tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-300833072024-03-13T12:43:19.613-07:00Chickenlips KnittingSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.comBlogger390125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-74431103979173645612011-12-18T13:04:00.000-08:002011-12-18T13:04:20.044-08:00Another year almost gone...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PGkjAxD8V0/Tu5N8UNWa1I/AAAAAAAACvI/RqUVi-OFxKI/s1600/120811+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PGkjAxD8V0/Tu5N8UNWa1I/AAAAAAAACvI/RqUVi-OFxKI/s320/120811+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dear friends, customers and anyone who is still interested in this blog...here it is the end of 2011 already! When this year began, I had no idea that by its end I would not only become the owner of a <a href="http://kathysknitkorner.com/">fabulous yarn shop</a>, but also that I'd be able to continue my dyeing in the store's basement, after four years of dyeing a metric ton of yarn in my kitchen. It was great fun, but it's also nice to have most of the Stitchjones paraphernalia moved out of our house. I've been very fortunate, and am very grateful to everyone who supported my indie dye work, from the wonderful <a href="http://twistedpdx.com/">Twisted </a> who sold my first few skeins on consignment, to my pampered preciousses who signed up for Yarnageddon 2012. I'm in the midst of dyeing the first shipment, and am totally excited about it - and also the special gift I'm including in the packages! I hope you're gonna love it. As soon as everything is ready, I'll announce it on the Stitchjones Mosh Pit Facebook page and also the Yarnageddon discussion board on Ravelry. This is truly an interesting phase of life - sometimes it feels like all the challenges I face in getting my feet under me as a new LYSO are going to eat my brain, but I welcome it, too - being swamped is much better than being un - or under-employed. As may show from the photo above, the speed and quality of my knitting have improved somewhat. This is the Evergreen shawl (free pattern on Ravelry) made with 1 hank of Cascade Heritage handpainted sock yarn in Rainforest. I finished it in just a week, and gave it a light blocking. It looks much better worn than on a hanger! <br />
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If you'll allow me a bit of reflection...last December sucked in both my personal and professional lives. But without re-hashing the past too much, I've got to say that I couldn't be happier about the way things have turned around on both fronts. By last summer I was surprised at how depressed and despairing I felt. Launching Yarnageddon did good things for my spirits, and the fact that my mother-in-law finally kicked Jason's brother out of the house improved our family life dramatically; we were able to have a peaceful visit with her over Labor Day. I don't hate my BIL - we all have our demons to wrestle with, but as they say, enough is enough. Now that my MIL is stepping out from the shadows of the abuse she has had to live with, she's getting out and about, traveling, and still enjoying life at the age of 82. <br />
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My wish for you all, is that any dark clouds on your horizon dissipate. May the sun come out and shine brightly for you in 2012!<br />
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Love,<br />
Sharon<br />
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-46308773528524296092011-10-27T09:05:00.001-07:002011-10-27T09:43:58.351-07:00Exciting news!Dear readers, fellow knitters, & esteemed Stitchjones customers, <div><br /></div><div>Some big changes are happening, and I'm very excited and happy to share the news with you. Effective November 1st, I will be the proud new owner of <a href="http://kathysknitkorner.com/">Kathy's Knit Korner</a> in Forest Grove, Oregon! Back in 1999-2000, I found myself with some extra time once my daughter was in elementary school, so I decided to take up knitting which I'd put aside to chase after her. When I walked into Kathy's Knit Korner for the first time, I discovered yarns more beautiful, varied and amazing than anything I'd ever seen in a craft store, and it turned me into a true knitting addict. Although my knitting skills improved slowly, Kathy was always supportive and encouraging of my efforts, and she always tried to help me find just the right pattern for the yarn I picked out. To be able to provide the same assistance, advice and inspiration to knitters and crocheters is no less than a dream come true! </div><div><br /></div><div>You might be wondering though, now that this is happening, will there be any more Stitchjones yarn & fiber? Rest assured, there will indeed, because the shop's basement is the perfect space to set up a dye studio! I've started packing up my mini-dyeworks already. I'm still reeling from all the excitement, and so very grateful for this unique opportunity to do both things I love. In the weeks and months to come, I'll be getting to know the many wonderful customers at the shop, and starting a brand new adventure. My enormous thanks to everyone who's supported Stitchjones, because without you this would not be happening. I'll send out frequent updates on Facebook, Twitter and Ravelry groups about both the studio's progress and news & happenings at the shop. I hope to see many of you there! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-89565409510575752762011-08-05T17:25:00.000-07:002011-08-05T17:48:44.672-07:00Yarnageddon2012 Yarn Club - a quick updateSorry folks, I forgot to include any payment information in the previous post. Basically, I am asking for the dough by September 30th. Payment in full by that date is preferred, because it lets me begin tracking down hard to find and/or not always available yarns and fibers. I'm totally willing to split it into two installments to make things easier, though. If you could do 50% of your membership by September 30th, with the remainder due by December 1st, that will work out fine.<br /><br />Method of payment that works best for me is Paypal: sharonfs AT comcast DOT net. If you prefer, I can send you a Paypal invoice - just let me know. <br /><br />Checks may be made out to Stitchjones and sent to the following address: <br /><br />Stitchjones Hand Dyed Yarn and Fiber<br />PO Box 1814<br />Hillsboro, OR 97123<br /><br />Oh, and when you sign up, please let me know whether you prefer yarn only, or yarn and fiber.<br />If there are any questions at all, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Thank you for the emails and excitement! I'm thrilled! <br /><br />SharonSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-578651209288077972011-08-04T15:40:00.001-07:002011-08-04T16:22:23.079-07:00It's not a "gang"...it's a Club!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_6PZPzj2VE/TjsgzEnhVKI/AAAAAAAACuA/ZRLbJ6Te8T4/s1600/xvyarnageddon2012.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_6PZPzj2VE/TjsgzEnhVKI/AAAAAAAACuA/ZRLbJ6Te8T4/s400/xvyarnageddon2012.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637135420369228962" border="0" /></a><br />That's right - I have given this a whole three minutes of serious consideration, and decided that next year I will do something exciting that I have wanted to do since the founding of Stitchjones Hand Dyed Yarn in 2008, and that is - a yarn, fiber and gift club!<br /><br />I couldn't resist "Yarnageddon" because of next year's notorious numerals. However, I promise that there will be no apocalyptic hype, even if it stars John Cusack - just superb yarns and fibers as fine as my customers deserve, and as beautiful as I can possibly dye them. <br /><br />There will be 4 club packages, which will be ready to deliver and ship in February, May, August, and November of 2012, by no later than the 15th of the month. Club members have two options for package contents: 1) yarn, and 2) yarn & fiber. At this point there isn't a fiber-only option, but this is just the first time around. <br /><br />Not to suggest that we're only talking yarn and fiber, though! There will be original patterns, fun accessories and other goodies, although these may or may not be included in each package. What especially fires me up about this idea is that it's a chance for me to share something with you that's not necessarily yarn-related. It could be a memento of something that inspires me, something that makes me laugh, something I enjoy. I can't divulge more than that right now, but I can tell you that it will be chosen with thought and with love. <br /><br />Now to the not so fine print: Prices. There are two price options, depending on how you want your packages to get to you. <br /><br />If you are local to the Portland, OR metro area and would like to arrange delivery/pickup, the price for all 4 packages is <span style="font-weight: bold;">$150.00. <br /><br /></span>For US and International first class shipping, the price for all 4 packages is <span style="font-weight: bold;">$175.00</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />To be clear, members will receive hand dyed product in a generous quantity each time. This will give me the opportunity to carry yarns I dream of, for instance this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cLbq1Q4zzU/TjsgzTbbMCI/AAAAAAAACuI/2VM52Ww8QCA/s1600/merino%2Bsilk%2Bearth%2Bangel.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cLbq1Q4zzU/TjsgzTbbMCI/AAAAAAAACuI/2VM52Ww8QCA/s400/merino%2Bsilk%2Bearth%2Bangel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637135424345026594" border="0" /></a><br />500 yards/250 grams merino/silk worsted weight yarn, handpainted in "Earth Angel". This is not a spoiler or preview, just an idea of what I'm talking about. Borrowing from the idea of CSK, or Community Supported Knitting, this is a way for me to get my hands on stuff this good - so I can get it into your hands! <br /><br />Interested? Just email me at sharon AT stitchjones DOT com! The number of memberships I can offer the first year is somewhat limited, but with your support I will be able to produce more and better product, and give you more than your money's worth by putting together something beautiful and special - just for you. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPvoc_2gVag/Tjsgz4VVH7I/AAAAAAAACug/w4vFhE4ju78/s1600/sf_alpacamerino_seachange_cu.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tPvoc_2gVag/Tjsgz4VVH7I/AAAAAAAACug/w4vFhE4ju78/s400/sf_alpacamerino_seachange_cu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637135434251575218" border="0" /></a>Thank you!<br />With love,<br />Sharon<br />Stitch JonesSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-23617879990027532122011-07-22T16:05:00.001-07:002011-07-22T16:38:59.527-07:00blogging my heart"I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve<br />I have a history of taking off my shirt" - Barenaked Ladies, <span style="font-style: italic;">One Week<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span>Dear friends...I have a confession to make. Some people should stay off Facebook, and I'm one of them. I have gone and created unneccessary drama, which I now regret. You all know that I married a great guy from a crappy family, and that last Christmas for no good reason I was essentially kicked out of his family, for which I should be glad - or at least indifferent, because let's face it, they suck. Over July 4th husband & daughter went to visit them, without me of course, but I have not as yet been able to get over my hurt and anger about the whole mess. The perp, my brother-in-law, insists that he "has nothing to apologize for because he's done nothing wrong". Prick. Well, I own my mistakes and when I'm wrong, I admit it. I took it to Facebook, never a good idea, and changed my relationship status from Married to It's Complicated (why can't it be both, anyway? Dumb Facebook) and dropped my married name of Spence because I want no connection with that den of vipers. The truth is that we are not splitting up, and while I have no actual plans to legally change my name, I've come to the decision that the best thing to do, is to professionally use my birth name (Fletcher) and my married name, for my husband's sake. I am ordering new business cards, and will become a chick with 3 names, like Mary Tyler Moore. <br /><br />I apologize for being misleading. I know it was childish behavior on my part. Eventually it will get easier...it's just taking a long ass time!!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sheepish </span><br /><br /><br />Besides the perennial dyeing, which I will always love, I have suspended work on my ubiquitous 3 dozen odd knitting projects in favor of baby knits. I have become very attached to the kids in my husband's family and have enjoyed watching them grow up. I have one brother, and he & his wife stayed childless by choice. A niece on hubby's side is expecting. Whether or not they still consider me family, I've made things for the baby, so here is my little parade of FO's and near FO's. <br /><br /><br />Garter Yoke Baby Cardi, a free pattern on Ravelry, almost done. I'm using Cascade 220 Superwash Sport, which I like very much. <br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UCAvRBEqf8/TioCbNX9vXI/AAAAAAAACt4/qRsG1PwDwh8/s1600/little%2Bred%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bstix%2Bbaby%2Bcardi.