
-Hap Blanket in This and That Farms' Cormo Silk chunky (natural and Sereknity "Escape dyed)
-Kraken in Cascade 220 and Cascade 220 SW (yellow and cranberry)
-Sea Urchin in Katia Mississippi 3 (hot pink)
-Spider in Cascade 220 (black and red)
-Buttercup in Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool (bright blue)
-Icing Swirl Hat in Misti Alpaca Chunky (dk, turquoise)
-Mousie in Katia Mississippi 3 (gray and pink)
-Quant in My Handspun (various pastel colors)
-Octopus in Cascade 220 and Cascade 220 SW (turquoise and yellows)
-Elephante in RYC Cashsoft DK (gray blue)
-Sea Star in Cascade 220 (pink)
-Sea Star in Cascade 220 SW (yellows)
-Brown Lizard Ridge Square for Roger's Blanket in Cascade 220 SW (brown)
-Helmet Liner in Cascade 220 (camel)
-Cowl in Cascade 220 (camel)
-Horseshoe Cap in My Handspun (pinks and oranges)
-Sweet Leaf Adult Hat in Lamb's Pride Worsted (turquoise)
-Immortal Stole in Cascade ECO+ (red) and SWTC Jezebel (black)
-Immortal Stole (half and half with Kerry) in Cascade Eco+ (pale turquoise) and Ivy Brambles Shetland (dark turquioise)
-Lena Hat in Wollemeise Sock yarn Wool blend (Red Hot Chili)
-Roman Princess Scarf in Malabrigo Worsted (fushia)
-Amanda Hat in Malabrigo Worsted (butter)
-Persephone Beret in Cascade 220 (coffee)
-Persephone Beret in Anny Blatt Angora Super (pink)

-Persephone Beret in Cascade Pastaza (white large)
-Persephone Beret in Cascade Pastaza (white small)
-Persephone Beret in Cascade Pastaza (dark gray small)
-Soleil Shoulder Wrap in Spunky Eclectic Lace Merino (Walking on the Sun)
-Spellbound in Gedifra Ayala (gray)
-Chimera in Valeria di Roma Angora (white)
-Chimera in Cascade 220 (pink)

I've spun 5 HANDSPUN YARNS:

(on my Ashford Joy)

-2 ply fingering of Sereknity 100% BFL in "Blue Hawaii" for DonnaD (355 yards)
-2 ply fingering (20 wpi) of Icelandic Lambswool/Mohair from Fresli Farm (hand dyed lt. turquoise by me) (515 yards)
-2 ply lt. worsted of London Wul Fiber Arts 100% Polwarth in red-pinks for Amy Beret (245 yards)
-2 ply DK of Sereknity's 50% Lambswool/50% Angora in "Lilacs in Bloom" (98 yards)
-Single ply DK of Ivy Brambles 100% Corriedale in "Fireball" for Horseshoe Cap from Spin Off (160 yards)

I've read 45 BOOKS:

(my favorites were BY FAR the ones written by Dorothy Whipple!)

-They Knew Mr. Knight by Dorothy Whipple
-Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield
-Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple
-The Priory by Dorothy Whipple
-The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
-The Chinese Shawl by Patricia Wentworth
-Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Riechl
-Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
-Fortune and Fate by Sharon Shinn
-The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula LeGuin
-Wuthering Heights (thank goodness I finished this one!) by Emily Bronte
-To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
-Hitty: Her First 100 Years by Rachel Field
-Jamaica Inn by Daphne duMaurier
-Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield
-They were Sisters by Dorothy Whipple
-From May Sarton's Well by Edith R. Scharde
-Poison in the Pen by Patricia Wentworth
-Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
-The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
-Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
-Teatime for the Traditionally Built by A.McCall Smith
-Olive Kitteridge by Katherine Strout
-Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
-The Cricket in Times Square by Gregory Smith
-Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss
-Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
-The Secret Woman by Victoria Holt
-The Tree Book by Mark Ryden
-The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler
-Journal to the Self by Kathleen Adams
-The Sweet Life by Laura Stoddart
-The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
-Hooping: A Revolutionary Fitness Program by Christabel Zamor
-The One Hundred by Nina Garcia
-The Black Opal by Victoria Holt
-Secret for a Nightingale by Victoria Holt
-Seven for a Secret by Victoria Holt
-Shivering Sands by Victoria Holt
-Daughter of Deceit by Victoria Holt
-The Shadow of the Lynx by Victoria Holt
-Quatrain by Sharon Shinn
-The Black Swan by Phillipa Carr
-Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
-Handmade Home by Amanda B. Soule

I've also lost 93 POUNDS on Weight Watchers:

-Still an ongoing process, but I'm keeping at it. I'm losing much less per week and sometimes none at all. But, I'm not going to give up...and I WILL make my goal weight in the next 6 months!!!! (crossing fingers!!)

I want to let all of you know how much I appreciate all of your support, comments and love that you send to me through Facebook, Ravelry, my blog and email. You are all AMAZING and thank you so much for reading my blither blather every couple of weeks or so.

Have a TRULY MAGICAL 2010 and hope all of your wishes come true!!!!

"Dreamscape" available for PURCHASE!!!

2009-12-11T12:33:00.008-05:00

Yayyyy!!! This is one of my MOST exciting things to happen for me this year (well, except for my trip to Fresh Purls, which I still think could NOT have gone better) and I'm thrilled to share it with you!

Okay, so...there are a few things I should explain before you buy.

1. The pdf e-Book is available here on my blog (see right side bar of the home page for "Buy Now" buttons) and also on Ravelry - though at the moment (1 pm on Friday) it seems to have disappeared, so I hope the Ravelry Angels are fixing things for me as I write. Strange how 2 people were able to buy it last night...weird, but good!

( On Ravelry, I have not been able to figure out how to add Dreamscape as an e-book, no matter how many links editors have sent me. Am I an idiot? Possibly. But, at least I was able to add it as a pattern and if you go to my Pattern Store, you can buy the 4 MB ebook (may take some time to download) there until I can get someone to help me change it to it's correct category.)

You also may have noticed TWO prices here on my blog for the pdf. And, I may have explained this before, but here it is again, just in case. The $10 e-Book (Me&Gift) option is for if you may be too tempted to buy a pdf for yourself and then "share" it with a friend of yours. This price is less expensive than buy 2 pdfs (seems silly, too) and you are able to keep 1 pdf and forward it to one other person. This way, you save $4, but can feel good about not cheating me. LOL!

I'm very interested to see who chooses this option.

2. On my Sleepy Eyes Etsy Shop (link here and also on the right sidebar of homepage), you are able to buy the book or the book with pdf combination. With the combination, you save only a $1, but I think it's worth it to get both. You can keep the hard copy in your knitting bag and the pdf on your iPhone or iTouch or cell phone to look at when you can bring the book.

For a limited time, you will receive a handmade Dreamscape stitch marker and your book wrapped in a beautiful black ribbon with each hard copy book you purchase. They were made by the wonderful Hilary of Fairy Designs. (She will be adding new items to her store starting in January next year.) Yay! ; )

So, in the meantime, if you have ANY questions, please feel free to email me and let's hope that Ravelry is working on getting my book up as an ebook and not just a pattern.

Cross your fingers!!

P.S. If you'd like your book(s) by Christmas, please order by December 17th.

AMAZING Fresh Purls Trunk Show!!

2009-12-07T10:57:00.033-05:00

Woo-hoooooooo!! The weekend was even BETTER than I'd expected. WAY better! I feel like I'm floating on Cloud 9 right now. I don't know where to begin telling you about this weekend or how to type in a normal manner so that I'm not babbling like an idiot. I will TRY, but please forgive my over-enthusiasm ; )

Okay...we left on Friday night for RI so that we'd be able to get to the store at 9 am without much trouble. Luckily, my Mom and Dad (who live in RI) took the kiddies so Ian was able to bring me to the yarn store with my trunk full of stuff (and the books). I was so over-prepared that we arrived at 8:40 am! (whoops)

Sherry, one of the employees at Fresh Purls was so nice and let me in early. She showed me around and we figured out a good place to put the trunk show. Ian took some pics of the store -inside and out- while I got myself ready. Once Karen arrived (the fabulous owner), she took me on a tour of the store and got me prepared for what we'd be doing this weekend. She made me feel soo welcome ; )

I have to tell you all - this store is so wonderful. As soon as you walk in, you feel at home. You feel welcomed and warm and cozy. Although it's a small store (more vertical than horizontal, if you know what I mean), it makes up for it in "presence". Everything is organized and they have an amazing selection of lovely, lovely yarn. All of the decor is attractive and adorable. It's exactly the kind of store I'd have, if I had one. It's light, airy and you feel like you can touch things without hesitation. I can't tell you how many times I walked around the store, adding things to my shopping bag of stuff I wanted to buy (oh, man!)

Some of my favorite items from the store were: Walker bags (in sheer, soft fabrics and firmer, mesh versions - I only bought 1, but I wanted ALL of them!), the button selection, the wire bracelet kits (which I bought 2 of!), the Fresh Purls signature stitch markers (yay!) and the Berroco Lustra (I bought the dark red...gorgeous!). I could have bought TONS more stuff, but had to restrain myself. For next time, I have my eye on the simple, squiggle sterling silver shawl/scarf pin/pick, more Walker bags and some Blue Sky Alpacas yarn. ; )

On Saturday, I was thrilled to have my closest friends visit me (they came all the way down from NH!) at the store and Heather brought a load of her gorgeous, Sereknity yarn to sell along with the "Joy of Sox" books that Karen had in the store. Oh, I can't tell you how grateful I felt for their support and company!

(L-R, Back -Front): (Kerrie-Ann, Judy, Jackie, Heather and Lora)

My lovely sister, Kim (who models the Soleil Shoulder Wrap in my book), and her friend, Jen also visited, but sadly, I have no pics of them : ( I was also delighted and surprised to see a high school friend of mine, Jessica, who doesn't knit, but came to the shop to say hello and support me. It was awesome to see her!

