On and On

"Spring is Coming?" - handspun yarn spun from Spunky Eclectic roving. South African Fine Wool--beautiful and fun to spin. About 63 yards.



"Toxic Avenger" from art batts by Craftster's frankierevolver--made of wool, silk noils and glitz. This came out to about 25 yards. Fun spinning as I just let the universe have its way with it.. I think this is enough to make a funky neckwarmer, or to use as an accent on a hat or scarf.

This week, I've spent plenty of time browsing over on BookMooch--I highly recommend everyone running over there to try it out. It's a free website to join and use and the only costs you'll incur are costs shipping paperbacks/magazines/etc to people who have requested them. You are awarded points for adding books to your inventory that you're willing to part with. Each time a book in your inventory is requested, you get a point that you can then turn around and request another book from someone else. Because it's an international community, you also have access to books in other countries that you wouldn't in the US, or if you're looking for a book in another language, it's much easier to find. Have I mentioned, too, that it's a terrific way to recycle all your old books?

I, shamefully, haven't knit a stitch since last Sunday. I think today's a day to devote to the couch, Hank Williams, and a bunch of long-forgotten projects.

Armless Wabbit

New year, new crafts. Soy wax votive candles, a nuno felted scarf and an armless rabbit are all parading around here while my knitting waits.

Don't worry--I haven't forgotten my goals this year. They're just on the back burner for a little bit.

Not a ton of knitting finished so far this week but I'm hoping that will change with the start of my weekend.

Now if only my house would find a way to clean itself...

Knitting Goals 2009

We celebrated Buy Nothing Day by a trip to our local thrift store. In addition to the 5 wool (1 cashmere!) sweaters, we found these vintage sewing books. I think they'll be perfect for J's clothing modification projects.

I've started thinking about knitting for 2009. With all the hats I've been making, I'm itching to start something more challenging and interesting, though I feel that, in fairness, I shouldn't start on anything until after holiday knitting is over.

So, here's my preliminary list of what I'd like to knit in 2009:

*Hemlock Ring Blanket by Brooklyn Tweed
*Kusha Kusha Scarf by Habu Textiles
*Myrtle Leaf Shawl from Victorian Lace Today by Jane Sowerby
*sweater for J, possibly the Woven Bands Pullover in the new IK or Smokin' (another Brooklyn Tweed)

I think that's enough at the moment. I know this won't be all, or it could change, but this is what I'm thinking of now.

Thanksgiving + After

Well, luckily, I'm feeling better today. I've heard from several people in the area that there's a weird bug going around--runny nose, aches, slight fever. The good news is that it lasts a couple of days and it's gone, so I can return to doing laundry and knitting.

Of course, not that knitting ever ceases:



... there's the owl-cabled hat. The dark wool makes the cables a bit difficult to make out, but they look like little horned owls.

And, of course, Thanksgiving Day knitting, where I was joined by an unexpected visitor:



(He's usually too busy with his sleeping-under-the-bed routine to bother with us humans)

And the results of what I was working on:



I wouldn't say that I designed this baby hat, as it was based off a picture of someone's Wists and I just used it as a guide. The original creator sells them on Etsy, so I wouldn't say that I created this at all--BUT, there are parts of this hat I am really proud of + excited to have figured out. I think it turned out pretty cute, wouldn't you agree?

The Flu.

Yep. Leave it to me to get the flu right before a holiday. My poor achy bones and Pig will be found snuggling on the couch, watching repeats of cartoons we've seen before.

Food and Fiber

Here is 1/4 of the food I made in preparation for the first meeting of the supper club--homemade hummus, homemade spiced walnuts, homemade vegan chicken wraps. I also made rice pudding balls, salsa, roasted carrot and curry dip, goat cheese with walnut and cranberries canapes. In addition, there was cider, mulled wine and homebrewed beer. We have more than enough leftovers to eat for the next couple of days... finger foods are my weakness, so I'll have plenty of healthy snacks to munch on.


Another felicity hat in what may be the worst picture ever. (Note to self: wake up, drink coffee, shower and watch the shadows.) I am a felicity hat factory over here--I've already got another one on the needles for someone else.



A close-up shot of some homemade granola! Inspired by a friend of mine, oneredboot, I made some delicious granola in my slow cooker on Thursday. You know it's a hit when there's already a request for more (and the first batch isn't finished yet!)



Finally, mom! Look what I found!!!