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UCAvRBEqf8/TioCbNX9vXI/AAAAAAAACt4/qRsG1PwDwh8/s400/little%2Bred%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bstix%2Bbaby%2Bcardi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632316950450126194" border="0" /></a><br />Sunshine Hoodie - made with just over 3 balls of "Aspen" wool-cotton yarn. The pattern is the Baby Tunic from Knitting Pure & Simple. I made the 12 month size.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bf4w3pXtx9g/TioCa8RdZGI/AAAAAAAACtw/kBj1Ofu2Mi8/s1600/sunshine%2Bhoodie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bf4w3pXtx9g/TioCa8RdZGI/AAAAAAAACtw/kBj1Ofu2Mi8/s400/sunshine%2Bhoodie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632316945859437666" border="0" /></a><br />More Elizabeth Zimmermann baby leggings. This pair took just over 1 skein of Shepherd's Wool. Very soft, & knits up beautifully. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIUw86iIv24/TioCao2uAfI/AAAAAAAACto/_ebTUhUSyO0/s1600/ez%2Bbaby%2Bleggings%2Bshepherds%2Bwool.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIUw86iIv24/TioCao2uAfI/AAAAAAAACto/_ebTUhUSyO0/s400/ez%2Bbaby%2Bleggings%2Bshepherds%2Bwool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632316940647006706" border="0" /></a>Debbie Bliss ribbed baby cardigan. I had some Bliss Rialto Aran in my stash. Love! Since baby knits are as addictive to me as socks or shawls are to other knitters, I prefer to go with genderless colors and styles. The things I don't gift will be donated to charity. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uvrrSNCaxqk/TioCaYp94II/AAAAAAAACtg/TaqK_3ipjek/s1600/yellow%2Bribbed%2Bcardi.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uvrrSNCaxqk/TioCaYp94II/AAAAAAAACtg/TaqK_3ipjek/s400/yellow%2Bribbed%2Bcardi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632316936298553474" border="0" /></a>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-66345421252780553382011-06-30T02:34:00.000-07:002011-06-30T03:28:53.180-07:00Shawl we dance?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QwDh0lsV8g/TgxDxH4xWyI/AAAAAAAACtY/Wx7wQh_QXzo/s1600/eleventh%2Bhour%2Bcitron.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QwDh0lsV8g/TgxDxH4xWyI/AAAAAAAACtY/Wx7wQh_QXzo/s400/eleventh%2Bhour%2Bcitron.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623944545888721698" border="0" /></a><br />Dear friends...I should always re-read these blog posts before I hit "Publish". Last post seems almost freakishly maudlin in retrospect! Things certainly aren't always bad as all that, and I'm sorry to have given that impression. The 2011 <a href="http://blacksheepgathering.org/">Black Sheep Gathering</a> has come and gone, and I enjoyed it tremendously. The weather was beautiful, which did much to bring people in, and everyone was...<span style="font-style: italic;">excellent</span> to one another! Case in point: a spinner's wheel unfortunately went missing, which is definitely <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> excellent, or as Gene Simmons would say - "That does not rock!" However, a collection was taken up among the vendors, and enough was donated to replace the wheel. Demonstrating once again, that fiber and yarn people are exceptional and should be in charge of the whole freaking world. JMHO. <br /><br />Upon finishing the above Citron in 2/3 skein of baby alpaca-silk laceweight Friday night, I gave it a quick and dirty blocking best I could at the motel, then displayed it in the booth on Saturday. I think I tweeted something like "if you've ever blocked a shawl on a motel wet bar...you just might be a yarn vendor". Don't worry, I'm not ready for the Blue Collar Comedy tour just yet! <br /><br />Here is this year's Black Sheep booth. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQowSqFcTEE/TgxDw3RVKwI/AAAAAAAACtQ/o6N5aFqDhAI/s1600/black%2Bsheep%2B2011%2Bbooth.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQowSqFcTEE/TgxDw3RVKwI/AAAAAAAACtQ/o6N5aFqDhAI/s400/black%2Bsheep%2B2011%2Bbooth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623944541428329218" border="0" /></a>On my show wish list: more gridwall, hooks, and I think we're ready to get a free standing banner. Behind the partition was the Fiber Arts display and judging, and the people in charge of that graciously left the partition up so I could keep my sign where it was. I may not always be so lucky though!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://mymommadethis.etsy.com/">Yarn For Sale...</a><br /><br /></span>Here is one of my recent favorites:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QM17ftCFE54/TgxDwbaXDdI/AAAAAAAACtI/y3kyU4bCPtk/s1600/boutique%2Bsock_smokeandorchids1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 207px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QM17ftCFE54/TgxDwbaXDdI/AAAAAAAACtI/y3kyU4bCPtk/s400/boutique%2Bsock_smokeandorchids1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623944533950008786" border="0" /></a>It's Boutique (baby alpaca-bamboo-merino-nylon sock blend) in "Smoke and Orchids". I seem to recall a TV show or movie from the 60's called "Summer and Smoke", and must have been free-associating. Anyway, I only made one, so I may have to just...ahem...commandeer it for my personal stash, as I'm eager to see it knit up! <br /><br /><br />This is a definite shawl-heavy post. I also finished a forgotten-about WIP, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamonds-and-pearls-shawl">Diamonds and Pearls shawl</a> designed by my friend Shelia January, in The Knitter's Book of Yarn (Clara Parkes). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4a5MPmZvhA/TgxDwWNOtKI/AAAAAAAACtA/zxjup5Z0kJQ/s1600/diamonds%2Band%2Bpearls%2Bshawl.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4a5MPmZvhA/TgxDwWNOtKI/AAAAAAAACtA/zxjup5Z0kJQ/s400/diamonds%2Band%2Bpearls%2Bshawl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623944532552758434" border="0" /></a>I know the lace columns are completely wonky. However, it's exquisite Artyarns silk & mohair, which I bought almost 3 years ago, and it is the perfect pattern for the yarn. I'd knit it again, and would make extra effort to get it right! <br /><br /><br />And...the last time I showed you this, it was a poorly lit blob of unfinished yarn object. I have since finished it. Here, bathed in Oregon sunshine, is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/palatine-stole">Palatine Stole</a> (Ravelry free pattern download). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROPtkLxg-PU/TgxDv1lOUgI/AAAAAAAACs4/3z09o4ALGI8/s1600/palatine%2Bstole.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROPtkLxg-PU/TgxDv1lOUgI/AAAAAAAACs4/3z09o4ALGI8/s400/palatine%2Bstole.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623944523795026434" border="0" /></a>It's an easybreezy knit, really just a giant swatch of the Dewdrops pattern from Barbara Walker's first Treasury with a garter stitch border. I used a luscious blend of 50/50 merino-cotton yarn from Urban Fiber Arts to make this one. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Non-Yarn Stuff (skip if you find this boring)<br /><br /></span>The fam is leaving for Spokane tomorrow, well today actually ;) and I don't have to go, neener neener, happy dance!! In all seriousness, though, there isn't anything here to dye (yet), although I did re-stock all my dye colors this week. So I'll be doing odd and sundry things over the weekend. Not sure exactly what yet. Will probably try to get away from the house as much as possible, what with all the fireworks in the immediate vicinity! <br /><br />What are your summer plans and projects? Anybody up for a marketplace meetup during Sock Summit? I'm not sure what day(s) I'll be there as of yet, but would love to hang with you for a while and knit! <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-91688326724177875182011-06-17T21:44:00.001-07:002011-06-17T22:41:47.202-07:00Tweets from the abyss<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYMJd9uA3Wo/Tfw5lEsn3KI/AAAAAAAACso/_QND4OXVvs0/s1600/ladybug%2Bon%2Bblackberry%2Bhemlock%2Bst.jpg"><br /></a><br />Just a little riff on Carrie Fisher; a la Postcards From The Edge. My friends, I have to say that 2011 kind of blows so far, and things seemed to have reached the nadir last week. Not that we're guaranteed a thrill a minute or anything, but <span style="font-style: italic;">come on</span>. Vise-tight finances + ongoing dental issues + basal cell carcinoma + my daughter's mental health issues since January = me spending way too much time boo-hooing and worrying, and far too little time doing the things I enjoy: dyeing, knitting, hanging with friends, visiting LYS's and so forth.<br /><br />However, we fortunately received some financial help this month, so we could put a stop to at least some of the stuff that happens to you when you're flat ass broke with no end in sight. I didn't realize how low my spirits had become.<br /><br />One of my favorite, oft-quoted people is Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. In the 90's I joined the company and became a beauty consultant. I enjoyed doing that for a while, but wanted the chance to do lots more things (many of which I later got to do). In addition to the excellent sales training I received, I also learned some good strategies for keeping a PMA. Some of them are very basic, like the rhyme about "work for your two hands to do/and something to look forward to". Well, there's always knitting. But lately, I've actually been too depressed to knit. I made half assed attempts at housework and gardening, although it's been so rainy that not much has been accomplished in the yard. I really felt purposeless and adrift. This isn't a pity party, I promise! I do have things to look forward to, like the 2011 <a href="http://blacksheepgathering.org/">Black Sheep Gathering</a>, which is next week! Because of the money thing, I didn't add as much to inventory as I was hoping. That's ok though - I have lots of nice stuff, and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/getaway-socks">new</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/getaway-socks">patterns</a> to sell. If you're going to BSG, Stitchjones will be in Bldg. 1, next to the fiber arts display. Come see me!<br /><br />Ideas for more knits keep popping into my head, too, which feed my compulsion to do fiber art. Unconsciously I picked up the Knitty model: I make two samples of each design, using yarn that's readily available at most LYS along with my hand dyed. So far, I've only designed socks and hats, but by Oregon Flock & Fiber at the end of Sept. I should be able to add mitts, a shrug, and a shawl to the pattern line.<br /><br />And of course, the thing that will save the first half of this year, is another chance to see <a href="http://rush.com/">Rush</a> in concert. We three will be at the Clark Co. Amphitheater on June 28th, a Tuesday night, rocking out. Things can't be all that bad, if we as a family get to see the one band we all love!<br /><br />Jason and I had a chance to escape out to Cannon Beach last Saturday. It was a perfect day. We took a long walk on the beach, then back to town. I put one foot in front of the other, breathed fresh salt air and enjoyed the warm sun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCo7GNyLzzk/Tfw5kgQ-4RI/AAAAAAAACsY/ZNX-gtMyeww/s1600/extreme%2Bkite%2Bflying.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCo7GNyLzzk/Tfw5kgQ-4RI/AAAAAAAACsY/ZNX-gtMyeww/s400/extreme%2Bkite%2Bflying.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619429734350774546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9z5uhGtGY5o/Tfw5kRbTQwI/AAAAAAAACsQ/9BeVD4uQ1gU/s1600/cannon%2Bbeach%2B061111.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9z5uhGtGY5o/Tfw5kRbTQwI/AAAAAAAACsQ/9BeVD4uQ1gU/s400/cannon%2Bbeach%2B061111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619429730367521538" border="0" /></a><br />My spirits are much better now.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-8203580592541389712011-05-09T11:09:00.000-07:002011-05-09T13:20:14.693-07:00playing catch-upHere it is May already! And I don't have a single finished project to blog about. What I do have is a big pile of WIP's, and I'll be finishing one good-sized knit fairly soon.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOqUvtsVNgU/Tcgys8aKooI/AAAAAAAACrU/CFCaeRpNsck/s1600/palatine%2Bufo1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOqUvtsVNgU/Tcgys8aKooI/AAAAAAAACrU/CFCaeRpNsck/s400/palatine%2Bufo1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604785483974091394" border="0" /></a><br />On Easter, I went to my friend Cindy's shop <a href="http://urbanfiberarts.com/">Urban Fiber Arts</a>, and bought what I think is the nicest wool-cotton yarn I've ever knit with. And it was on sale to boot! It's Schulana Merino-Cotton 90, and it has more wool in it than cotton, which gives it elasticity and drape. This project uses up most of the 10 balls I purchased. It's a long stole knit in the Dewdrops stitch pattern from the first Barbara Walker Treasury. The openwork makes the fabric light and airy, but still warm. I started swatching it and couldn't quit!