After their visit (which included a truly yummy lunch across the street at Hope Street Pizza), I taught an Amanda Hat class, which was loads of fun! Mostly everyone had already started to knit the hat and I pretty much just helped very minimally and blabbed on and on. It was the first Amanda Hat class I've ever "taught" and it was great...the ladies were super nice and I loved talking to them about Audible, Netflix and knitting/running. I immediately felt like I'd made some new friends and I hope to see them again! (I feel like a heel, but I can only remember the name of the adorable woman on the very right front of the picture, Becky. I know I wrote down the others' names, but I met so many people, I completely forgot. I'm SO sorry. Please let me know your name again if you're reading this.)

The rest of the day was spent talking to customers, knitting, shopping and then, so soon, it was time to go. I sold 15 books that day!!! Yay!

The next day was even better! (If you can believe it.) I was only there for 4 hours, but I sold at least 18 more books and got to see MORE friends!!!

Donna!

Kerry!

Carol!

Chris/Ericka!

Ann! (my very best friend from high school):

Oh, what a day!!!

I went home in a glow of happiness and gratitude. I kept thinking, "I am SO lucky". And I really am. Not only am I truly and undenyingly grateful to Karen Holmes and her store/staff, but also:

- to Ian (for driving me there, helping me to set up and pretty much creating half the book!)
- to my parents (for taking care of the kids, feeding us and supporting me in every way)

(Here I am with my mom's friend, Dale and my mom)

- to my friends from NH/MA (who took the drive down to RI even though the weather was horrible and some of them already had a copy of the book because they helped me with it!)
- to my sister (for visiting me, modeling for my book and for picking me up at the end of the long, but lovely Saturday)
- to my friends in RI (who visited me even though they don't knit just to support me) and to those who I've talked to online a million times, but either never or seldom got to meet in person (it was amazing to meet you!)
- to all of my friends on Facebook (who encourage me everyday and make me confident and loved)
- to Julie (for letting me borrow her heads!)

The list goes on and on and I know I've probably forgotten someone - but I hope I will remember to thank them in person when I do ; )

But, to all of YOU, who read my blog, knit/buy my patterns and write to me - I am so incredibly grateful to you and I hope you know how much your support means to me.

Before I go, I want to let you know that the book and pdf (and various combinations of these) should be available by the end of this week. I will post here (and on Facebook) when it's set. I will be selling on my blog/Etsy Shop first and then on Ravelry, once I get that set up. Hopefully, I'll be able to have all of it set up so that, whoever wants one, can get a book by the holidays.

Love to you all and THANK YOU!!!!

Off to Providence!!!

2009-12-04T15:51:00.003-05:00

A very quick post as we're heading out the door for RI. Hope I've got everything I need for this weekend - it's getting close!

My first trunk show ever! Didn't think it would ever happen...

I'll post as soon as I get back with pictures and lots of details.

Hope to see some of you there!

Fresh Purls, here I coooommmmme!

Love, Gina ; )

My Book is HERE!!!!!

2009-11-17T10:04:00.023-05:00

I'm so absolutely excited to tell you that my very first, self-published pattern book is here!!!!! Yayyyyy!!!!

Details

Title- Sleepy Eyes Knits: Dreamscape
Type- Pattern book containing 12 patterns (6 classics, 6 brand new)
Theme- Victorian/Gothic/Antique
Pages- 60 pages
Binding- Spiral bound (wire-o)

Titles of the new patterns:

Spellbound (a knitted choker in which to add vintage jewelry to)
Immortal (an oversized, lace, rectangular stole in worsted weight)
Persephone (a very feminine lace beret)
Chimera (a flower accent to add to your knitted items)
Soleil (a lace shoulder wrap)
Lena (a lacy beanie hat)

I've tried to keep my style similar to the designs I've already created - mostly accessories, simple lace, with each project using (usually) one 1 skein or so of yarn for the project and taking advantage of high quality, luxury yarns. I love being able to knit items that are not only interesting and relatively quick to knit, but that I enjoy wearing and feeling against my skin. That is what I keep in mind when I am designing something new.

There are several wonderful features to this book that I'd like to share and think you will enjoy, too.

1. Theme - The idea of the book is this: I fall asleep one night reading one of my victorian/gothic novels (think Victoria Holt or Wilkie Collins) and dream about knitwear. I find myself wandering gardens and cemeteries in a ghostly form, later bringing to life the designs I've seen in my dreams.

2. Size and Spiral Binding - I decided to make this a small book (5.5" x 8.5") so that a knitter can easily stick it in her/his bag and take it along, without it taking up too much room or being too heavy. The spiral binding is really nice because it will keep the book open to the exact page that you want. I originally planned on having it in perfect-bound form, but you just couldn't see the very inside parts of the pages without cracking the spine. Though this binding may make the book look less "professional", it is infinitely more practical.

3. Photos - The photos were all taken my husband or I (half and half, I think), but the photos were all altered by my husband, Ian, who is amazing. He took each of the photos and transformed them into an "antique" looking picture, with the knitting object in FULL COLOR and the rest of the picture in black and white or sepia. The effect is amazing and I love how each of the photos turned out. All of the photos of me have me in "ghost form" because I am the one dreaming - and the rest of the pictures of the other models are just antiqued. The pages of the book that do not have photos on them are on a parchment-looking paper, designed to look very old and worn (See above sample page). This is my favorite aspect of the book. (I collect antique books).

(You may notice that the picture above features the beautiful Jackie of the Hello Jackie blog. This is my favorite photo in the book.)

4. Spinner-Friendly - Since this book is designed to be "spinner friendly", I've included ply, fiber content, weight and also wraps per inch (wpi). This way, you are able to find something similar in your handspun stash or regular yarn stash if you didn't want to use the particular yarn that I did.

5. Pricing - I had an savvy idea about pricing for this book. I'm planning on having it available as a pdf, as well as a hard copy. (Working on that at the moment). So, there will be 4 prices:

-Book only ($14.00)
-Book and PDF ($20.00)
-PDF only ($7.00)
-PDF for self & gift for a friend ($10.00)

The 4th option (PDF for self & gift for a friend) is something that I've been thinking about for a while. I've always felt that, when buying a pdf as a gift for someone, that it's very, very tempting to also print out that pdf for yourself (or keep a copy of it) before sending it to a friend. Has anyone else felt that way? But, it seems like paying double the price for a pdf is a bit too much if only one person is buying it. Does this make sense? (Maybe I'm just crazy). So, what I'm going to do is to make a special price if you are buying a pdf for a gift and one for yourself at the same time. It will be less than 2 pdfs and only a little more than 1. That way, the person buying the pdf won't be tempted to just buy 1 and take it for herself and THEN give the same one to a friend. Less temptation, Less guilt, Better for me.

At this point, I'm not totally set on the prices, but this is a guideline for now.

There are a few factors that some knitters might have an issue with and I'm going to go over them here so that people can try to understand why I organized the book the way I did.

1. Charts - there are charts for almost every pattern, but some of the patterns were only 2 rows of actual "pattern" and the rest was simply knitting or purling, so those charts weren't included. I wanted to put the charts on their individual pattern pages, but it made the book much, much longer and I had to keep my printing cost down. Instead of having an extra 12 pages, I was able to put all the charts on only 3 pages, which made the cost of printing much more manageable for me. If I do another edition of the book and I have more funds at that time, I will add the charts to the pattern pages.

2. Yarns - again, another factor that I was influenced by cost. I listed the general yarn details in the pattern itself and then all of the details in the back under "Yarn Information". This way, I could make the patterns smaller and use only 1 page for the specific yarn information.

3. How to Knit - this book isn't a "how to knit" book. I figure that there are many wonderful books out there that explain this information much better than I can. This is a just collection of patterns that I designed- one that I hope knitters will enjoy and find interesting.

I'm also thrilled to announce 4 (so far) Gina House/Sleepy Eyes Knits trunk shows/book signings in the New England area. (I will update these as the dates get closer)

Fresh Purls
Providence, RI
December 5th and 6th, 2009
Sat (10-4 pm, 1:30-3:00 pm Amanda Hat Class) and Sun (11-3 pm)
http://www.freshpurls.com

Windsor Button
Cambridge, MA
January 16th, 2010
Sat 12- 4 pm
http://www.windorbutton.com

The Knitting Studio
Montpelier, VT
January 23rd, 2010
Saturday 1- 4 pm
http://www.vtknits.com

The Yarn Sellar
York, ME
February 6th, 2010
Saturday (time to be announced soon)
http://www.yarnsellar.com

At each of the shows, I will be showing samples of each of my knitted designs, selling/signing copies of my new book, signing copies of "The Joy of Sox" and also giving out "I Knit and Amanda Hat!" pencils to each knitter who shows me the Amanda Hat they knit. (Picture is fine, too) I'm hoping to spend time sitting and knitting with everyone who comes to visit the store, too. And, most definitely, shopping!! ; )

If you're on Ravelry, check out the SleepyHeads group and click on the events that you'll be able to come to. Right now, only the Fresh Purls event is up, but I'll be adding more very soon.

I hope you will be able to join me at one (or more!) of these events - I'd love to meet you!! If you can spread the word about the trunk shows and my book, I'd be very, very grateful ; )

Would love to know what you think about this book preview...

Happy Knitting!

P.S. I'm trying to work out the details for selling the book at this point. It will either be available on my blog, Ravelry or my etsy shop (talking to them now about if that's something I can do) or a combination of these.

-

Happy Almost Halloween!!

2009-10-27T10:12:00.026-04:00

Happy-Almost-Halloween everyone!!! I wish I had some other amazing and scary knits to show you, but this Spider is pretty much all I've got ; P

I feel like it's been very difficult to keep up with my blog now that I have my Ravelry account, you know. Are there still readers keeping up with me on here or are they all over THERE? It's hard to tell, you know? Plus, it's almost like you're sharing information twice and typing it all up over and over again. Mostly, I'll just link over to my Ravelry page so you can see more pictures and get more details, if you're interested. Because, man, my hands are tired of typing sometimes! LOL!

These are the things I have been up to since I wrote last:

1. Working on finishing up my book (which I hope to the Knitting Goddess will be done -and awesome- in the next 2 weeks)

2. Designing new patterns...it's funny...I seem to get MUCH more accomplished when I'm close to a deadline. Anyone else like that?

3. Trying not to overeat so I can lose weight - near the end here on Weight Watchers and finding it MUCH more difficult. (I seem to like the word "much" too much today.)