<br /><br /><br />Mostly I've been hard at the dyepots and steamers, building up as much of an inventory as possible because -yipes! <a href="http://blacksheepgathering.org/">Black Sheep Gathering</a> is a mere 6 weeks away. Although we did well at last month's Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival and sold more afterwards, I think I could make this year's BSG the best one yet for Stitchjones if I just had more to sell. Gonna try to pull out all the stops; the hamsters that live in a tiny corner of my brain are running furiously in the wheel as I try to figure out how to make that happen. All I can say is that since I became a mom, I stopped being such a scared cookie and learned how to welcome challenges, because I believed that if my daughter grew up watching me take them on, she'd know how to handle whatever life throws at her. It's still yet to be determined if I did the right thing or not. One thing's for sure though - when I decided to go for it as an indie dyer, I opened the door for all sorts of challenges, so it's a good thing I know how not to run from them!<br /><br />Didn't mean to wax philosophical there. For those of you with kids, whether they are 2- or 4-legged, I hope you had a fantastic Mother's Day! One thing my offspring knows about me is that I love pink flowers. The camera doesn't capture how pretty the color is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfg5Zn1N77E/TcgysjkASmI/AAAAAAAACrM/SmOT__1kjug/s1600/mothers%2Bday%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfg5Zn1N77E/TcgysjkASmI/AAAAAAAACrM/SmOT__1kjug/s400/mothers%2Bday%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604785477304470114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I can't wait to roll out more colors of my newest sock yarn, Indie Label merino-cashmere-nylon. So squeezable. There may even be one more new yarn, because I need to build inventory but can't get any Titanium Sock base until next month. I know everybody's excited about another Sock Summit, but it makes the demand for dyeable sock yarn skyrocket thus creating backorders, and I am not a happy camper when I can't get my customers' favorite products! There, I said it. I'm not bitter, just momentarily cranky. It was my decision not to have a booth at SS11 because I knew I wouldn't be up to it. After all, on the night SS09 ended, I was so wiped out that I had a minor car accident. So this year it'll be way less hassle for me - I can go as an attendee and enjoy it!<br /><br />Anyway, here's new Indie Label MCN Sock in a new summery colorway, "Peach Harvest" (cozying up to some Wensleydale in Quince Blossom in the photo).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VOJffsIcR0/Tcgytb7hcNI/AAAAAAAACrc/HnxyV7RyY7E/s1600/indie%2Blabel%2Bmcn%2B-%2Bpinks.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VOJffsIcR0/Tcgytb7hcNI/AAAAAAAACrc/HnxyV7RyY7E/s400/indie%2Blabel%2Bmcn%2B-%2Bpinks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604785492435497170" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>So with that, I'd best log off and get busy! What are your plans for Sock Summit 2011?<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-51751418886248478882011-04-22T00:19:00.000-07:002011-04-22T01:01:39.207-07:00promises that happen*As I looked back over the posts I've written since the end of 2010, I can't help but think I was being rather short-sighted. In several areas of my life I had come to the end of several relationships and situations, and the difficulties were real. What I didn't express or address was how I felt inside, and that was like I'd failed or was some crazy-how bad for not being able to produce as much yarn out of a home kitchen as other indies who have a basement, garage or studio. I admit to thinking more than once, that Stitchjones was probably over as a business.<br /><br />Spring, however, has brought with it new ideas and fresh opportunities for things I didn't see coming, yet they do make sense. During my crisis time I felt strongly moved to share the knowledge and inspiration I've gained, and I've found that I love teaching people how to dye yarn! Earlier this month I had my first experience leading a dye workshop at <a href="http://wynonastudios.com/">Wynona Studios</a>. I had some jitters, not knowing exactly what I would say or how I'd do the presentation in a way that helped people the most, so I approached it just as though I were in my own kitchen studio. Going step by step, I prepped the yarn, mixed the colors, handpainted a skein and put it in the steamer - and then the group went right to it! They'd brought bagfuls of naked yarn from Knitpicks, and they had a ball. I was blown away with the inventiveness of their colors and techniques; there was definitely more than one fiber artist there that day. And I found that mixing colors on the fly without really having a plan was somewhat risky - yet I got "in the zone" and ended up with some good, funky sock yarn (picture next post, I promise). The good news doesn't stop there - we've scheduled two more dye classes, in June and August!<br /><br />Two other positive, exciting things converged last weekend. I had a vendor booth at the first-ever <a href="http://www.lavendersheep.com/cgff.html">Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival</a>. It was an awesome event! I was inspired by the colorways and yarns of my fellow dyers - I traded some of mine for yarn from <a href="http://www.abstractfiber.com/">Abstract Fiber</a> and <a href="http://sinceresheep.com/">Sincere Sheep</a>, which was a great way to try merino-cashmere-nylon sock yarn base and an organic merino sportweight. In fact, I just ordered some MCN today!<br /><br />One thing that had become clear to me is that I don't seem destined to become a spinner. I know how to spin; I've had the best teachers one could ask for - I guess making my own yarn just doesn't sparkle for me. I love to knit, dye and design, and have so much cooking with those interests that I decided to sell my new Lendrum. I hated the thought of it sitting around neglected when someone else could be enjoying it, so I sold it at CGFF. Seeing how happy the new owner was to have it showed me that I'd done the right thing.<br /><br />I also finished another shawl.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3WH2VWsMHFQ/TbEzosRpOoI/AAAAAAAACq8/IiTWxQMZ9s8/s1600/bollywood%2Bshawl%2Bbaby%2Balpaca%2Bdk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3WH2VWsMHFQ/TbEzosRpOoI/AAAAAAAACq8/IiTWxQMZ9s8/s400/bollywood%2Bshawl%2Bbaby%2Balpaca%2Bdk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598312585971186306" border="0" /></a>This is the Bollywood Shawl pattern created for Stitchjones by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/tara-miller">Tara Miller</a> (Ravelry link). The original was made with Dyepot Worsted in Bollywood. This one took 2 skeins of Baby Alpaca DK which I had kettle dyed in Sligo. I think more subtle colorway showed off the feather lace and lattice stitch patterns.<br /><br />There are more good things happening, but drowsiness is taking over. I'll have to tell you about it in my next post, which will be sooner rather than later! Blogging has been filling my need to write, and while I can't let the cat out of the bag just yet, I can say that keeping my writing skills honed will be to my benefit this year! No, it isn't a book, although somehow that seems to feel like more than a pipe dream these days. <br /><br />G'night...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">*"Promises" is one of my favorite parts of the original 12-step text, or "Big Book". If you will indulge me: <br /></span><p><span style="font-size:78%;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and selfpity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.</span></span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.</span></p>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-85626904431262020812011-04-01T17:20:00.000-07:002011-04-01T17:55:07.855-07:00just a foolIt's April Fools' Day, but there will be no jokes, pranks or jackanapes - just me! Haven't blogged in ages, so I wanted to make sure I got in on this action. Trying to make a blog post count.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbnpdf4hu6Y/TZZtMOv2xFI/AAAAAAAACqc/9lsx9RVkeFM/s1600/knitting%2Bcrochet%2Bblog%2Bweek%2Bbanner.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 60px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbnpdf4hu6Y/TZZtMOv2xFI/AAAAAAAACqc/9lsx9RVkeFM/s400/knitting%2Bcrochet%2Bblog%2Bweek%2Bbanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590776044311725138" border="0" /></a><br />Amid the various ups and downs of life and Spring upon us in full flower, there has been some knitting. However, my pictures kind of suck, so instead of doing the whole FO rotogravure I'll just hand pick a couple of significant items.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttxfq99sPRg/TZZtMewLFxI/AAAAAAAACqk/CwkDOaFIXNI/s1600/little%2Bglam%2Bbag4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttxfq99sPRg/TZZtMewLFxI/AAAAAAAACqk/CwkDOaFIXNI/s400/little%2Bglam%2Bbag4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590776048608024338" border="0" /></a><br />This is the "Little Glam Bag". Basic pattern is from the Not Just Socks book. The pattern's a bit futzy and whatnot, because rather than a simple eyelet row for the i-cord, you knit a casing for it and stitch it down. Totally worth it, though. I used about a half skein of Glam Sock in Hemlock, and I love it. It only took most of a weekend to finish, so by making a few more I could whittle down my sock yarn stash! Yeah, good mantra...rinse and repeat...<br /><br /><br /><br />On a somber note, my dear friend Darla (she was married to my BIL Jonathan, who passed away in 1998) just began chemotherapy for breast cancer. I picked STR Lightweight in a beautiful colorway called "Sophie" to make a chemo cap for Darla. (And I love using my KISS stitch markers, which were a gift from <a href="http://trtlgrlcrafts.blogspot.com/">trtlgrl</a>!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qj-sOtM55MI/TZZtNBZGk-I/AAAAAAAACqs/1O8PiRIKaYc/s1600/str%2Bchemo%2Bcap.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qj-sOtM55MI/TZZtNBZGk-I/AAAAAAAACqs/1O8PiRIKaYc/s400/str%2Bchemo%2Bcap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590776057906500578" border="0" /></a><br />I'm not using a pattern, just winging it. 2 x 2 rib for 3", then stockinette stitch until it's long enough to begin the top decreases. Keeping the design plain because the yarn's so pretty. <br /><br /><br />Last but not least, I'm getting ready for spring & summer fiber festivals! I have lots of lovely baby alpaca & blends yarn in new colors. Here is "Secret Garden" (in Japanese, <span style="font-style: italic;">himitsu teien)</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvjskGrIFes/TZZtNMYVpfI/AAAAAAAACq0/BFAaji3pJR0/s1600/ts_secretgarden.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvjskGrIFes/TZZtNMYVpfI/AAAAAAAACq0/BFAaji3pJR0/s400/ts_secretgarden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590776060856083954" border="0" /></a><br />I gave the Japanese translation not to be a geek, but because I'm donating half my profits from the sale of this colorway to the Red Cross and designating the funds for Japan earthquake/tsunami relief. Here it is on a skein of Titanium Sock. Busy, yes, but if it helps, the color repeats are way short, so it shouldn't flash or pool. <br /><br />Thanks to Michele over at <a href="http://pdxknitterati.com/">PDXKnitterati</a> for the banner!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-39181117180193743952011-03-01T00:03:00.000-08:002011-03-01T00:43:47.982-08:00I always forget to remember stuffLately I seem to have the memory of a guppy! I finished this big ol' Pi Shawl before writing my last post, and clean forgot to include the photo. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1sEGE8RQyw/TWypZbH2qXI/AAAAAAAACp8/2A5K4UgAer0/s1600/your%2Bmove.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXzBsucFqJQ/TWypZBtQ0BI/AAAAAAAACp0/PxVTSTmUUzE/s1600/cosmic%2Bpi%2Bpreblocking1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LXzBsucFqJQ/TWypZBtQ0BI/AAAAAAAACp0/PxVTSTmUUzE/s400/cosmic%2Bpi%2Bpreblocking1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579020285825306642" border="0" /></a><br />This was taken before I blocked it, but really it doesn't look much different after blocking. There isn't any lace to speak of, just eyelet holes on the increase rounds. I kept it in stockinette stitch because of the high color contrast. <br /><br />Here are the minutiae: Pi Shawl by Elizabeth Zimmermann. Yarn: Fleece Artist handpainted Bluefaced Leicester 2/8 (lace weight) in "Cosmic Dawn". I think I used a size 6 needle. Finished size is about 37" diameter. <br /><br />Having never knit a round shawl before, I did a final increase round when I already had 500 + stitches, which meant that my knitted edging (Sickle pattern from Barbara Walker Treasury) came out looking more like a ruffle than lace edging. Which I rather like for the flirty effect, although it took forever and a day to finish! At the end of the day, I'm willing to overlook my rookie mistakes in favor of having a soft, cuddly, warm shawl that is also beautiful. <br /><br /><br />Here are a couple of pics from last week's road trip down to Medford and Ashland. I love this "Your Move" statue by the Ginger Rogers Theatre, downtown Medford. Snow was really coming down, but none of it stuck that day. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1sEGE8RQyw/TWypZbH2qXI/AAAAAAAACp8/2A5K4UgAer0/s1600/your%2Bmove.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1sEGE8RQyw/TWypZbH2qXI/AAAAAAAACp8/2A5K4UgAer0/s400/your%2Bmove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579020292647725426" border="0" /></a><br />While I waited for the <a href="http://yarnatwebsters.com/">yarn store</a> to open in Ashland, I walked around Lithia Park. So peaceful and gorgeous, even in late winter - I caught these pink buds about to blossom. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhz3qi5WuOo/TWypZrNgknI/AAAAAAAACqE/WRn8RCNbUWg/s1600/lithia%2Bpark%2Bblossoms.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhz3qi5WuOo/TWypZrNgknI/AAAAAAAACqE/WRn8RCNbUWg/s400/lithia%2Bpark%2Bblossoms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579020296966410866" border="0" /></a>Somehow, 3 skeins of Manos Silk blend followed me home. I'm seriously far behind in photographing my stash yarn for Ravelry! I really should catch that up, because it's the only way I can see what I actually have. <br /><br />I did have a mini adventure of sorts. I was driving a rented Kia Soul, which was a pretty fun rig - the only problem was that I got lost. You wouldn't think that would happen, because the towns in Southern Oregon aren't that big, but I figured out a way to do it. I got on the freeway heading the wrong direction, took the Mt. Ashland exit and followed the road that winds all around the mountain. Got back on the freeway, only to discover I was still going the wrong direction. I went over Siskiyou Summit passing all the semis and even saw a sign welcoming me to California before I was able to execute a course correction. Well...we can't knit <span style="font-style: italic;">all </span>the time, right? <br /><br /><br />We arrived home late Friday night, and were greeted by my favorite couch potato.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpKbBYt0Dus/TWypZ4jn9jI/AAAAAAAACqM/zjvxAarfARY/s1600/couch%2Bpotato.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpKbBYt0Dus/TWypZ4jn9jI/AAAAAAAACqM/zjvxAarfARY/s400/couch%2Bpotato.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579020300548830770" border="0" /></a><br />***<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Another year, another Yarn Crawl<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span>The pace of my business has slowed down considerably, which sucks because I'm not earning, but it's better for family members who like to eat in the kitchen and not get chased out by me because I need to get yarn done. However, next weekend is the annual Portland Yarn Crawl, which is metro-wide fun, and I, <del> Rosanne Roseannadanna </del> I mean Stitchjones, have been invited to 2 area yarn shops! I'll be bringing selected items for a trunk show & sale - I've been busy creating some special surprises. So if you're local and wondering which shops to hit, come see me at <a href="http://urbanfiberarts.com/">Urban Fiber Arts</a> on Saturday afternoon, and <a href="http://wynonastudios.com/">Wynona Studios</a> on Sunday. Personal appearances, I loves them! <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-9940940400255345772011-02-21T14:41:00.001-08:002011-02-21T15:14:52.514-08:00FunkyIf you're looking for clever knitting, I'm sorry to disappoint, but you won't find it here! I put together some bits from stash and became completely mesmerized by the color combination. Without another thought, I cast on and began knitting.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFt8P11oV1o/TWLtOeI5VaI/AAAAAAAACpk/4z6mtnxN42I/s1600/funkygarterscarf5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFt8P11oV1o/TWLtOeI5VaI/AAAAAAAACpk/4z6mtnxN42I/s400/funkygarterscarf5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576280121502422434" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I held together a fingering weight and laceweight, used size 11 needles, and didn't look up (almost) until I had a light, floaty garter stitch scarf about 60". <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VKSwhMdlmbU/TWLtOC_mEPI/AAAAAAAACpc/t3sbLA72mtY/s1600/funkygarterscarf4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VKSwhMdlmbU/TWLtOC_mEPI/AAAAAAAACpc/t3sbLA72mtY/s400/funkygarterscarf4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576280114215653618" border="0" /></a><br /> So taken was I with the brighter-than-a-thousand-suns red that I forgot to slip the first stitch of each row for neatness. It felt rather like coloring with yarn, so I went at it like a preschooler and didn't worry about staying inside the lines. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRfE2W-ramw/TWLtNjNUchI/AAAAAAAACpU/-qBtYC-vLYk/s1600/funkygarterscarf3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRfE2W-ramw/TWLtNjNUchI/AAAAAAAACpU/-qBtYC-vLYk/s400/funkygarterscarf3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576280105683284498" border="0" /></a><br />The yarn backstory: almost a full skein of Curious Creek Fibers Wasonga sock yarn, and gorgeous handspun laceweight by Kathleen of <a href="busydigits.blogspot.com">Busy Digits</a>. Kathleen spun some Wensleydale I had dyed, and plied it with a shiny nylon thread. I really love the pairing of these two yarns. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8ImTgDulM4/TWLtNRTH1II/AAAAAAAACpM/5d2A2QKq7pw/s1600/sock%2Byarn%2B%2526%2Bwensleydale%2Bhandspun.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8ImTgDulM4/TWLtNRTH1II/AAAAAAAACpM/5d2A2QKq7pw/s400/sock%2Byarn%2B%2526%2Bwensleydale%2Bhandspun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576280100875785346" border="0" /></a><br />Jason and I are heading down to Southern Oregon tomorrow for a couple of days, combining a business trip with a bit of fun. I plan to hang out in Ashland, visit the <a href="http://www.yarnatwebsters.com/">yarn shop</a> of course, and knit. This time I'll remember to bring my camera!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-44246370976646152322011-02-06T15:21:00.001-08:002011-02-06T15:55:35.278-08:00Achoo!Scuse me, I haz sniffles. Fortunately the vile microbes lodged in my sinuses aren't communicable via the internet, so I can still communicate!<br /><br />I'm thankful for being able to fight off this bug long enough to go down to Newport for the annual spin-in. It was my third time attending, and this one was the best yet! This year's event was held at the Intermediate School, so there was plenty of room for spinners and vendors without that crowded feeling. I had a lovely time, but by 3:00 I started to feel like I had just enough energy to pack up and make the 3-hour drive home, which I did before collapsing.<br /><br />Here's a wonderful bit of serendipity! A rummage through the front hall closet unearthed some small dog sweaters I had made several years ago. I kept the silliest one for <a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs311.snc6/181941_1850861877502_1419412753_2133712_3756692_n.jpg">Toki</a> (click on link to view), and brought the other two with me. As soon as I started moving my stuff in yesterday morning, I saw Chris from <a href="http://www.fogwashsoap.com/">Fog Wash Soap Co</a>. and she was "wearing" Tina!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TU8u5sct4RI/AAAAAAAACoc/f9dbqI3BqFo/s1600/tina%2B%2526%2Bchris.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TU8u5sct4RI/AAAAAAAACoc/f9dbqI3BqFo/s400/tina%2B%2526%2Bchris.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570722832799621394" border="0" /></a>I was so happy that no sooner I'd found those sweaters, than I found someone with a little doggy needing warm! The other one is purple trimmed in matching boa yarn. I think it was Crystal Palace's brand. Looking back, now I'm glad I didn't go too crazy with novelty yarn stashing. That fad sure came and went fast! Isn't Miss Tina a princess? She even granted me a free bar of soap, my choice of fragrance! I chose Kumquat - it's very subtle.<br /><br /><br />I even finished something on my needles. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TU8xFqO74aI/AAAAAAAACok/ssXrXSY77n0/s1600/sekku%2Bcitron%2Bpreblocking.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TU8xFqO74aI/AAAAAAAACok/ssXrXSY77n0/s400/sekku%2Bcitron%2Bpreblocking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570725237386633634" border="0" /></a>This is how it looked pre-blocking, although it didn't need much since it's a loose gauge and not actual lace. Even though it's a small shawl, it's made at the right gauge to be light, warm enough, and it stays on my obnoxiously round shoulders. It's the Citron shawlette, of course - chances are you've made at least one if you're reading this - in Noro Sekku, 4A. (I hatez numerical colorways! Half the fun of being a dyer is naming your own.) Very pretty, but never no more shall I buy another skein of Noro that is finer than Silk Garden. It's overspun and it tangles and knots like crazy. I had way too many broken ends to weave in. <br /><br />I have lots of other knitting that I'm excited about, but I'm kind of fired up about dyeing, too! To some extent, I'll be free styling and choosing my own colors and fibers. The Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival is just a couple of months away, and I intend to have as big and varied an inventory as I possibly can! <br /><br />Plus, I haz to blow my doze...Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-41443634964711281122011-01-21T10:44:00.000-08:002011-01-21T11:04:32.898-08:00Plum Tomato<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTnUnPSVdXI/AAAAAAAACoM/RrRRD3uUH14/s1600/plum%2Btomato1.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTnUmzbBJkI/AAAAAAAACoE/kCEd1R7xItU/s1600/plum%2Btomato2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTnUmzbBJkI/AAAAAAAACoE/kCEd1R7xItU/s400/plum%2Btomato2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564712577696605762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTnUnPSVdXI/AAAAAAAACoM/RrRRD3uUH14/s1600/plum%2Btomato1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTnUnPSVdXI/AAAAAAAACoM/RrRRD3uUH14/s400/plum%2Btomato1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564712585176380786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh lordy, I am in deep ambivalence about this one! It started out so good. I knew it should have been a tank though, such as the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trellis-and-keyhole-tank">Trellis & Keyhole tank</a>. I picked up the yarn at a clearance sale last summer, and of course when I got to the lower edge of the garment I was on the last ball and had to do the ribbing in another color. While at Knitting Bee, I ran into a friend from knit night, and thankfully she talked me out of the pumpkin orange I was going to use for the trim - the dark plum color definitely pops more.<br /><br />Before I get to my grousing, let me supply the details. <br /><br />Pattern: Tomato by Wendy Bernard, from No Sheep For You<br />Main color: Dale of Norway Svale, 10 balls, shrieking neon orange (ok, that's not the real color name, but it might as well be)<br />CC: Queensland Bebe Cotsoy, 1.5 balls, plum<br />Needles: Size 6 (body) Size 5 (trim)<br />Size: 3x<br /><br /><br />And now for my unrelentingly harsh critique:<br /><br />- Fit isn't everything! I managed to make something that fits me well but I probably won't wear it out of the house, because I'm afraid of being laughed at. It should have been a solid color. <br /><br />- I suck at picking up necklines. Granted, this still needs blocking, and while the blocking project has a magical way of washing away our sins, I don't think it's going to fix the ugly pickup line along the front neck.<br /><br />- That mysterious stain visible in the second photo. I have no idea what it is. I took this project with me to California and back, so something must have spilled on it. Praying I can get it out when I soak-wash the garment.<br /><br />My verdict: epic fail. I'm willing to forgive myself, it being my first try at an awesome, infinitely customizable design. I will knit this sweater again, and do a better job.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-75487878797511790032011-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:002011-01-18T16:33:55.576-08:00Celadon-ic hazeI'm back from Southern California, still feeling warm sun and hearing cool jazz. While visiting <a href="http://www.abuelitasknittingandneedlepoint.com/index.html">Abuelita's</a> in South Pasadena, I became acquainted with Ulli. She's a talented knitter and lovely person originally from Austria, who not only could name a handful of yarn shops right here in Portland, but also knew all about the annual <a href="http://www.snohomishknittersguild.org/events/seattletoportlandyarncrawl">Seattle to Portland Yarn Train</a>! It made me do a double take, because I figured I'd probably seem like a hayseed in uber-hip Cali. I know, I've gotta get out more! We are DIY Central though, and I'm proud of that.<br /><br /><br />Ulli also introduced me to some nice music - she was playing a <a href="http://www.madeleinepeyroux.com/">Madeleine Peyroux</a> CD in the shop, "Careless Love". At first I thought it was Billie Holliday singing, that's how good it is! Stitchjones into jazz, you say? Not to worry. I still have deep reverence for all things headbanger, but I am over 50 after all. Plus, the music goes with the climate down there.