4. Getting myself (and my patterns/samples) ready for my trunk show/book signing/(and hopefully!) premier of my new book at Fresh Purls yarn store in Providence, RI on Dec. 5th and 6th. You can check out their awesome website HERE (it is SUCH a pretty website and store!) and their blog HERE. You can also read more about it on the Ravelry Event page that I made up HERE. If you're interested or think you can attend, make sure to check the box! I love to check it and see who might be coming to visit me!

(I'll post more on this when it gets closer...)

Now, on to the GOOD STUFF - Finished Objects!!!!

Elijah the Elephant

This was a very cute, quick and enjoyable knit. It's for a gift for a high school friend of mine who is having her very first baby -it's a boy! I'm planning on sending this to her with a quilt I'm making, which I hope to be finished before the year 2020.

Click HERE for more details and pics of this on Ravelry.

Hoot

I found this at the very last minute on Ysolda's blog...it's a tiny little owl that you can make into a barrette. Didn't look so good in my short hair, but I loved knitting it (it took like 5 minutes) and it's such a cute idea.

More about this HERE.

Octopus

Another addictive and super fun amigurumi animal from Hansi Singh's book, Amigurumi Knits...I love that book!! This one was my favorite of the ones I've made so far, I think. I have plans to make everything from this book. It's THAT much fun, really.

More about this project (and great pictures) HERE.

HorseShoe Cap

Everytime I get a new Spin-Off Magazine, I am inspired to knit something from it using my handspun (which I'm sure is one of the main objectives of the magazine...lol!). This one was particularly fun and quick to knit and I loved spinning the yarn as well. I used Ivy Brambles fiber (in Corriedale) in "Fireball" and it's one of my all time fav colorways of IB. So bright and so cheerful. I think I liked this cap so much that I'm going to make another one with my leftover fiber (I only used half of the 4 oz roving). I also submitted this cap to the Spin-Off Magazine gallery, so we'll see if they include it. Cross your fingers!

More details and pics HERE.

Spider!! (as also seen above)

This was one of the more difficult knits (but not horrible, just more pieces to worry about), but I'm very happy with the way he came out. Ben loves, loves him and wanted to make a Halloween movie with Spider as the lead character. Using black pipe cleaners is a MUST for this project!

It's worth it to look at the other pictures I have HERE on Ravelry.

Sea Star

A third amigurumi knit (I told you I liked this book!) that was very, very quick. I've also made an all pink sea star and have been asked by Ben to make him clothes so that he "looks like Patrick" from Spongebob Squarepants. So far, the pink sea star is nude. He might be clothed at some point. This yellow and green one is very pretty and soft.

More details and pics HERE.

Tea Mitten

This is one of my most recent knits (other than my new designs I'm working on) and it was more enjoyable that I thought it would be. Not that it didn't look awesome, but I thought it might be a little boring with just the ribbing in the round. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that it was interesting, fun and truly a great design. It fits my teapot perfectly and I was happy that I got the chance to use up my custom dyed, Sereknity sportweight yarn in "SleepyEyes" colorway. Thanks, Heather!!

More pics (cute ones!) HERE.

So...I guess that's it for now. I have knit about 10 other projects (as well as these) and I hope to share them with you on my next post!! My book should be out in late November, early December, so please keep your eye out for it and spread the news. I'll be offering hard copies for purchase right away here on the blog and probably Ravelry and then pdf copies soon after that.

I hope you're all doing well and I'd love to hear more from you! (oh, and join up to the SleepyHeads group on Ravelry if you haven't already!)

Happy Knitting!!!

Where the heck is SleepyEyes??

2009-10-15T16:32:00.005-04:00

It's shocking, but really not surprising, that I haven't blogged in over a month. A MONTH!!! Ye Gods!

The reason I haven't blogged has been:

~~laziness~~
~~decided I hate knitting~~
~~immersed in a month long sex orgy~~ (aw...too bad...LOL!)
~~knit everything in my stash and now I'm on to painting~~
~~am being held hostage by munchkins~~

...ahem....that I'm in the middle of finishing up a book that I'm writing! Yay!!

A book of knitting patterns!

Well, some of the patterns are new. Others are my favorites and I wanted a book of my own that had all of the BEST of my patterns.

So, that book is going to be published (by me) and should be out the first week in December of this year. I'm so, so excited!

Right now, I have my knitting friends (most of whom are ManchVegas Knitters) test knitting, knitting samples and listening to me babble on and on about this book and all that needs to be done. My cut off date is the middle of November for finishing and I'm praying that I'll be able to get it all done in time. With the kids, work, volunteering and housework, I feel like my extra time is indeed precious and I'm doing my best to get everything done.

(I'm so tired)

The good news is:

I'm up to 91 pounds lost this year and I've only got a little more than 10 pounds to go until my weight loss goal for WW.

Yay for me!

Here is a recent pic of me at a knitting tea party that the MVKnitters went to:

I have so many FO's to share with you and I would love to talk about my new patterns, but it's almost time to get the guys their dinner, so it will have to wait until another day. I'll try and blog soon and share some of the things I've been working on, but please spread the word about my new book. I think it's going to be wonderful and unique and lovely and I hope you'll think so, too!

Happy Knitting and Many Hugs ; )

WINNERS of the "Joy of Sox" Contest!!!!!

2009-09-08T10:02:00.022-04:00

And now....what you've all been waiting for......

THE WINNERS of the "Joy of Sox" prize giveaway!!!

3rd Prize: KB (Aknitontheside on Rav) has won a FREE copy of my "Lisha Lace Scarf" pattern and a goodie bag

2nd Prize: Heather from Warner, NH (Woolkitty on Ravelry) has won a beautiful skein (in surprise colorway) of Sereknity yarn (which is created by another Heather in NH!)

and...

(eee...I'm soooo excited!)

1st Prize: Terri (Tlamosely on Ravelry) has won the brand new copy of "The Joy of Sox" and the skein of Sereknity sock yarn in "Pharoah's Gold" colorway.

Yay!!!!!!!

I want to thank everyone for not only entering in the contest, but also for the lovely and encouraging comments that you've all left on my blog and sent by email. (I'll be emailing all of you personally sometime today) It was such a super, super experience to read the wonderful things everyone had to say about my weight loss, the podcast and the book. I'd like to share some of the comments and Rav names of the knitters who entered into the contest....these are also in the order that they entered the contest...if anyone wanted to know ; ) (Just in case you wanted to say "hi" or check out their projects or blogs, I've added links.)

#1 Trisha:

"The best thing about handmade socks - the fit and feel!

I vote for no music on the podcast. I listen to knitting podcasts for knitting, not for the music. In fact, the music is annoying to me and I always fast forward through it, which is annoying since it takes time away from knitting while listening. If you like music, I suggest putting it at the very end. That would satisfy everyone."

#2 Rachel: (Elkbiologist on Rav)

"I enjoyed the podcast...it was the first time I've listened though I have been following your blog for quite a while now (though my commenting goes in waves!). I did find it interesting to hear the physical effects of knitting after having lost quite a bit of weight. That aspect wasn't something I had considered! Also...just to answer a couple of your questions...I haven't knit a huge number of socks so I can't say 'favorite yarn' based on knitting them up, but color-wise, and softness, a few come to mind. Knitting on Impulse, LotusYarns, and the Woolen Rabbit. Beautiful dye jobs in merino! Also, the number of times I wear handknit socks in a row...depends on exactly how long I wear them and in sandals or shoes etc. At least twice but I have been known to do more if they are holding up well and don't smell!

Thanks again for the contest and a huge congratulations for getting your designs published...they are beautiful!"

#3 Jessica (TheLibrarian on Rav)

"I enjoyed your podcast! It never occured to me that people did that!

and I often wear my socks twice too... :P"

#4 AKnitontheSide (Aknitontheside on Ravelry)

#5 Kathy:

"Hi Gina. Welcome back to podcasting."

#6 Becky (Beckygtstyl on Rav)

#7 Karen (KarenF on Rav):

"Your podcast was excellent. I've really missed it. I hope you'll do more, soon."

#8 Monica (Moknita on Rav)

#9 Barbara (MysticFaeire on Rav):

"Sexy!!!! Of course it is! :-)

It was good to hear your voice again."

#10 Hope (LoopsNBounds on Rav):

#11 Cayli (Spinayarnforewe on Rav):

"I am so excited for you to have not one but 2 pattern in this new book. The book looks beautiful and your patterns are too. It was fun to hear a podcast again as it has been so long."

#12 Heather in NH (Woolkitty on Rav):

"Congrats on your patterns being in "The Joy of Sox". That's SO exciting!!!! I'm going to buy the book even if I don't win.
I really enjoy your blog and podcast. I've been to the Yarn and Fiber Company a few times - it's a great store."

#13 Leslie (LGordon555 on Rav):

"Thanks for the fun contest! Again, great to have you back!"

#14 Karen L (Carrotmusic on Rav):

"Hi! Yours is the first podcast I have ever listened to. Every time I actually buy myself an iPod one of my kids has an iPod failure and I end up giving it away. Since I had a cake to bake tonight for an event tomorrow and therefore get to stay in the kitchen and keep it from burning, I decided to give you a listen. I have to say it has been fun and I might do it again sometime. It helps that most of the family is out this evening so it is nice and quiet (doesn't happen much with four kids!).

I was so excited when one of my knitting group buddies brought your book the other night. I didn't know you were in it, and it was such a hoot to be paging through it and see your name. Woo-hoo!

And by the way, congratulations on your weight loss success. Being a person of plus size myself, I can only applaud your efforts. Now I know why I never knit tops! Almost never, anyway."

#15 Susan (Donsdatter on Rav)

#16 Stacey (StaceyKnitsIt on Rav):

"I enjoyed your podcast just how it was with no music. I plan to knit the Amanda hat this year, just queued your new sock patterns, and just joined Sleepy Heads Rav. group.

Also forgot to say I wear my knit socks 2 - 3 times usually before washing. Sometimes they are only worn for a couple hours in the evening and depending on time of year, might not be worn all day. "

#17 Melissa (Melknit13 on Rav):

"Just finished listening to the podcast and definitely had moments of amusement. Thank you!

I really can't wait to try these socks, especially with such gorgeous yarn!"

#18 Terri (Tlamosely on Rav):

"I really enjoy your podcast and look forward to the next one."