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span>The last thing we did before heading back to Bob Hope Airport in Burbank (so tickled to have been to/seen places named for celebrities! I was only ever through the Ted Williams Tunnel, formerly the Sumner Tunnel, in Boston) was visit the <a href="http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/">Pacific Asia Museum </a>in Pasadena.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>Really awesome place to visit if you're interested in Asia, which I have always been, ever since I was very young. Back then the door between the US and China was firmly closed. That's why the exhibit we saw, "China Modern", was so enriching. This exhibit coincided with the Shanghai Expo, so a whole part of the display was about young Shanghai ladies in product advertisements of the 1930's. Shanghai was a modern, progressive city of the era, and the images of young women smartly dressed and coiffed in ads for soap, fabric, etc. were striking. However, when I saw this cigarette pack in a glass case, I was absolutely blown away. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTYrwGNZ9mI/AAAAAAAACnk/RFmFLiregfo/s1600/KNIT-GIRL-CIGARETTES.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTYrwGNZ9mI/AAAAAAAACnk/RFmFLiregfo/s400/KNIT-GIRL-CIGARETTES.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563682494963381858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We also saw beautiful pieces of textile, pottery and art from China and Japan. I took special note of the bowls and dishes in celadon. As a lover of color, I have under-appreciated this shade of blue-green. In the authentic pieces, the color stays closer to one universal shade than I imagined. It's a bit tricky to create this shade with consistency in yarn dyeing; each type of fiber received the color differently. Here's the results of last week's color play:<br /><br /><br />Felting Wool Worsted (formerly Grand Design Worsted) in Lemongrass - yellowy chartreuse, more traditional yellow-green with celadon as an accent<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTYsZBuGjiI/AAAAAAAACn8/-Q0zVfMEbQQ/s1600/felting%2Bworsted%2Bwool_lemongrass.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTYsZBuGjiI/AAAAAAAACn8/-Q0zVfMEbQQ/s400/felting%2Bworsted%2Bwool_lemongrass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563683198132981282" border="0" /></a><br />Baby Alpaca DK<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTYsY28NAxI/AAAAAAAACn0/n-mGZp_0QqI/s1600/baby%2Balpaca%2Bdk_celadon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTYsY28NAxI/AAAAAAAACn0/n-mGZp_0QqI/s400/baby%2Balpaca%2Bdk_celadon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563683195239334674" border="0" /></a>Glam Sock<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTYsY-y7oDI/AAAAAAAACns/L-FU_kl3wG0/s1600/gs_celadon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TTYsY-y7oDI/AAAAAAAACns/L-FU_kl3wG0/s400/gs_celadon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563683197347930162" border="0" /></a>There's a bit of gray showing on the Glam Sock. Not sure how I feel about it yet; it seems to make the blue-green appear dirty, which is counter-productive, if anything.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-39808255865361143562011-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:002011-01-11T14:10:08.313-08:00Happy New Year...now what?Happy 2011, everyone! Please know that I wish good things for you all in the new year. I admit to having distanced myself somewhat from the news reports. I'm not trying to be an ostrich, or the queen of denial, I am just trying to keep as much negativity as I can out of my mind, heart and spirit. Although we are blessed with abundant food, a place to live and love for one another, it was a rather unhappy Christmas for reasons I described in previous posts. I've made a conscious decision to leave it all in the past. While one of my more glaring character defects is the tendency to hold a grudge, I do accept that I have no control over other people's behavior. It's a start.<br /><br />I'm also trying to walk a more righteous path where my health is concerned. Since the holidays ended, my diet is much higher in salads and fresh vegetables. I haven't completely given up sugar, but I'm staying away from it as much as I can. Although my daughter, who has lost 70 lbs. cautioned me not to get on the scale, I had to know. I lost 4 lbs. It's a start.<br /><br />Looking at the blog post title, maybe I answered my own question of "now what"? Not to get all hippie dippie 70's psychobabble about it, but someone a long time ago told me, "It's ok to just be." So I'm not going to take on the monster task of re-inventing myself, or pushing my tiny kitchen to produce mass quantities of hand dyed yarn and fiber with chemical dyes when I miss cooking a variety of good food. Self-care has to be priority one right now. It's a start.<br /><br />I recently finished a pair of socks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TSzPtkaHt9I/AAAAAAAACnE/L0Q77dnk2rk/s1600/011111%2B004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TSzPtkaHt9I/AAAAAAAACnE/L0Q77dnk2rk/s400/011111%2B004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561048021670016978" border="0" /></a>These are just plain vanilla's. The yarn is Deborah Norville Serenity, and I got 2 50-gram balls for $5.00 at Jo-Ann in Spokane. Talk about cheap azz crafts! It's a blend of superwash wool, bamboo & nylon. Very soft and comfy - I'm pleased.<br /><br />That's all the knitting I have to share right now - I'm working feverishly on a big project, the <a href="http://sharingthemoment.xanga.com/588477879/my-tomato-sweater-is-a-red-velvet-cake/">Tomato</a> sweater. Jason is going a convention in Pasadena on Thursday, and I get to go with him! I've never been there and I'm excited. Just to get away from the too-cold weather here for a few days will be a nice break. Anyway, I wanted to have the Tomato done before we left, but it won't be. I'll take it with me and work on it while we're there. I plan to visit <a href="http://www.abuelitasknittingandneedlepoint.com/index.html">Abuelita's</a> while he is at the convention center.<br /><br />The rest of this post is gonna be pictures of food. Michelle and I were craving the Sizzling Rice Soup that we enjoy at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/china-bay-restaurant-and-lounge-beaverton">China Bay</a> , so we tried to make it at home. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TSzPu1P3wHI/AAAAAAAACnc/-NOSX5ofs0E/s1600/011111%2B003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TSzPu1P3wHI/AAAAAAAACnc/-NOSX5ofs0E/s400/011111%2B003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561048043370299506" border="0" /></a>You're supposed to spread the cooked rice on a greased surface - I put foil on a cookie sheet and sprayed it with Pam - and bake it at 300 degrees F for 40 minutes. I had a mixture of chicken broth with a bit of soy sauce, sliced green onion, pea pod, carrot and sliced beef steaming and ready, and I couldn't wait for the rice to be done, so it didn't get crispy and sizzle when I added it to the broth. No matter - it was still pretty good!<br /><br />Jason's family is from the South, and Southerners eat blackeye peas on New Year's Day for luck. We adopted the tradition.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TSzPujS5T3I/AAAAAAAACnU/6nXviz87Bjw/s1600/011111%2B002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TSzPujS5T3I/AAAAAAAACnU/6nXviz87Bjw/s400/011111%2B002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561048038551146354" border="0" /></a>I use the canned kind, add some brown sugar and simmer it until the liquid in the pan is thick. <br />For New Year's Day we also had a standing rib roast, and to go with it I fixed Yukon Gold potatoes roasted in olive oil with onion, garlic and fresh lemon thyme.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TSzPuIiSv-I/AAAAAAAACnM/Z3kGrqTPaAk/s1600/011111%2B001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TSzPuIiSv-I/AAAAAAAACnM/Z3kGrqTPaAk/s400/011111%2B001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561048031367970786" border="0" /></a>***<br /><br />I am dialing back how much time, energy and money I will invest in Stitchjones this year. I still plan to do dyeing. The fiber events I will vend at this year are the Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival in mid-April, Black Sheep Gathering in June, and Oregon Flock & Fiber in September. There's going to be another Sock Summit here in Portland this summer. I was a vendor at the first one, and as much as I'd like to participate in the second one, I know it's out of my reach. Scaling down also means being less active in social networking, so I'm backing off the Facebook/Twitter thing too. Closing some doors, waiting for a window to open and trusting that it will.<br /><br />It's a start.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-79115924730875565852010-12-29T16:34:00.000-08:002010-12-29T17:07:13.645-08:00Not all badThank you for the kind, supportive comments from my last post. It means a lot to me, and I'm feeling better. Went to the doctor today, and we discussed things I can try to help with the pain and anxiety. Maybe they'll work, maybe not - a doctor visit was a good first step though!<br /><br />Despite the encounters with Grinches I talked about last time, there were some pleasant moments over the past few weeks. Here are a few. <br /><br />This is one of the views at Spence Farm. The little rodentlike creature on the right would be Jimmy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TRvUspmcx_I/AAAAAAAACm8/lHRy5K9akbg/s1600/snow%2Bdachshund.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TRvUspmcx_I/AAAAAAAACm8/lHRy5K9akbg/s400/snow%2Bdachshund.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556268428838094834" border="0" /></a><br />Both dogs loved being able to roam, explore, and play in the snow. At least they had this opportunity to do so. I gave Toki Dramamine and pulled his food the night before we left, and also before the trip home. It didn't seem to help his motion sickness, although his having an empty stomach was easier to deal with. I still want to be able to take my doggy places, so I will try other remedies the vet's office suggested, such as a certain pheromone he can be given to soothe and calm him. I forget the name of it now. Ginger doesn't work because I can't get him to eat it. <br /><br />I love this pic of my 3 cute guys! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TRvUsZru7aI/AAAAAAAACm0/LV7LBr28tVo/s1600/122810%2B005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TRvUsZru7aI/AAAAAAAACm0/LV7LBr28tVo/s400/122810%2B005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556268424565288354" border="0" /></a><br />I discovered that in Spokane there are no longer any places to buy good yarn other than Paradise Fibers. They were, of course, closed Friday and Sunday in addition to Christmas Day. That nice shop on the South Hill, A Grand Yarn, appears to have gone out of business. I knew Toki needed a sweater while there, so my only option was Jo-Ann. I used 1 ball of Stitch Nation Alpaca Love and a small amount of a second ball to knit the chest piece. It seems to fit him well. <br /><br />Here is one of the gifts I gave my mother-in-law, the <a href="http://thenakedsheepbleat.blogspot.com/2010/11/feather-and-fan-circle-wrap.html">Feather and Fan Circle Wrap</a> from The Naked Sheep Knit Shop's blog. I used most of a skein of Mushishi wool/silk blend. Mom seemed to like it; she had just bought herself a teal sweater that matched the wrap. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TRvUrwoftLI/AAAAAAAACms/SSF0ZVuaBxM/s1600/fan%2526feathercirclewrap.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TRvUrwoftLI/AAAAAAAACms/SSF0ZVuaBxM/s400/fan%2526feathercirclewrap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556268413545854130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Not sure what those mysterious orbs are on this picture, other than maybe a dirty camera lens - but here is the zip front cardigan I made for my brother, in Imperial Stock Ranch Columbia wool.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TRvUrq32IZI/AAAAAAAACmk/Vn-JzWWmx-k/s1600/brosbombercardi3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TRvUrq32IZI/AAAAAAAACmk/Vn-JzWWmx-k/s400/brosbombercardi3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556268411999625618" border="0" /></a><br />Pretty good fit, and he can wear the shawl collar up or down. He was really happy with it, and so was I. You just can't beat those Knitting Pure & Simple patterns. Drove myself about half crazy trying to put in the zipper with a knitpicker - the method is outlined in the Winter 2010 issue of Interweave Knits. After several frustrating hours and colorful swear words, I gave up and stitched the zipper in place by hand. Should have tacked it down better at the bottom; easy fix, though.<br /><br />And that's mostly how I'm keeping my loved ones warm this winter!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-49156260681490154352010-12-27T17:26:00.000-08:002010-12-27T18:31:35.689-08:00CrossroadsFor too long, I've been neglectful of certain things in my life that I need to address. Now they seem to have all converged, from small localized blazes into one massive conflagration, and I've got no choice but to put out the damn fire.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Stop the madness</span><br /><br />First of all, the way I have been pursuing my business seems to no longer be working for me. I haven't quite figured out everything I want to do in order to make a fresh start in the new year, but I am at a point where I can no longer handle large volumes of wholesale orders. I just had a very negative experience in which I knew a business arrangement wasn't working for me but I didn't speak up in time. I ended up falling behind, the customer got pissed and I lost a major account. Without going into too much detail, I got my ass chewed out in a yarn shop in front of staff and customers, three days before Christmas. And I was facing another stress-filled car trip to Spokane to spend the holiday with my inlaws, which I'll get to later. In all honesty, I wasn't enjoying dyeing dozens upon dozens of the same 2- or 3-color sports team colorways. I really don't want to sound conceited, because I still have tons to learn, but I feel that I've established myself as a fiber artist. I can't mass produce. I need to be in the drivers' seat when it comes to how much output I can create and what colors I use. Dyeing textiles is an art, and art requires inspiration! At least for this artist. I now know exactly how a gifted, driven artist feels when they have to sell out for a paycheck. Those rah-rah colorways were the fiber art equivalent of having to make, say, 50 clown paintings for people to hang in their bathrooms. There, I said it, but it needed to be said. I am simply taking back some control. That much, I have learned this year. I'm not saying I will refuse wholesale orders; perhaps the only major change I need to make is in what I am willing to custom dye. Most of my customers order colorways which I created and still love to dye, so I'm glad to continue making what they want. There might be constraints on volume per color/colorway and adjustments to my production time, but I think they are reasonable when I remember that I'm working in a small kitchen, I have little to no storage space for materials, and I perform every step of the process myself. What it boils down to is that I will work at being more realistic about what I can actually do and how long it actually will take. I'm aware that I may lose more business as a result, but until I have the dye operation of my dreams, I'll have to accept the outcome.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Health issues<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>During<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>the past year, I've noticed a sharp increase in both physical pain and anxiety. The pain is worst when I am on my feet for hours doing dye work, and I'm out of commission for quite a while afterwards. This is a big part of why I had the bad experience described above. Although I haven't seen my doctor in quite a while - she's been out on maternity leave but I think she's back now - I think the anxiety and sleeplessness is a part of aging. My goal is to see the doc by the end of this week and get some answers and some help. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>OK, you've all heard me bitch and moan about visiting the inlaws in Spokane.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>This time, however, my brother in law, who is an abusive alcoholic, abused me verbally in front of his mother on Christmas Eve. I did not stand for the abuse; I got right back in his face. Oh yeah, it was a Jerry Springer Christmas spent in a split-level instead of a double-wide. My husband defended me, thankfully, and the upshot is that I never have to go back. Ever. As much as I love my mother-in-law, staying in her house is unsafe as long as her drunken mess of a son lives in the basement. Unless he changes, it will only get worse as time goes on. It's a sad state of affairs, but it's freeing for me to have the pressure off at last.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">***<br /><br /></span>It seems appropriate to be facing significant changes in my life at the end-of-year holidays. I don't make New Year's resolutions. I just seem to be waking up to some facts. People pleaser that I have always been, I'm the one who is living this life, not anyone else. And I've got to make it work as best it can - for me.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-71885340712233732542010-12-06T00:10:00.000-08:002010-12-06T01:12:39.374-08:00A month of GlamWell hi! Still here, still yarning. I've gotten so much into Facebook and Twitter over the past few months that my blog is starting to fall by the wayside. However, when you want to say all of what's on your mind without worrying about character count <em>and</em> put up a mess of snapshots, there's nothing quite like the blog.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago I finally received my eagerly awaited shipment of base yarn for Glam Sock, and was able to finish and deliver orders that were open since July and August. My customers were infinitely patient, and since I've improved my dye techniques and skills since the last time Glam was in, (at least in my humble estimation), I got some great feedback!<br /><br />Since I had a whole case to play with, I came up with some new colorways. <br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Victorian Christmas</em></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 370px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547480723382870482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TPycU3uQIdI/AAAAAAAACmY/sBAQBONbuy0/s400/gs_victorianchristmas_cu.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Black Magic</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547480713266413362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TPycUSCTPzI/AAAAAAAACmQ/fLiZ7M9vHE4/s400/gs_blackmagic.jpg" /><em>Mulberry</em><br /></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 378px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547480706875715282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TPycT6Oo7tI/AAAAAAAACmI/WO7uT6KjiVk/s400/gs_mulberry_cu.jpg" /><br />You'd think black would be a no-brainer and I'd have figured it out early on. Not so! For me it was a matter of finding the right dye. For much of my black dyeing I use Country Classics Raven, which is more of a charcoal gray than true black. Trying to get the right black for my textile artist friend was a challenge and forced me to experiment (which was a good thing). Next I tried Ashford black, but that wasn't working either. Finally I used Jacquard jet black, and voila - that seemed to do the trick. It works great on Glam; usually I double dye it in a pot for developed and even color. For handpainting a variegated colorway, though, I still use CC Raven, because the Jacquard tends to separate into brown at the edges of the dyed area. </p><p>The Mulberry's a challenge, too. To make this color I combine 2 dye shades, and can never seem to get the ratios exactly right from skein to skein, session to session. Usually they come out so much prettier than my camera can show, that if there is hue variance it's slight and not much of an issue. As for Victorian Christmas - this colorway danced in my vision like sugarplums for months. Finally got to do it, what fun! It's just a little twist on a Christmassy silver, red and green. </p><p>Didn't think you were gonna get a dyeing tutorial, did ya?<br /></p><p><strong>Socks Are Not For Suckas</strong><br /></p><p>Shawls in hand dyed fingering weight are awesome sauce, yes they are. However, I still love sock knitting. One at a time. Top down. On dpns. It takes me immediately to my happy place!</p><p>I love the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nutkin">Nutkin</a> pattern, and have been itching to knit it and drooling over the skein of Madelinetosh in Baltic that was percolating in the stash. I then proceeded to change just about everything about the design, except for keeping the beautiful (and easy) stitch pattern on the leg. </p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 376px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547480694338986050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TPycTLhpoEI/AAAAAAAACl4/YwGj2jhiL9c/s400/Distant%2BKin%2Bof%2BNutkin.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 381px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547480703764048402" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TPycTuowqhI/AAAAAAAACmA/Tix1sEXh3Ow/s400/Distant%2BKin%2Bof%2BNutkin_cu.jpg" /><br />Finally there's a blue pair in my sock drawer! </p><p> </p><p><strong>Not an afterthought...</strong></p><p>I got my spinning wheel! It's a beautiful brand new Lendrum that works great, but we haven't exactly bonded yet. There are a few issues with me, spinning, my house and pets. First of all, I'm not as consistent a spinner as I thought I would be - and it will take lots of practice, not only to spin uniformly but also to build those leg muscles! I went to a spin session, and it was more of a workout than I imagined. However, those things aren't really obstacles; I shall overcome. The biggest issue is keeping my wheel safe from dog whiz. To Toki, it's just another piece of furniture to lift his leg on, so I've got the wheel put up out of reach. I also need to be sitting in one of the kitchen chairs when I spin; my knitting chair won't work ergonomically. Holy cow! Over the next year one of my goals is to work out all these bugs, so I can spin as leisurely as I knit. </p><br /><p><strong>Look out, it's Christmas</strong></p><p>Without sounding like a bah humbug scrooge, I really, really don't want to do much for Christmas this year. I don't want to put up lights or spend $60 on a tree that we'll throw out, although we will do these things for Michelle. I guess the reason I don't want a tree is because I can spend virtually zilch on gifts. So while it'll be simple holidays for us, I'll do what I can to make it decent looking around here. My objective for the coming week, along with keeping Stitchjones going of course, is to transform the clutter of a business office, warehouse, winding station and mail room - along with a music room - back into what they started out as, our dining and living room. I put away a lot of stuff today and did some cleaning, and although it'll take some doing, I'm in a "believe and achieve" frame of mind. That means the psychoactives must be working!</p><p>I promise not to be absent from here for so long, and am about 3/4 done knitting a sweater. I'm eager to finish it, do a photo shoot and blog it, of course, so I'm off to knit more on the sleeve. Hope you are all finding ways to stay warm and happy in early December! </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-15975583679459048282010-11-06T20:57:00.000-07:002010-11-06T21:42:35.492-07:00now back to regular programmingHalloween is over, and it's that curious season in the stores where the Halloween candy and decorations are still around, often piled in grocery carts at fabulous discount prices, and the Thanksgiving and Christmas trappings prominently featured. A friend observed that Thanksgiving seems to be about football and overeating, and not much more these days. Perhaps that's true. In our case, we eat the traditional type feast and have football on TV; the three of us typically spend the holiday weekend with Jason's family in Spokane. And if you're a regular reader, then you know how much I enjoy being around my charming brother in law (almost as much as I enjoy kvetching about it). This year, though, we're going to do our holidays a little different. We'll stay right here for Thanksgiving, and I'll cook our holiday meal. My mom isn't up to hosting or cooking, and my brother is having his own celebration with his friends. He seems to be adjusting to singlehood better than I hoped, which is great. For Christmas, though, we will make the Spokane run, and get together with my side of the family when we get back. I'll try to be gracious about the ordeal of the trip, I will - I promise! If I get whiny, feel free to remind me that pain in the kiester in-laws are nothing compared to how sweet my husband is to me. Thanks in advance, goodly readers!<br /><br /><br />I'm dubbing this time of year "HalloThanksMas". Last weekend being Halloween, I actually dressed up, which I hadn't done in a few years. Pulled a costume out of my *ahem* the night before, is more like it, but whatever - I wanted to be dressed up because a special trick-or-treater was coming over! Isn't she cute as bugs knees? Her name is Hazel, and she's 16 months. She seemed to enjoy wearing her garden gnome costume. Here we are with Hazel's mommy, my friend and webmistress <a href="http://trtlgrlcrafts.blogspot.com/">Rachel</a>. <br /><br /><br /><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536653429588126914" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TNYk9bMMbMI/AAAAAAAAClw/i7R9DFUCCYU/s400/halloween2010.