#19 Linda (Lindy-Lou on Rav)

HUGE thanks again for everyone who took the time to enter into the contest and YAY for the winners!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful day and will be emailing you all soon : )

New Podcast! Episode 16: The Joy of Sox

2009-09-02T11:18:00.006-04:00

Okay, everyone!

New Podcast is now UP!!

You can listen to it now HERE or you can download it from iTunes....as Sleepy Eyes Knits Podcast. (Sometimes, it takes a bit longer to get it to show up on iTunes, so if you're in a hurry, download it directly here on the blog.)

Sponsor Links are on the right sidebar of the HomePage of this blog.

Read the rules for entering the Prize Giveaway contest HERE.

Check out and/or join the SleepyHeads group HERE.

Check out my projects on Ravelry that are talked about on the podcast HERE.

Check out these groups on Ravelry: ManchVegas Knitters and International Moleskine Exchange.

Good luck on the contest and I hope you win!!!

Gina ; )

"The Joy of Sox" - PRIZE GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-08-28T15:10:00.033-04:00

I'm very excited to share with you the newest sock book in the knitting world...

This sock book (which is a play on the book, "The Joy of Sex"...with lots of innuendo and flirty sock names) is very special to me - I have 2 sock designs in this book!

"A Roll in the Hay"

and

"Rock-A-Bye"

And, not only that, but "A Roll in the Hay" is the very FIRST pattern in the book and a picture of it is on the back cover. (On the front cover, is the gorgeous pair of socks ("Takeout for Two") by one of my favorite designers, Cathy Carron.)

AND, not only that...but both of the socks that I designed were knit using the beautiful and amazingly dyed Sereknity yarns by my very talented friend, Heather. She donated both skeins for these designs - Pharoah's Gold in Shimmer for "A Roll in the Hay" and Blue Hawaii in Satin. If you haven't tried knitting with her yarns, please try them now - and with my pattern (he he). Once you try one of her yarns, you will be totally addicted. Her yarns are available on her etsy shop, at The Yarn and Fiber Company in Derry, NH (and online) and also at many other online and New England yarn stores - including The Loopy Ewe and The Yarn Sellar.

AND, not only that...but THIS:

I'm having a prize giveaway that includes:

GRAND PRIZE

A FREE copy of the book, "The Joy of Sox" with patterns signed by me (if you are inclined to want such a thing!)
and
A FREE skein of Sereknity sock yarn in colorway, "Pharoah's Gold"

What do you think of that???

SECOND PRIZE

A FREE skein of Sereknity sock yarn in a surprise colorway!

THIRD PRIZE

A FREE copy of my "Lisha Lace Scarf" pattern
and
Small Secret Goodie Item

And, now you're asking..."What do I have to do to win these prizes?"

Simple!

RULES of GIVEAWAY

1. Read this blog post. If you want to be included in this giveaway, comment on this post with a joy that you get out of sock knitting or handknit socks.
2. Watch out for a new podcast ("The Joy of Sox") link on my blog or iTunes. (Check Wed or Thursday of next week)
3. Download and listen this podcast (Sleepy Eyes Knits).
4. I will give a codeword on the podcast that you will email to me (link for emailing on right on homepage of blog) and I'll enter you into the drawing.
5. Check out the blog on the following Monday to hear who won!
(Winners will be chosen by a random number generator)

Comment..NOW! Good luck!!!

(entries accepted until 10 pm of Sunday, 9/6/09)

P.S. If you'd like to see more pics and read more details of my sock patterns, please check out these Ravelry pages:

A Roll in the Hay and Rock-A-Bye (feel free to favorite them if you want...lol!)

I forgot! Lark Books sent the results to their Sock Questionnaire and here are the results...very interesting!

1. Do you wear socks to bed?
A) Yes 49.38%
B) No 50.62%

2. Do you have a yarn addiction?
A) Yes: big time! 64.32%
B) Maybe, although I'm working on controlling it. 31.95%
C) No--I can quit anytime I want. 3.73%

3. How often do you look at pictures of socks online?
A) 1-3 times per month 14.52%
B) 1-3 times per week 37.34%
C) 1-3 times per day 29.88%
D) More than 3 times a day 18.26%

4. What kind of music do you like to listen to while knitting socks?
A) Rock—It’s perfect for keeping a good pace. 16.96%
B) Classical—I’m classy like that. 9.57%
C) Heavy Metal—The rough stuff is always better. 1.74%
D) Jazz—Perfect for improvisations! 1.30%
E) Country—Laid back makes for smooth knitting. 5.22%
F) Audiobooks—My fingers work best on autopilot. 29.13%
G) Knitting Podcasts—All knitting, all the time. 13.91%
H) None—Silent and devotional! 22.17%

5. Do you prefer playing footsy:
A) Besocked 47.83%
B) Bare-toed 52.17%

6. Be honest, now. How large is your sock stash?
A) One medium-sized rubber storage bin 48.52%
B) Three shelves in my closet 31.65%
C) My stash has its own room! 19.83%

7. What’s your favorite post-sock activity?
A) Posting picks of your creation online 14.64%
B) Getting a hand massage 0.84%
C) Wearing your socks somewhere public 30.13%
D) Starting another pair (of course!) 54.39%

8. How many pairs of hand knit socks do you own?
A) 1–5 29.05%
B) 6–15 39.00%
C) 16–30 21.99%
D) An uncountable mass 9.96%

9. What's your favorite kind of sock yarn?
A) Wool 94.19%
B) Bamboo 3.73%
C) Cotton 1.66%
D) Acrylic 0.41%

10. Which is your most productive sock knitting season?
A) Spring—fresh breezes and pretty flowers are all the inspiration you
need. 9.44%
B) Summer—those lazy days are perfect for sippin' lemonade and
making socks, too. 24.89%
C) Fall—from Labor Day to the holiday rush, there's no better time to
add to your sock pile. 19.74%
D) Winter—you love to cozy up with a pair of needles and yarn. Let it
snow! 45.92%

11. Do you paint your toe nails?
A) Yes 43.28%
B) Why bother, I’m always wearing socks! 56.72%

12. What’s the most you’ve ever paid for sock yarn?
A) less than $10 1.66%
B) $10--$20 24.48%
C) more than $20 73.86%

Busy, Busy, Busy Bee (Part II)

2009-08-25T16:26:00.019-04:00

With the kiddies starting school again in two days and many household events the past couple of weekends, I feel a bit frazzled, overwhelmed and tuckered out. Not in a bad way, though. I like to stay busy. (Ask my hubby...he knows how hard it is for me to relax....)

If you don't mind, I want to chat a little before sharing my list (I love lists...) of finished/in progress knitted objects. If I could get off of my butt and make myself a cup of tea right now, I would....but, I'm so damn hot and sticky that I don't think I could really drink anything warm at the moment...even some tasty, slightly sweet Country Peach herbal tea. (My favorite next to Peppermint).

We had some guests over this weekend...my sister, Kim, visited on Sat- Sun and we had a great time. We don't get to see her very often and it's always a nice treat when she can drive up and sleep over. We got Chinese take out for lunch (I made a change from my usual Spicy Stir Fried Green Beans to Green Jade), went in the pool and then off to the Derry Flea Market. That was incredibly interesting...I've never seen so many "hot", brand named purses in my life. Whoa. Needless to say, my sister had a blast and found, what she thought, were some fantastic buys. The kids and Ian were more interested in going over to Clam Haven and having some creamy, tasty ice cream. I loved how Ian's chocolate dipped soft serve was melting all over his face, hands and lap onto the ground. Niiiice!

Yesterday, Ian invited some friends over from work for a BBQ, swim in the pool and night of furious Wii Sports playing. It was hilarious watching the guys compete over who could do the best dives/jumps off of the diving board. I wish I'd taken pictures!! (or videos) I think Ian truly beat them all - he's goood! It was a bit of a fight to get Ben to leave all of the activity, but I lured him upstairs with baby carrots and whole grain goldfish - and the new Sesame Street podcast to watch on my iPhone. It was really nice to get into our air conditioned bedroom after the day was over.

The best part of the whole weekend (I know this will sound crazy) was that our house is looking so nice and clean and organized. Ian did A LOT of yard work in the front and back and it looks pretty good - we need some more pretty colored plants (maybe some geraniums would look nice...) and mulch under some bushes but, all in all, it's much more attractive. We spent time cleaning up the "playroom" which is a completely white room (walls, curtains, and tile floor -what the heck were the previous owners thinking??!!!??) and, as you can imagine, gets dirty (and looks dirty) within literal seconds after having cleaned it. With a bunny, cat, and 2 kids in the mix, it's truly a nightmare and sometimes I can't even bear to clean it out one-more-time. It should be o-kay for at least one more day - I hope. Having everything clean and organized is essential to my well-being. Anyone else like that? I feel like I can't sit and relax for a second if I know there's any kind of mess somewhere in the house waiting for me to clean it up. Maybe I'm just weird.

I'm both not looking forward to the kiddies going back to school and also looking forward to it at the same time. I'll be happy (and relieved) to have some peace and quiet (no bickering or fighting!!!), but I'll miss them a lot. Especially Ben - who'll be going into 1st grade this year. And that means he'll be gone ALL DAY! (excuse me while I cry a little) Tim's starting his Junior year in high school and has some great classes - AP Java (which he's getting college credit for), as well as French 4 and other interesting classes. He's excited that this will be the first year that he'll have a study period and, though I hope he'll use it to get some homework done, I'm not counting on it. LOL!

I'm going to use my free time to try and teach more yoga classes and organize the house. I have these things in mind:

1. Clean out Ben's closet - get rid of old baby toys, clothes and donate old baby books.

2. Clean out art cabinet- it's currently filled to the top with Ben's artwork and art supplies thrown in everywhere. You can't even open it without everything falling out. That will change and I will organize and catagorize everthing to the DEATH!

3. Donate more old clothes and books from the rest of the house.

4. Fill boxes with things to donate or sell at yard sale - anyone interested in 3/4 full bottles of perfume? I have many. I always change my mind about what fragrance I like. You can have them for free. Just let me know.