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div>I haven't done the blogging thing lately, so it must look like there's been no knitting going on. I assure you there has, just not a lot in the way of finished items. One thing I've discovered a new obsession for is sock knitting. No, I haven't learned Magic Loop, 2 at a time, one inside the other or toe-up. (My apologies to Judy of Magic Cast-on fame - she's a good friend, and whenever she sees me knitting socks she tells me I'm doing it backwards. Someday I'll learn your technique, Judy! Pinky swear!) </div><div> </div><div>Nope - what I've discovered is cozy socks I can make in two hours, and fabulous yarn to make them with. I've fallen in love.</div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 331px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536653423003181698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TNYk9CqOIoI/AAAAAAAAClo/TnMYQDra2HU/s400/purple+yetis.jpg" />These are called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/yeti-socks">Yeti Socks</a>, (Ravelry link), and they are made with Jarbo Garn Raggi, a heavy worsted/Aran weight yarn that is soft and comes in great colors. I bought two balls of this purple mix yarn, made a pair in the medium size for a charity project - and completed the pair with only one ball. I immediately ordered more yarn to make a pair for Michelle. It looks like several family members will be getting these for Christmas! If nothing else, they're great for wearing around the house or to bed when it's really cold. </div><div> </div><div>Another groovy thing about this yarn, is that you can order it online <a href="http://swedishyarn.com/swi_yarn_raggi.htm">here</a> and through the magic of Shopatron, a yarn retail stockist will ship it to you. In my case, it was shipped from right here in Portland. Not bad! Beats running around town if you know what you want. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Here's another contribution to the charity knitting pile. Totally accidental Argyle-ing! It's the My So-Called Scarf pattern on size 8 needles and Rio de la Plata hand dyed wool. It's similar to Manos del Uruguay Wool Clasica, but a little softer, I think. It's almost done, so I'll photograph the scarf when it's blocking. The argyle stayed pretty much regular, then veered off at the perfect point for the back of the neck, then picked up again - it's a miracle! Or a mackerel. Or something.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 167px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536653420380018514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TNYk844z11I/AAAAAAAAClg/BsEanA6MrCQ/s400/mad+argyle+scarf2.jpg" /><br /><div></div><br /><br />Duty calls, my friends, so I must sign off - you probably won't be hearing from me for a couple of weeks. As it turns out, long story, but we are on for <a href="http://www.sojaa.com/aboutfibermania.asp">FiberMania</a> in Southern Oregon next weekend! Totally stoked - I've never been to that part of the state, and my friend <a href="http://pdxyarnhoknits.com/">pdxyarnho</a> is going to be there! However, I've got considerable dye work ahead of me if I'm going to be ready to get on the road next Friday.</div><div> </div><div>Until next time then...happy knitting and spinning to one and all. <br /><div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-90262999377370790512010-10-22T23:25:00.000-07:002010-10-23T00:11:30.627-07:00one more trip around the sun<div><div><div><div>O hai friends! It's late October, which means birthday month is in full swing. Michelle turned 20 last Wednesday, so I no longer have a teenager for a daughter. We've had our struggles with adolescence and some of them are still ongoing, but I couldn't be prouder of the young woman she's become. </div><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531125997077468994" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TMKByge7F0I/AAAAAAAACk4/FCcgEgEiymY/s400/michelle+at+20.bmp" /><br />Although she has always had her <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/SwN9AsQnKiI/AAAAAAAACVU/6EpOAGso1nc/s400/110109+001.jpg">own style</a>, her current one is a bit less freakazoid. Two tone hair, which is OK by me as long as they're natural shades; one of her dad's old shirts and a more or less perpetual wry expression. It may be too much to hope for, that she'll trim the fringe so it doesn't overhang her eyes...<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Since my sparkly sock yarn, Glam Sock, is hopelessly backordered, I found myself with nothing to dye on her birthday, so I decided to bake chocolate cupcakes with pink icing - all from scratch. I used to cook and bake all the time, before I discovered that my kitchen could yield a product that generates cash flow (does that ever sound like I'm in my kitchen cooking meth! Well, given the addictive nature of yarn, maybe I am) so I figured it'd be sweatless. Boy howdy, was I wrong.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531126008815447938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TMKBzMNeb4I/AAAAAAAAClA/QmVsaTBXYzQ/s400/sad+cupcakes.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On the first batch, I overfilled the cupcake tins, resulting in overflowing tops that stuck to the pan. Meh. So as fast as I could, I switched tactics, having made a bodacious amount of cake batter - a Ghirardelli fudge cake recipe that tastes just as awesome if you use Hershey's cocoa, which is what we had. I decided to make a layer cake. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 370px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531126016676299154" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TMKBzpfpgZI/AAAAAAAAClI/8Srmmy-0yjM/s400/sad+cake.jpg" /></div><br /><div><br />The powdered sugar supply level in the cupboard being critical, there was enough to fill and frost the 2 thin cake layers with pink (I used rather a lot of Wilton's rose icing tint) and literally "fudged" enough chocolate icing for the cupcake carnage. Yeah, the whole thing looks like a big bag of sad. The top layer broke apart, so I made Frankencake, sticking it back together with icing. If only this dreary story would stop there, but Michelle has classes until early evening on Wednesdays and is usually in a less than genial mood when she gets home. Such was the case on her birthday, and so she declined to eat any of the cake at all. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Next year: Hello, Haggen supermarket? Bakery department, please. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-11885704655065233872010-10-02T14:17:00.000-07:002010-10-02T15:00:53.730-07:00OFFF my rocker!<div><a href="http://flockandfiberfestival.com/">Oregon Flock & Fiber </a>has come and gone, without being so much as a blip on the radar of my poor neglected bloggie. And here it's October already and my knitting (and dyeing) is in full swing. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But first, let me tell you about last weekend's fiberganza down in Canby, Oregon. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have no pictures, but if you visit <a href="http://pdxknitterati.com/">Michele's blog </a>she was kind enough to take a picture of me at my booth. She's also a talented photographer, knitter and designer, so I recommend perusing her posts and patterns while you're there! All I can say about the festival, is that I'm so glad I a) was invited to be a vendor, and b) waited until I could be given indoor space, as I'm not a fan of putting up a canopy and selling from a lawn since I got rained on my first year at Black Sheep Gathering (June 2009). Normally, the weather is dry and beautiful here at the end of September. And it was - on Friday when I went down to set up my booth, and on Saturday. Sunday, though, the skies opened up! I think at least some folks who were planning to go Sunday, decided not to because of the weather. Still, this festival was very well attended, and I'm chuffed to be a returning vendor next year.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It was wonderful to see and visit with my friends and customers, and to have my sweet husband sitting with me for most of the time. He was content to read a book or work on his laptop. His birthday was last week, and I had this whole synergistic, serendipitous lineup of the planets where I a) finished the Cobblestone sweater I began last year, and b) managed to get it to fit him to a T. </div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564290134044626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TKekdO9479I/AAAAAAAACkg/BzlxkD5WL3c/s400/092310+002.jpg" />I'm not sure how many balls of yarn I used, but it was around 10 or 11. The yarn is scrumptious - it's Classic Elite Portland Tweed. This sweater was a delight to knit from start to finish, and I now wonder why I left it in time out for almost a year. I have since become <a href="http://www.brooklyntweed.net/">Jared Flood's </a>most devoted fan! Believe me, knitting a garment that comes out fitting so well has not been the usual thing with me - although I am improving. <br /><br />And the good news doesn't stop there! We here in Yarn Shop Heaven, I mean Portland, Oregon, have a brand new store that just opened in the Pearl District: <a href="http://urbanfiberarts.com/">Urban Fiber Arts</a>. My friend and knit night buddy Cindy realized her dream, and she's created a shop that's not only beautiful but also offers yarn, fiber and accessories made by local artisans - one of which is me! I'll be spending many happy hours there in one of the cozy chairs, knitting away.<br /><br /><br />I know this post is short on pictures, but trust me, I've become a Spinner. I resisted the powerful siren song of the Turkish spindles I saw at OFFF, and have eschewed my drop spindle for one of <a href="http://www.susansfibershop.com/Graphics/Lendrum/lendrum.gif">these</a>. It isn't here yet - Mr. Stitchjones ordered it for me last weekend, and I apparently must wait until my birthday at the end of the month before I can have it. Drat!<br /><br />One of the reasons I've slacked off on blogging has to do with my mom. She's fine, no worries. It's just that last month, her mammogram showed granular cell tumors, and she is so small and frail that the doctor didn't think a needle biopsy could be performed safely. On the 14th, she had a surgical biopsy under general anesthesia. The surgeon told us we would have lab results in two days. However, after two days we never heard anything, and my mom WOULDN'T call, which drives me absolutely batshit freaking insane. That's been one of the hardest things for me to come to terms with about my aging parents - they meekly accept whatever they are told by healthcare providers, whether they understand it or not, and won't be pro-active in the least. But when it seemed like my mother didn't want to know whether or not she had cancer, I really had to practice self-restraint! Finally, nine days later she went in for a follow-up and got the All Clear. She's fine. As for me, my state of mind is like a T-shirt I once had that said, "Elvis is dead, Sinatra is dead, and I'm not doing so hot either". <br /><br />Amen, Shalom, and Blessed Be.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-60968792405956612942010-09-02T12:45:00.001-07:002010-09-02T13:22:07.577-07:00Scarfapalooza 2010 (photo heavy)Hey all! It's September already, can you believe it? <a href="http://flockandfiberfestival.org/">OFFF </a>is fast approaching, and I'm nowhere near ready. However, FWIW, I thought I should take time out to update the blog.<br /><br />I haz the scarf knitting bug something awful! Well, it's got to be better than bedbugs, right? Yeesh! I'm hoping it's just the media blowing smoke as usual, making the situation worse than it actually is. Not that it isn't a problem. Mr. Stitchjones travels so frequently, I'm afraid one of those vile loathsome critters will stow away in his suitcase. Now that I've put this disturbing suggestion out there for you, try to forget all about it and look at my knitting. <br /><br />Here is a super quick scarf, which used a single skein of specialty worsted wool from <a href="http://thestormmoon.blogspot.com/">Storm Moon Knits</a>. It's called "Mandragora" which I think is a Dr. Who reference (the totally awesome daughter would get really annoyed with me at my ambiguity; her professed religion is now "Who-vian"). Anyway, I liked the colors the dyer put with the retina-searing green, and not shown in the photo is a subtle gleam to the yarn courtesy of a polyester thread.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TIAAd_yWgYI/AAAAAAAACkQ/5dF_sRKuyiA/s1600/mandragora+scarf.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 165px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512406459240317314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TIAAd_yWgYI/AAAAAAAACkQ/5dF_sRKuyiA/s400/mandragora+scarf.jpg" /></a> I had 3 skeins of Royal Llama Silk in the same purple color, unfortunately one of the skeins was a different dye lot. So I did the best I could, and winged a double moss stitch pattern scarf - it would look really nice with a pin, ok, so I'm a big fat FAIL as a photo designer - or it could even be a unisex scarf I think.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH___yxVq6I/AAAAAAAACkI/c7p0CiEL_pg/s1600/llama+silk+scarf.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512405940350331810" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH___yxVq6I/AAAAAAAACkI/c7p0CiEL_pg/s400/llama+silk+scarf.jpg" /></a> This is my take on the Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts - the book isn't at my fingertips, so I think that's the title. You've probably all seen it; it's the one with the little green bag on the cover. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH___b8sJSI/AAAAAAAACkA/Sd0tMtBXylk/s1600/chevron+scarf.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512405934223926562" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH___b8sJSI/AAAAAAAACkA/Sd0tMtBXylk/s400/chevron+scarf.jpg" /></a><br />I used 1 skein of Koigu semi-solid dark brown, and 1/2 skein of sock yarn from <a href="http://knittinglikecrazy.blogspot.com/">Knitting Like Crazy</a> in a colorway called "Adventures in Babysitting" which was a really fun movie. Clever colorway name; because in the movie they went out for ice cream, and things got strange. </div><div> </div><div>Even though the scarf is supposed to be 78" long or so, I knew that wasn't gonna happen. It's actually a respectable 52" or thereabouts; even after blocking, it wants to fold in on itself but I mushed it down flat, folded it and stored it in a ziploc bag. Hoping for the best. <br /></div><div> </div><div>This scarf took 2 balls of Kureyon and just a few hours to bang out. Old Shale, Fan & Feather or whatever you want to call it - it's the best!<br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH__-o6nvsI/AAAAAAAACj4/CVyGbKdTzJ0/s1600/kureyon+scarf2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512405920525041346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH__-o6nvsI/AAAAAAAACj4/CVyGbKdTzJ0/s400/kureyon+scarf2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I actually squoze in a little sock knitting, too. Here's an extreme closeup of the leaf lace pattern on the instep -<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH__-CHrcvI/AAAAAAAACjw/VwMnNrXYbnY/s1600/leaves+of+grass+sock2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512405910110827250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH__-CHrcvI/AAAAAAAACjw/VwMnNrXYbnY/s400/leaves+of+grass+sock2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />-and the big picture. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH__9VRo92I/AAAAAAAACjo/xmGFtmRCqoE/s1600/leaves+of+grass+sock1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512405898073012066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TH__9VRo92I/AAAAAAAACjo/xmGFtmRCqoE/s400/leaves+of+grass+sock1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The second sock is nearly done. This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leaves-of-grass-anklet-socks">Leaves of Grass Anklets </a>(Ravelry link) by Marilyn Roberts, aka the <a href="http://knittingcurmudgeon.blogspot.com/">Knitting Curmudgeon</a>. Mar is a knit blog pioneer - she liberally peppers her blogging with profanity, which isn't everyone's cup of oolong, but I think she's cool - or "rare and handy", as she would say. Anyhoo, it's a nice pattern, and a lot easier than it looks. If anybody cares, the yarn is Araucania Ranco Solid. Still in a vain attempt to use up the stash.</div><div> </div><div>Well cookies, I'm right out of FO's to show ya, although there are 3 other scarves in progress. If I can finish them by OFFF, I'll be happy because I got a deal on this way cool display rack that spins, from Portland Store Fixtures. I was so jazzed about selling both handknit scarves I had in my Black Sheep Gathering booth, that I definitely wanted to have more handknit accessories - the proceeds would at least pay for my yarn jones! With cold weather on the way, perhaps I'll manage to sell one or two.</div><div> </div><div>Happy September, and for those of you who have kids going back to school (that includes me, but not until the 20th), enjoy it! </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-33087837614561553132010-08-13T12:43:00.000-07:002010-08-13T13:29:15.844-07:00too busy knitting to blog?<div> <div>Hello world! Another 3 week absence from my blog - but as they say, I do have an alibi. I've been knitting myself into a stupor! While I'm keeping busy dyeing, I have managed to curtail the mad yarn buying and focus on whittling down my stash - if for no other reason than I'll be able to justify more shopping sprees. Just between you and me, I blame the yarn companies. They keep coming out with new, nummy yarns and I just can't resist them...yeah that's it. You know what they say, addicts blame everybody else for their compulsions, right? </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, here are a few things I recently finished.</div><div> </div><div>My own design: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pontocho-wrap">Pontocho</a> (Ravelry link). </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504984614934872626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TGWiVzMvAjI/AAAAAAAACjg/fSdvgC4CSQk/s400/pontocho2.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>3.5 balls of Berroco Comfort in Orchid made the solid color version. I love it - wore it all around Seattle last weekend (will get to that later). Soft, comfy, slinky, warm yet breathes. Comfort is the nicest acrylic I've ever worked with, and it so happens I have more in my stash and want to knit it into <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tomato">this</a>, in a solid color throughout, of course. If I were going to do that fancy ass patterning, the last place I'd want it would be around the bustline. But that's just how I roll...waddle...whatever. </div><div> </div><div>***</div><div> </div><div>I love this! It's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/buttercup-6">Buttercup</a> (Ravelry link) .</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 326px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504984609515237842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TGWiVfAl8dI/AAAAAAAACjY/V0RtrCsycpU/s400/buttercup1.jpg" /></div><div>The so on and so forth: 10.5 balls of Baby Bamboo in Jellybaby ("Jellybean" for us non-Brits). Size 4 needle. Mods to the pattern: I didn't care for puffed sleeves, so instead of changing needle size and doing the decrease row, I just knit 4 rounds even, then worked the garter stitch edging. I have the world's shortest decollete - there is virtually none to speak of between where my neck ends and cleavage begins! So I did extra rows along the neckline. Could have done a few more; my bra still peeps out. Other than that, the fit is great and the fabric is so drapey and fluid...I feel like a princess in it! Sort of. </div><div> </div><div>***</div><div><br />I managed to turn 2 strikingly different dye lots of the same color yarn into a serviceable item. 3 skeins of Royal Llama Silk made up this rather cool, unisex scarf in double moss stitch. </div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504984597036854130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TGWiUwhg63I/AAAAAAAACjQ/kUOyLPmxsjI/s400/llama+silk+scarf.jpg" />Not sure if I mentioned it in a previous post, but I do have a vendor space at this year's Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival, and wanted to have some handknit goodies to offer for sale. <div> </div><div>Note the dachshund Beanie Baby on the mantel behind Britney. Michelle gave him to me for Mother's Day. </div><div> </div><div>***</div><div> </div><div>Last night I cast on for another scarf - this one may be a kid or tween version, because I'm using a OOAK skein of 200 meters. I also have 2 other scarves OTN, which really need finishing, also a shawl, 2 pullovers, 2 pairs of socks, oh and a cabled wrap...</div><div> </div><div>Before I pick up the needles again, let me fill you in on how I spent last weekend! It's always a special treat to see the <a href="http://www.rush.com/">Holy Triumvirate </a>in concert. They kicked so much ass, are pushing 60 yet show no signs of slowing down, and for these and many other things I love them so very much. All 3 of us - Mr. Stitchjones, Totally Awesome Daughter and I - got into our glamourous Kia Rondo and drove up to Seattle for the show. Now when I say "Seattle," yes we did go there and have dinner at our niece and her husband's<a href="http://9m-unmarked.com/"> restaurant </a>in the Fremont neighborhood, before the show. However, the concert venue itself, White River Amphitheater, is in actuality nowhere near Seattle. To quote one of my favorite films "Thelma & Louise," "it's not exactly the middle of nowhere, but you can see it from here." Driving there wasn't so bad. Getting out though, was a nightmare. A solid hour just to get out of the parking lot. The things we go through for our favorite band! </div><div> </div><div>Rather than drive all the way back to Portland in the wee hours, we stayed at a motel then joined Valerie and Nate, the owners of <a href="http://9m-unmarked.com/">9 Million in unmarked bills</a>, at their awesome place for brunch on Sunday morning. I am so proud of these kids! And I never thought the day would come when I refer to 30-year-olds as "kids". Valerie is my brother-in-law Mark's daughter. </div><div> </div><div>It's supposed to be sizzling in the 90's today and for the next 5 days or so! Time to brew some iced tea. Stay cool out there, my dears! </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30083307.post-50216486037773983982010-07-24T20:04:00.001-07:002010-07-24T20:39:27.628-07:00a midsummer evening's blog post<div><br /><br /><div><div><div>Haven't blogged in something like, 3 weeks! A first for Chickenlips. Well, I do have pictures to show you, but before I get to it, let me grouse a bit about life. It was a real scorcher of about 94 today and it's supposed to be even worse tomorrow, and hot weather and I don't get along too well. Combined with the events of the past week, I'm feeling kind of meh. Once it cools down again to ideal Oregon summer in the high 70's, I'll perk up.<br /></div><div>Where to start? Last Sunday evening, a dear friend and amazing person passed away. She was a very tough fighter and gave it all she had, but complications from cancer took Bev from us. This evening we attended a celebration of her life. The church was absolutely packed, and the service was beautiful. It's strange, I got all weepy when I got there and saw so many familiar faces - but Bev had so much joy and positive energy that we could actually feel it in remembering her. </div><div><br /> </div><div>The other thing that happened was that Monday night/early Tuesday morning, someone broke into daughter's car - which wouldn't have been a big deal if she hadn't left it full of valuables instead of bringing her things into her friends' house where she was staying! However, this is often how we learn what not to do. Unfortunately she lost her laptop, clothes, makeup collection, notebook full of songs and writings, and two electric guitars. So I've been dealing with the insurance company; got her car window fixed and just finished filling out the claim against our homeowner's policy. At some point, hopefully, we'll get some money out of 'em...</div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div>And now to the "meat", if you will, of this post! Here is something other than dyed wool I created in my kitchen: Italian Sausage and Zucchini Soup. </div><div> </div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497678603538395666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TEutj90r8hI/AAAAAAAACiQ/TYQhVLMU2Eg/s400/072410+001.jpg" /><br /><div></div><div> </div></div><div>Super quick and easy. I browned 3 mild Italian sausages in a little olive oil. These ones were pork, although I imagine chicken sausage would be good too. Then I took the sossidges out and sauteed 1/2 onion, 1 garlic clove and a sliced zuke. Poured in 1 can beef broth and a bit of water to dilute the salty taste a bit, put the sausage back in and simmered it for about 20 minutes. Then cut up the sausages and sprinkled some grated parm on top. Fabulous!! I didn't add any seasonings - the sausage was spicy enough for me.</div><br /><div> </div><div><strong>Handspinning Revisited</strong></div><div><strong></strong><br />Recently I treated myself to a finely crafted cherry wood drop spindle, which made a big difference in both the quality of my spinning and my enjoyment of it. This is the "Shuksan", from Cascade Spindle Co. in Washington state.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497682251328648562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TEuw4S5p9XI/AAAAAAAACiw/O7QhLFa27Rw/s400/072410+003.jpg" /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497678622133916146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TEutlDGNEfI/AAAAAAAACig/7yB86LdWS4Q/s400/072410+002.jpg" /><br />I'm getting better, as the above photo shows. Although my handspun singles aren't great, I can spin finer and am eager to learn how to ply. I am seriously coveting this wheel, or one like it.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497678633845898210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_445wL3ZXWf4/TEutluuju-I/AAAAAAAACio/f0y1VcynxUA/s400/ashford+traveller.jpg" /><br />Well that's about it outta Chickenlips, folks - now that Totally Awesome Daughter doesn't have her own computer for the time being, we're back to sharing. Stay cool out there! <br /><div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06516529307507668142noreply@blogger.com4