5. Get my sewing area ready - I haven't decided yet where to set up my new sewing machine (and sewing basket, fabric, pattern books, etc.) yet. It's a choice between a corner in the kitchen or a corner in the living room. Both would work out (outlet-wise), though I think the kitchen would get more sunlight/light. But, the living room would be more out of the way of traffic. Any suggestions?

6. THE BIG CHORE - cleaning out MY walk in closet, which is currently full to brim (Ian, don't read this part) with yarn, fiber and books. This might take a few days. (gulp)

Well, I think that's it for now. I will follow up all of this talk with a picture of my one finished object and a knitted project-in-progress.

Buttercup

Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in colorway #70
Needle: Size US 6 and 5
Size: Large (though it came out to the correct measurements for the size, it was much too big for me...and I'm holding it to the side with my hand. I'm thinking of trying to wash and dry it so it'll shrink a little)
Details: You can see more pics and read more about my experience with this pattern HERE on Ravelry.

Lizard Ridge Afghan

Yarn: Noro Kureyon
Needle: Size US 8
Size: I'm making 5 vertical strips, each 10.5" by 74" and each using 6 full skeins of Noro Kureyon. So far, I've made 3 full strips plus almost done with 1/3 of another.
Details: You can see more pics and read more about my experience with this pattern HERE on Ravelry.

WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE:

I'm up to over 85 pounds lost and I have only 19 pounds to go. Or a little less. I feel like I'm getting closer and I'm trying VERY VERY HARD so that I can reach my goal by the end of the year. Thanks to everyone for always encouraging me and cheering me on. You're wonderful! I keep trying to re-motivate myself, which is not always easy to be sure....and I truly could NOT do it without my husband. He's been my number 1 supporter and daily compliments me, helps me and keeps me on track. I think Weight Watchers needs to give HIM and award! : )

Have a great night and hope that you're all doing well...big hugs from me!

P.S. The top picture is of the newly acquired yarn that I bought (and was gifted) from Heather of Sereknity. The top pic is of a new skein of Malabrigo Worsted that I'll use for a new Amanda Hat for myself for the winter and the others (in the "Perfect" yarn base) are: Alyssa, Indigo-go and Posy - all new and simply gorgeous colorways that Heather has created. I can't wait to knit them up!!!

Almost there....kinda.

2009-08-05T14:20:00.025-04:00

I thought it was about time that I did a "BEFORE" and "AFTER" picture - just to motivate myself. This month has been good and not so good, very difficult and exhausting, but also sometimes pretty smooth. I'm up to 83 pounds lost since October 15 and I'm hoping to reach my goal, if not by October 15th of this year, then definitely by December 31st. I have about 20 or so pounds to go.

Can I do it??? I sincerely hope so!!

So, here is a picture of me while knitting on my Swallowtail Shawl in Kauni around about the beginning of October. (This is the closest I could get to a truthful picture...the rest have been de-let-ed!)

BEFORE:

Now, here is the most recent picture of me from Monday at Hampton Beach. (Oh, the boobs!!! Why can't I get better support??)

ALMOST AFTER:

Also, a few other pics of me and Ian while on our anniversary vacation to Mystic, CT - we had such a relaxing and wonderful time! (and no kiddies - just us!)

Ian and I at the Stonington Lighthouse Museum "beach" area:

Just me with my knitting bag (see the purple Namaste bag with blue knitting in it on the left???):

And, now, I'll share some of my newest FOs and progress on the Lizard Ridge Afghan -which is close to halfway done!!

1. Quant from the newest Spin-Off Magazine and also Knitty.com:

Super quick and fun to knit with my own Rambouillet handspun!
(See details and more pictures on my Ravelry page here.)

2. Mousie from Ysolda Teague's "Whimsical Little Knits":

and, Mousie loves Ben...and Ben loves Mousie....

Ben loves this toy and it only took me a few hours - it's extremely fun and quick to knit using just a little bit of yarn (Katia Mississippi 3 Solids in gray and bright pink).
(See details and more pictures on my Ravelry page here.)

3. Icing Swirl Hat from Ysolda's book, "Whimsical Little Knits" (I've almost done half of the projects in the book!)

Super, super fast and very soft and warm. I loved using the Misti Alpaca Chunky for this- gorgeous. I wish the store had the Lipstick colorway, though...that one is awesome!
(See details and more pictures on my Ravelry page here.)

4. Sea Urchin from Ilga Leja Designs:

This top didn't take long at all and was enjoyable from start to finish. Very light, very airy and so comfortable to wear. I used the Katia Mississippi 3 Solids again in the bright pink and I was really happy with how it came out.
(See details and more pictures on my Ravelry page here.)

5. Lizard Ridge Afghan from Knitty.com:

I've got 2 full panels done now and will be knitting at least 2 more, probably 3. I love using the Noro Kureyon - the colors just make this blanket so impressive and stunning. Plus, it's not that scratchy and will be soo warm!
(See details and more pictures on my Ravelry page here.)

Whew! That's a LOT of damn knitting...LOL!

I'm also working on my October Frost Cardigan, my mom's Fudge Swirl Mock Cable Pullover and the Buttercup knitted top in Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in a bright blue, which is coming out awesome.

Do you think I'm slacking???

(Hugs to all....thank you so much for your comments and constant support!)

Renewing our Vows

2009-07-15T15:03:00.023-04:00

In honor of our 16th anniversary this year (which we've always called our "Yammiversary"), Ian and I decided to renew our vows. It was a bit of a last minute thing (where I asked my friend, Denise, (who is a JP as well as a Master Knitter) on Facebook if she'd be free the next night to marry us again! LOL!

Happily, she was free, as well as Jackie, who so sweetly agreed to be my Matron (oh, Laurin!) of Honor.

That morning, I ran over to the local florist (The Distinguished Touch in Londonderry, NH) and begged her to make me a bridal bouquet, a wrist corsage for Jackie and 2 boutineers for Ian and Denise's hubby - she let me pick out the flowers and I chose hot pink carnations, pale pink astilbe and white daisies. Such a pretty combination, I thought. She was very obliging and had them done in just a few hours...all pacakged nicely and ready to go. They came out wonderful!

We were extremely lucky because the day was absolutely gorgeous - slightly breezy, warm and sunny - and the bike trail (The Windham Rail Trail is our favorite place to bike with Denise and her hubby.) wasn't too crowded at that time...around 6:30/7 pm.

It was a bit difficult to ride my bike in my jean skirt (thank goodness for the slit in the back) and my new Dansko sandals (ooh, red patent leather!), but the girls assured me that there wasn't too much revealing going on.

I went a little crazy before the ceremony and kept asking everyone to get into certain poses for pictures and almost ended up sending Jackie flying off of the side of the bridge and into the water - she was in her rollerblades for the ceremony. LOL!

Denise wrote the most beautiful words for the ceremony - something mostly serious, but funny in spots and very touching and wonderful - and, after Ian said his words to me (and slipped the new "Love Rocks" handcrafted, engraved, sterling silver wedding bands we bought each other from the BCYR Jewelry Etsy shop), I was so overwhelmed that I forgot what Denise said to me and had to ask, "Can you repeat that?"....it made Ian laugh, but I was embarrassed!

After the ceremony, Ian and I kissed a lot, laughed and we took MORE pictures. I had all these ideas for MORE poses. Luckily, someone stopped me and we continued on our ride through the rest of the trail.

It was the most special day I could think of and I have to say that this was even more special to me than our wedding day. (Tim was a couple of months old at the time and cried during the ceremony...I had to stop to nurse him) It was a good, but slightly tense and stressful day 16 years ago. But, THIS day was fantastic in every way. I felt so lucky...and still do!!

Here are a few more pictures....

-Ian and I walking down the trail and I'm throwing my bouquet towards the "crowd"...aka Denise and Shawn (who are already married to each other!) and Jackie (who is also married!)...and it took several takes before we got it right - my poor bouquet got somewhat crushed during the process!

-My bike and its basket filled with the wedding flowers, our rings, my wallet, water bottles and my iPhone, of course.

-My bouquet with our old rings in their boxes...

-And Ian and I tired, but happy at the end of the trail and heading home...

I love you, Ian!

P.S. Did you notice Ian's fancy attire? LOL! (If you're a Rush fan, Ian was trying to suggest that we get remarried at 9:12 pm instead of 7 pm...get it??!!)

P.P.S. I lost 2.8 pounds this week and have got to over 80 pounds lost!!! Yay!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy Bee (meaning ME!)

2009-07-08T14:10:00.016-04:00

Yay! Another successful couple of weeks (or few?)...I've been trying to get many things (especially knitted items) finished and it's been going well so far (except I keep procrastinating about those damn dragons!).

Before I go into my fun, finished creations, I want to share some pictures from a trip Jackie and I took to go and see Julie/Noolie in Maine. First, we visited the Yarn Basket in Portmouth (where I got some gorgeous Cascade 220 Paints for the amigurumi knits) and then off to see (and hug and squish and hope for more hugs) Clover and Julie.

We had a good hour to play with Clover and I brought her a light-up ball, which seemed to be a hit. Here are some really cute pictures of her with her ball. Though, the first one is a bit more crazy than cute...but I liked the effect that the camera made when I took the picture.

and

After playing (coloring, watching the adorable one dance...), we went over to the Yarn Sellar and shopped for yarn (I got enough yarn to make Ben a new Wallaby and also more Cotton Chenille to make a facecloth), knit on our projects, laughed our heads off and also met up with Heather, who happened to be making a stop there for another errand. Yay! What a super fun day....I had such a great time and can't wait to visit again!

Now...onto the KNITTED STUFF (oh, and one sewing project):

1. A Kitchen Apron that I made using a "Cut, Sew and Go" Reversible Apron kit from Jo-Ann Fabrics. Now, we all know how horrible I am at using a sewing machine (must-take-lessons!), so this entire apron was handsewn by my own little fingers. And, instead of the promised "Make in 1 hour!" slogan, it took me one week. But, that's okay. It came out sooo cute and I love wearing it. It's 100% cotton and washable with pockets on BOTH sides and...the best part...fits me perfectly!

Here is a look on the other side:

2. The Kraken that I made for Tim from the new book that I bought, "Amigurumi Knits", which I have to say is one of the BEST and MOST FUN (and brilliantly designed) pattern book that I've come across in a long time. Not only is every single thing in it adorable, but it's using bits and scraps of Cascade 220 (which I have a lot of) and there is hardly ANY sewing up....everything is either picked up or very quickly and easily sewed. I had so much fun making the Kraken that I'm dying to make more toys.

You can also read more and see more pictures of my Kraken project here on Ravelry.

3. The Hap Blanket from Ysolda Teague's book, "Whimsical Little Knits", which is another fantastic and really fun pattern book...and I have plans to knit everything from it! (Well, at some point!) Here is my version of her Hap Blanket, which was knit up in only 2 weeks....and also while I was knitting on other things. I made some changes because I was going to run out of yarn, but I love how it came out - it is SO squishy soft and beautiful. This would make a truly nice gift for someone's new home or new baby. I was lucky enough to have 3 skeins of Cormo/Silk to use for this (with Heather dyeing up a portion of one skein in her colorway, "Escape" for me!). YUMMMY!

and, you can read more about this project (and see more pictures) on my Ravelry page here.

4. Gaye's Socks are finally done! She's only been waiting for these for 9 months! (ugh!) But, they fit perfectly and she even has some extra Sereknity sock yarn left over for something else. This Berries colorway came out very pretty and I'm so glad that she likes them!

More details on this project on Ravelry here.

Finally, a few more pictures (jeez, this post has too many pictures!!) of the kids and the fireworks we set off on Saturday and Sunday night. I am loving the "fireworks" setting on my Canon camera!

and Ben:

and Tim:

P.S. I'm up to 78 pounds lost and I'm hoping to make 80 by the end of the month or sooner. Yay!!!!!

A Little Knitting...yup.

2009-06-17T10:24:00.042-04:00

I don't actually mean that I've only been doing a little bit of knitting....that's actually FAR from the case. I've been knitting my little fingers ragged on various projects. Wanna see??

1. Button-Up Neck Warmer (finished!)

Yarn: My handspun (alpaca/merino/silk blend with green angelina, sportweight, 15 wpi)
Ravelry link to more details and pics HERE.

2. Tiny Shoes (finished!)

Yarn: Ackres Acres Bunny Blend sportweight angora in pale fushia and rose
Ravelry link to more details and pics HERE.

3. Mya's Jacket (finished!)

Yarn: Acker's Acres Bunny Blend sportweight angora in pale fushia and rose
Ravelry link to more details and pics HERE.

4. Baby Bear (finished!)

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca in brown
Ravelry link to more details and pics HERE.

5. Gigi's Socks (in progress)

Yarn: Sereknity Sock Options, one of a kind colorway
Ravelry link to more details and pics HERE.

6. Fudge Swirl Cabled Sweater (in progress)

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca in colorway 6206

7. Baby Yoda Sweater (finally finished!)

Yarn: Rowan All Seasons Cotton
Ravelry link to more details and pictures HERE.

8. Lizard Ridge Afghan (in progress...part of the "A Year in a Blanket" group on Ravelry)

Yarn: Noro Kureyon
Ravelry link to more details and pictures HERE.

9. Grown-Up Booties (finished!)

Yarn: Lopi in fushia
Ravelry link to more details and pictures HERE.

P.S. And, before I forget, some WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL gifts from my other friends that I wasn't able to share before:

- A Namaste Zuma bag in the Eggplant color and a gorgeous cupcake soap from Brittany...and the BEST card ever!! (Wish I'd taken a picture of it!)

- Two skeins of Alpaca Silk and a skein of Dream in Color Smooshy (have NEVER knit with it before...can't wait!) from Caroline...and also another awesome card...with sound!

P.P.S. And, my oldest, Tim....got his license last Friday!!! Yay! Passed both tests on the first try! I'm so proud of him!!

1000th Amanda Hat!!!

2009-06-10T10:14:00.010-04:00

It's official.....

The Amanda Hat has been knit over 1000 times!!!!!

Holy crap!

I've been keeping track on Ravelry of the number of people who have been making the Amanda Hat and this week, someone has posted the 1000th hat.

Woo-hoo!

Her Ravelry name is Avalonne - a lovely gal from Austrailia. You can visit her blog here to find out more about this interesting knitter.

I'll be sending Shelley a special gift in the mail as a prize...

Honorable Mentions for Amanda Hat knitting:

1. Feliciah on Ravelry - who was very close to posting the 1000th Amanda hat - and who has made at least 3 so far. Her blog is here. (She will receive a SleepyEyes pattern of her choice...either the Radiance Lace Headbands, Lisha Lace Scarf or the Lovely Waters Tablerunner pattern.)

and

2. Kermit on Ravelry - who has made the most Amanda Hats in the history of the pattern - I love how she used so many different yarns, as well. It's great to see how differently the hat looks with various fibers and weights. Her blog is here.

I would love to hear how many Amanda Hats that you've knit up and which is your favorite. Dazzle me with your creativity! And....keep knitting those Amandas!!!

(Thank you sooo much!)

P.S. VERY soon.....lots of knitted FOs and more birthday gift pics to share. Yipppeeee!

OMG....Birthday Explosion!

2009-05-25T21:51:00.028-04:00

Since I'm sooo tired from this whirlwind of a birthday weekend, I can only post in choppy sentences...hopefully, they will be semi-coherent.

WHY I AM SO LUCKY

1. On my birthday, my hubby watched the kids so I could go to yoga class, made me a fresh (and yummy) salad with his own two hands (!!!) and helped the kids to make me No Pudge Brownies (only 2 points each!) for my birthday cake. As well as supervising over handmade cards and craziness.

Tim got me a iPhone charger for my car and made me my own personalized Magic card -from the card game:

And Ben got me the most surprising and FANTASTIC gift - a Fairy Barbie Doll with a matching card that says, "Happy Birthday from Fairytopia!" or something like that. (If anyone has Barbie patterns that they'd want to share with me, send them ASAP! LOL!) P.S. I named her "Honey".

2. My sister and parents came over to celebrate my birthday and brought lots of yummies, gifts of pretty clothes and gift cards and played with the kids all day. My sister, Kim, bought me a gift that I can enjoy for many months - a box FULL of Lush beauty products (which I drool over) - a solid perfume, a lip balm, a soap and a bath bar. YUMMMMM! (and made me a card....using crayons...so cute) I was surprised when my godfather and his wife came over to visit, too, and it was so great to see him since we hadn't seen each other for at least 6 years. Everyone went in the pool, had pizza and just had a super time.

3. This may sound ridiculous, but I was extremely touched and excited when I received a huge number of Happy Birthday wishes from friends on Ravelry and Facebook - whenever I'd check my email, I had more messages from friends -new and old. It made me feel very loved and special on my birthday.

4. And last, but definitely NOT least, my thoughtful and generous friends celebrated my birthday (as well as Caroline's) on Friday night at work where I was given cake (delicious homemade pink cake with jam made lovingly by Jackie) and a monstrous amount of awesome gifts. Shown here simply, but cannot be thoroughly explained on how fantastic they are when given in a huge lot in one night. (eeee!)

- Jackie's gift of a gift card to Homegoods (my favorite place to shop!) Yay!!!

-Hilary's gift of a crocheted cupcake (0 points!) and the BEST Maple chicken in the world. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. You are the BEST, Hil!!!

- Julie got me 2 cones of the luscious Zephyr to make the christening gown and the most adorable tiny crochet keychain with my name on it (Jules, I screamed when I got your package!)

- Three books that I've REALLY wanted - Lora got me the Journal Bliss (I cannot wait to get started using those journal tips!), Karen got me the Vintage Baby Knits (with a pattern for a christening gown that I HAVE to make!), and Marion got me a Book Lust journal because she knows that I'm a book slut and must have this. LOL!

- Maureen gave me two skeins of Cascade Pastaza for the Otto bear!

- GiGi gifted me with 2 skeins of Katia Mississippi 3 in gray and pink for the Mouse from Ysolda's book...and helped me pick out the colors...she's so good at that ;)

- Donna and Christina gave me 2 beautiful Sereknity rovings that I wanted - so perfect!

- Laurin gifted me with a Mary Kay bag full of pedicure items and a bag of Gummy Maggots (very silly, but yummy)...

I'm in shock because I've been told that I have 3 more gifts coming...OMG...it's a birthday gift explosion!!! W-H-O-A.

Every year, I am more and more grateful for all of the wonderful, thoughtful and caring people in my life. This year, they (you!) WOW-ED me and made me appreciate how lucky I am even more. Thank you, friends!!!

BIG HUGS!!!!

P.S. Many thank you notes/emails on the way shortly....I'm just catching up with normal life today!

P.P.S. I also got this yarn for THIS pattern:

P.P.P.S. I also have details about 2 FOs that I need to blog about...but I'm falling asleep here. So, if you're dying to see them sooner, go HERE and then HERE. Like 'em??

Meeting Ysolda!

2009-05-20T11:39:00.025-04:00

I had the utmost luck yesterday when Yarn and Fiber hosted the amazing young Scottish designer, Ysolda Teague, at the store while I was working. Woo-hoo!!!!

As soon as I could get Ben on the bus, I raced over to the store, just in time to get the almost last copy of her new book, Whimsical Little Knits. It's the cutest little book and chock full of adorable (like the designer), fun and easy to knit patterns. I poured over the book last night and searched through my yarn stash for all yarns that I could use for her patterns. (If only I could STOP starting new things...ugh!)

I found at least 3 sets of yarns for 3 separate projects from her book. I decided to start one last night...the Grown Up Booties pattern. I'm using Lopi in a vibrant fushia and hope to finish one of those slippers tonight at knitting group.

Here is a less-than-attractive picture of me with Ysolda...(why do I have that expression? what's up with my hair???) It was the highlight of my week to meet her...and to try on her beautifully designed berets/hats and squeeze those toys. (All of which I want to make, by the way)

Other things I've been up to:

1. Finished the back of a sweater for myself (FOR ME!!!) - the October Frost cardigan by Lisa Lloyd from the wonderful book, A Fine Fleece. Would love to make everything from that book!! I've used Queensland Collection Kathmandu Aran in a pretty purplish dark pink (you can't tell how pretty the color is from this picture).

2. Finished the Baby Yoda Sweater today (well, sewing it up today - hoping to bring it to knitting tonight all fancied up). It wasn't as quick as I thought it would be to knit, but that might be because I was using a cotton blend yarn. Though, the Rowan All Seasons cotton is pretty awesome for a cotton yarn....it's very close to, if not identical, to the Lion Brand Cotton Ease. I think Rowan has better colors, though. There's also lots of sewing up to this small sweater, which I tend to cringe over. The pattern is very nicely designed and written - so I would definitely recommend it for those of you who love to knit baby sweaters and don't mind the sewing up.

Do you like it so far...in pieces? LOL!

Finally, an update on my weight loss (for those of you that I haven't bored already....he he)....I'm almost up to 70 pounds lost, but the amount per week is sadly slowing down now that I'm closer to my goal and I'm desperately trying to make the 75 pounds soon. I'm exercising like a madwoman, so it's not that. Ian thinks I should eat more and my WW leader has suggested eating more protein since I'm doing so much exercise and weight training. Hmmm....we'll see.

Other things I've tried to boost myself up for weight loss:

-Lots of water
-Changing up my foods every week
-Less carbs/snacks and more fruit and veggies
-More Yoga and Aerobics, plus weight training
-And, of course, knitting a lot in my spare time. (Must be burning some calories during that time, right???)

Any other suggestions?

Ian and I went to a wedding/renewal-vow ceremony last weekend and I found a great dress. Jackie helped me to pick out my shoes and I think it all worked out well. What do you think?

Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend - it's my 36th Bday on Saturday, so I'm planning on having some F-U-N!!!

Tim's 16th Birthday Party and New Pattern

2009-04-28T19:15:00.017-04:00

Tim's 16th surprise birthday party was a HUGE success! Not only was he surprised, he was SHOCKED! He actually turned pale when he figured out that the party was for him. All of our closest family and friends were there and, even though it was horribly hot in the playroom, it seemed like everyone had a great time. The little kids all played together and everyone else chatted, ate hot, crispy pizzas and devoured their own ice cream sundae creations (complete with gummy worms, m&ms, sour jelly lifesavers and endless other sweet, gooey toppings)....well, except me. (I was very good and didn't have any yummy treats)

Some show and tell:

Tim and my sister, Kim....after he got over the shock

Tim's "Flame" cake, with very messy red and white frosting

Tim opening his gifts and Ben walking in front of him with his balloon and chips

Tim received some fantastic gifts - mostly gift cards (the BEST gift for a teenager), hilarious cards and money. The Super Mario Brothers sound maker was also a favorite gift - both him and Ben have been going around the house making "mario moves" and playing the sound effects. So funny!

I couldn't have pulled this party off without my Mom & Grandma bringing the snacks and ice cream toppings, Jackie picking up the birthday cake for me and Hilary taking charge of the decorating while I took a shower. Whew! Thank you!!

I can't believe he's getting so old!! My baby boy......

Now...

onto my NEW pattern!!!

The Lacy Recyclibag

It's available for FREE here on my blog (see right sidebar of home page under PATTERNS) or as a FREE download on Ravelry.

Here is the description of the pattern:

"Although I’m sure most of us try our best to forgo plastic bags at stores, there always seems to be a small stash of them hanging around the house, am I right? And usually there’s no good place to put them. I’ve designed this bag to hold all of those excess plastic bags attractively and compactly in your kitchen or pantry. It holds a surprising number of bags and will expand to meet most of your plastic bag storage needs. You could even make a longer one or wider one, if necessary. It’s a fun, quick and economical knit using only one skein of a springy, soft organic wool. Enjoy!"

The pattern uses only 1 skein of the Green Mountain Spinnery "New Mexico Organic" yarn and size US 6 & 7 circulars for Magic Loop or DPNS. It's quick, easy and fun with a little bit of lace to keep you interested and an opportunity for some embroidery at the end if you'd like to add it. You can make it in any of the "New Mexico Organic" colors to match your kitchen, or whatever room you want to put it in.

So...what do you think???

16 Years Has Gone by SO Fast!

2009-04-08T11:10:00.029-04:00

I can't believe (well, maybe I can....) that I haven't blogged in SO long! (Do I always say that???) I feel like I'm being sucked into a time warp of too-much-to-do-not-enough-time. Have you ever felt like that? Ugh. It's frustrating!

But, besides being busy, I've had a pretty productive and really nice month.

And here are the reasons why:

1. I'm up to a 63 pound weight loss on WW in the past 6 months. I'm hoping to reach my final goal by October 15th, which I when I first started. Yippeee! I'm very, very lucky because Ian is incredibly supportive of me - he gives me compliments every day and cheers me on even with the smallest of weight losses - like 0.2 or 0.4. I love you, Ian!!

2. I got a new haircut and I really like it. I wasn't sure if I was going to at first.....it's really short....but, I've gotten so many compliments on it. And - most importantly- the hubby likes it.

3. I finished the Amy Beret by Diane Mulholland - using my 2 ply worsted weight Polwarth handspun (which was AWESOME to spin, by the way) - and, although it doesn't really look that great on me - I loved knitting it and it was really fun to make. Diane is a truly talented designer. I just bought two more of her handspun patterns.

4. I've gotten ONE WHOLE PANEL of my Lizard Ridge Afghan done! I need to make at least 4 full panels before Christmas (I'm in the A Year in a Blanket group on Ravelry) and then add the trim in Cascade 220. Most of the people seem to be making only one square a month but, for this blanket, I need to make 2 a month - there are 24 pieces (at least) in all. The first panel is huge! About 10.5" wide by 72" long. Yikes! Should be sooo warm, though. And, really, I think it's gorgeous. (It's for my oldest son as a gift)

So.....the only thing that hasn't really gone my way....is.....dun dun dun.....

THE DAMN DRAGONS!!!!!

I am incredibly irritated with the Hai-Riyo knitted dragons. They were such a fun, quick knit and I was excited because the yarn was nice to knit with and all of the pieces were very easy.

BUT....(a big but)....

They are a pain in the ASS (yes, ASS!) to sew up! My boss had already made one and told me how hard they were, but it was her first knitted toy, so I thought that maybe I wouldn't have such a hard time. I was very, very wrong.

The pieces are in a bag (for both of them) and I'm trying to get together my courage to continue sewing them up again. Hopefully (for the kids' sake), it'll be before I die. (Maybe)

I was also planning on getting out a new pattern for Earth Day on the 22nd, but (alas), it was not meant to be. Maybe next week. I'm planning my oldest son's 16th Surprise Birthday party (eeeek!) for this Saturday and I'm slightly freaking out.

There is so much to do and I'm doing it all myself....balloons, ordering cake (thank goodness Jackie is picking the cake up for me!), favors, decorations for the house, banner, food (ordering pizzas and getting ice cream for the sundae bar), drinks, cleaning the house, uncluttering the house (harder than cleaning!), and trying to keep all of this from Tim. My mom is bringing some snack stuff for me (thank you!!!) and ice cream toppings. Ian and I still aren't completely sure what we're getting him for his birthday, either (it's actually on May 7th) and that's up in the air for now.

But, I can't wait to see his face when he comes in the door. He thinks I'm having my knitting friends over for lunch. He he!!!

Well, wish us luck on the party and I'll have tons of pictures to show next time. And, hopefully, the FREE pattern will be done by then.

I hope.

Have a great weekend!!!!

Happy Bloggiversary to Me!!!!

2009-03-31T10:05:00.005-04:00

Yipppeee! It's the 4th Anniversary of my little baby blog. Well, it's more of a preschooler now! he he

Here are the posts from every March 31st since I started this blog, if you're interested in reading them. Most are boring, but one might be cute!

2005 Blog Post...about Lobster Pot Cashmere.

2006 Blog Post...about the Baby Breeze Cardigan.

2007 Blog Post...about a new podcast and visiting The Yarn and Fiber Company.

2008 Blog Post...about the Dragon Scarf and the Phiaro Scarf.

My blog posts have definitely become less frequent since I started, but I think my skills have improved and my interest has definitely deepened. I love spinning, too, and have completed three handspun yarns for projects since January, which is a miracle, in my mind. LOL! I've actually had this obsession with crochet lately and I have this feeling that I REALLY want to crochet the Sweet Pea baby blanket (it would be for me....he he) shown in the newest Lion Brand catalog. But, maybe with something other than that yarn. But, I'm not discounting it. The colors are pretty cute. I wish the Cascade 220 Superwash came in the same colors as the 220 regular. Then, I'd be using that in a second!

Anyway, not much going on this week so far. Been doing a lot of yoga (I signed up for a class at the Yoga Sanctuary in Windham, NH and it's a great class), exercising and trying to lose 2 more pounds in the next 2 weeks. One of my goals is to lose 60 pounds in 6 months, which ends April 15 th. Wish me luck!!!

Knitting: Working on finishing up Tim and Ben's Hai-Riyo dragons (see progress pic at start) before Easter. They're very easy to knit, but have a lot of little pieces and there'll be a LOT of sewing up.

Spinning: Just finished knitting the Amy beret with my 4oz. of Polward handspun (red/pink) and hope to post pictures very soon- just blocking it on a plate now...had NO idea you had to do this.

Quilting: Didn't start on my quilt yet, but I think I'll start it right after my birthday in May - that way I'll be done with all of the knitting toys I'm making and I can at least start cutting up my blocks and figuring out a layout for them. The colors are soo pretty and soothing. I can't wait to get going on it. I know people have said I'm crazy, but I'm going to do all of the quilting by hand. Though, I might do the piecing by machine. We'll see....

Anyone have any great tips or links for very easy, patchwork quilts? (not tied, though) I've never made one, so I'll take all the help I can get. Thank you!!!!

Hug Hug, Kiss Kiss
oooo, xxxx

Silly Picture and FOs

2009-03-23T13:52:00.009-04:00

So...here I am making the silliest face in the world while Ian was taking my picture on my NEW bike- an Electra Townie 21D. Isn't it soo cute??!! (and, for those of you who don't know me personally, I'm REALLY short - 5'1" - so the bike may look very small, but it's actually the perfect size for me) LOL!

Ian, the kids and I had a blast riding our bikes up and down our street (and down to the local playground). The kids had the most fun watching me wobble and tilt on my bike because I haven't been on a bike since I was about 11 years old. They thought I was sooo funny - and I was slightly humiliated and embarrassed. Tim was very nice and rode his mountain bike next to me down to the playground, "just in case....I...fell". Thank, Tim. (half sarcastic, half gratitude)

This past week, though crazy, was pretty productive - knitting-wise. I was able to finish the Golle Molle Baby Cardigan (Ravelry link), start the kids' Hai -Riyo dragons (Ravelry link) for Easter, finish knitting and designing a new free pattern (will be up on Ravelry soon!) for Ivy Brambles, and finish up my Polwarth handspun yarn for this pattern (Ravelry link). (Which I hope to start today!!!)

Don't have too much time for blogging today, but I at least wanted to share some pictures of my FOs.

Spring Savasana Socks by Gina House for Ivy Brambles

and...side view....with 1x1 ribbing going down through the heel flap:

Golle Molle Baby Cardigan by Randi K using Rowan Pure Wool DK in white

Oh, and I'm up to 54 pounds weight loss on Weight Watchers. Woo-hoo!!! I've gone down 5 pants sizes, 1 bra size and 1 shirt size. I've been walking 12 miles a week, doing yoga every day and lifting weights - light ones for now. Only bad thing about that is...I'm sooo super hungry all the time. Argggh!!! I've had a craving for thin spaghetti with meat sauce (not just ground turkey, but real meat!), garlic bread and a chocolate milk shake. Man, I wish those meals-in-a-pill from the Jetsons cartoon were already invented.....

ReadY, SET, go! (Yarn, Snowfigures, Erasers and Townie!)

2009-03-09T13:11:00.011-04:00

Not a lot of time to chat today (kids home, snowing, I'm cranky and crampy...), but I realized how LONG it'd been since my last post. So...here are pictures and somewhat short (and possibly babbling) descriptions.

Okay, here we go!

1. Erasers

I love erasers and all cute journaling/writing accessories (Lora already knows about my journal buying addiction!). When I saw these erasers at the toy store we visited in Vermont, I just HAD to have them. Not only are they friggin adorable, but they erase really well, too!

2. Yarn

Yarn that I bought in Vermont at the Northeast Fiber Arts Studio (whose sign reads, "Oodles of Yarn...The Candy Shop for Knitters"...love that) - skeins of Lamb's Pride worsted for me for crocheted bunny slippers (I know, I know....I'm going over to the dark side!) and skeins of Lopi for Ben's felted mittens (from the book, "Sunny's Mittens") that he wants to knit. Not sure if he'll be knitting them anytime soon, but we found the perfect color blue for him. (and white for me)

3. Snowfigures

Ian and the kids spent Sat and Sun building some new snowmen - and a snowbunny (which I think looks more like a cute dog) - and here's Ben showing off their creations.

Tim and Mike mostly made the one with the ski goggles, purple scarf and London Fog fedora.

4. Townie!!

On Saturday, we visited the Alternative Bike Shop in Goffstown/Manchester - just to take a look at the bikes. And I ended up putting a downpayment on this one!

It's an Electra Townie 21D - in a bright, leafy green. I can't tell you how cute it is - even cuter than the picture shows - and I'll be adding on a wicker basket, a bell and a pink flower to the front. At least, as soon as I can get some more money saved up. That sucker is expensive! (But going to be worth every penny!!!)

We're all planning on riding our bikes when the snow melts - Ian rides his bike to work everyday during the good weather and Tim spends all his free time on his bike when he's not swimming - and, for the first time, I'm looking forward to it, too. First, though, we have to get Ben to practice riding his bike without the training wheels. You can do it, Benji!

Hmmmm...I think that's all for now. I'm finishing up decreasing the yoke on the Golle Molle Baby cardigan and then hope to start the bonnet on Wed night at knitting group. I cannot wait to finish this. It's cute, but....on size 2s!!!

Hope you're all having a super day and THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all of the lovely, encouraging and just awesome comments on the last post about my weight loss. I couldn't do it without all of you!!! (BIG HUG)

P.S. Did I mention that I lost 2.4 more pounds last week? Woo-hoo!!!

Oh, and a pic of Ian's grandparents, sister and all of us in Vermont from last weekend....

If only Tim would smile......

Teddy Gained a Sweater, I Lost 50 Pounds!

2009-02-24T11:00:00.017-05:00

"Poor Teddy is so cold!", says my 6 year old. "He needs a sweater!"

So, in my mind, the ONLY thing to do in this situation is to whip out the laptop and check Ravelry. Wouldn't you? (he he)

Almost immediately, we found the pattern, "Monkster's Sweater" and we both thought it was adorable. We rushed out to the yarn store (which I'd just left at 1 pm) just before they closed to pick out yarn. Ben chose 3 skeins of Noro Kureyon in color 226 - a blend of dark greens, reds, dark orange, purple and blues. It wasn't a color I would usually pick, but Ben (and Teddy) loved it.

I was so psyched to make this (after knitting the baby cardigan on size 2s for so long, I wanted something quick and fun) that I ended up working on it all night and made it in 4 hours! I was so much fun to knit and I'm very glad that I ended up spending a little more on the yarn because the sweater came out FANTASTIC!! (I'm even thinking of making Ben a sweater in the same yarn to match)

You can find details of this project HERE on Ravelry...I also added some hints and things like that, too.

Hmmm...what else is new? Well, I finished my Fabulous Scarf (see pattern link on right or HERE on Ravelry) out of the remainder of the Ivy Brambles Superwash Worsted to go with the Amanda Hat - both shop samples.

What do you think?

I think it's pretty convenient that you can make both out of only 1 skein - would make a really cute gift for someone, I think. I just used the same size needle that I used for the hat to make the scarf and, although the yarn in thinner, the scarf comes out lacier and has a nicer drape. Plus, the colors of this yarn are sooo pretty!

I'm still working on the baby cardigan, which I need to finish in the next week or so...and I'm designing a new pattern, too, which is super fun to make (of course I'd say that, right! LOL)

I have a new FREE earth-friendly pattern coming out right before Earth Day in April, so keep an eye out for that, k?

Oh, and before I forget.....guess what???

I finally made my second goal of 50 POUNDS lost on WW!!!!!

I'm very happy and I'm crossing my fingers that I can keep it up until I reach my goal weight. (please, please)

Here are the things I do everyday to stay on track:

1. Exercise for at least 30-40 minutes (a mixture of aerobics, Wii Fit and yoga) 6 times a week or more
2. Be vigilant about keeping track of every single thing I put in my mouth in my WW journal
3. Eat one Flat Belly Diet food with every 8 point (approx. 400 calorie) meal - this TRULY keeps me fuller and more satisfied
4. Drink at least 64 oz of filtered water per day...or more
5. Knit or spin whenever I feel like I want to eat
6. Eat more veggies, fruit and protein than carbs (I love carbs) because carbs make me so much more hungry - and I eat one carb per meal, but it's whole grain and full of fiber.
7. Only eat out once a week at a restaurant, if possible. (sometimes, it's twice, but if I do go out again, I only order a salad and grilled chicken and bring my own dressing)
8. Journal!!! (I can't tell you how addicted I am to journaling - even my iPhone has a Gratitude Journal app!)
9. Take some nice, deep yoga breaths (with or without music) to make me feel calmer
10. Eat my favorite food once a week so I don't feel deprived - but I make sure to count the points.

And, finally, a picture of me from last week with my new haircut - you can't tell, but back is to my collar and the front angles towards my face and it's longer. Do you like it? (My oldest took the picture -he's so nice)

This week I lost just under 4 pounds to make my goal. I'm freezing all the time now, but it's sooo worth it to feel better and fit more easily in my clothes. AND, I'm actually looking forward to my yearly doctor's appointment this year. Go figure!

I wanted to thank everyone who posted supportive and loving words on my weight loss - I can't tell you how much it means to me. You're like my Blogging Cheering Section and I love you guys for it. Really : )

I Spun, I Dyed...and I will Knit. (Sometime)

2009-02-17T16:27:00.027-05:00

Look at what I made!!

After a year (off and on...mostly off...lol) of spinning this fiber, I'm finally DONE!!!

I bought this fiber at last year's NETA Spa Retreat in Freeport, ME from the Fresli Farm booth. I'd never spun either Icelandic Lambswool or mohair before and I was excited to try it. It had such a nice feeling - not soft - but interesting and touchable...and fuzzy.

One of my spinning goals is to try to spin a consistent, 2 ply laceweight yarn...I thought I'd done it this time...but, sadly, I was not quite in the laceweight catagory.

I was able to spin a 2 ply light fingering at 20 wpi (wraps per inch), though...and it came out really nice.

After it was all spun, plied and set, I thought that the yarn wasn't quite as white as I'd hoped and decided it would be fun to dye it as well. So....I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what color I wanted.

I took at look at that pattern that I'd like to use for this handspun, The Spinner's Lace Shawl (very appropriate I think!), and thought that the yarn was calling out for a light turquoise.

After some trial and error in mixing the dyes, I came up with this color. AND I LOVE IT!

Only thing is...the pattern calls for 600 yards of laceweight/light fingering and I've only got 520 yards of my handspun. I thought I'd have enough, but not quite>. So, what I think I'll do is...

1. Use a larger needle and hope that I can finish it close to the end (and hope it fits) or do I repeat less.

OR

2. Knit the edging in another of my handspun yarns in a coordinating color or use a yarn from my stash that matches.

Any other ideas??

Now, I'm not sure when I'll start this...I'm still working on the Golle Molle Baby Cardigan, some Lisha Lace Scarf samples for Heather and my Fabulous Scarf (see link on right) store sample using Ivy Brambles new yarn, "Superwash Worsted" in colorway "Tulips" (see below for matching hat). But...I WILL knit it soon...probably around my birthday in May.

Here are other FO's that I've worked on or finished since the last time I blogged (soooo long ago!! he he):

The Amanda Hat

I used the Ivy Brambles yarn I mentioned above (available HERE) and it came out very cute. I love the pooling and color pattern it made with my hat pattern. (I think Ben looks adorable in it, too)

Crocheted Dishsoap Aprons

I saw these and knew I had to make them ASAP...they were sooo much fun to make (and I'm really only a beginning level crocheter)...and I was able to finish 3 of them in under an hour! What awesome instant gratification.....

See HERE for more pics on my Ravelry project page.

Hoping to finish more handspun by the end of the month! (It's for a beautiful beret pattern...more details later...)