I decided to work up a new batch of stitch markers as I was running low and received another order from lys.

Here they are in a pretty new basket.

I haven't been blogging for a while.  What have I been doing?

• cleaning
• watching lacrosse games
• weeding
• watching baseball games
• planting
• dying yarn
• driving carpools
• knitting diaper soakers
• reading Dr. Suess books
• working

So, I apologize if I haven't respondend to a comment. 

I am going to try and post a little MORE often.

 

    

I finally got my hands on a copy of the spring issue of Interweave Knits Magazine. As usual, the designs are beautiful! I selected two patterns to work on for spring: the Side to Side Ribbon Pullover and the Polka Purl Dots wrap. Yarn for each of the garments was easy to find on Elann. I chose Katia Scala (merino/nylon ribbon) and Sonata (mercerized cotton).

I decided to start the ribbon pullover first. It is knit in one piece starting with the sleeve, then dividing at shoulder to knit the front sideways, knitting the back sideways, rejoining and knitting the other sleeve. It is categorized as a "Simple Knit" by the magazine, so I hope that I won't have any trouble with it. I started the sleeve over the weekend, and it is knitting up easily.

> Stay tuned.

I think that all knitters should treat themselves to toys every once in awhile! I recently purchased a yarn winder and a swift. I found the winder on EBAY and I bought the swift from KNITPICKS (free shipping on orders over $30). Both were pretty good deals - I shopped around to try and be cost efficient!! The winder arrived first - and I had lots of fun winding beautiful balls of yarn. When you add the swift - WOW!!!!! Instant gratification! My whole family was amazed....and relieved! This means no more little boys standing with their arms out for what seems likes hours holding yarn. No more HUMAN SWIFT, now that I have the wooden one!

Yesterday I got a package in the mail!

MY VERY OWN YARN BALL WINDER!!!!!

I have wanted one for a long time. SO, I just couldn't wait to rush home and start winding!!

I gathered up all of my newly dyed yarn and started winding.

I can't wait for my SWIFT to arrive!

This weekend I taught my 9 year old son how to knit. He wasn't feeling well and wanted something to do while he lay on the couch. I grabbed a skein of cotton yarn and a couple of 10 dps and away he went! He was a natural!

Before I knew it, he had created his very own rootbeer can hugger!

He inspired my 12 year old son to start a project as well!

So, now I am a:

My first attemt at dying naturally for the dye-along that Sarah Elizabeth has organized at the Knitter's Review Forums.



I started with leaves from a Rhododendron Bush. I followed the guidelines found at All Fiber Arts. The dye from chopped, boiled, then simmered leaves was originally reddish brown. I added a little vinegar and it turned golden. I put in a bunch of fisherman's wool. After simmering, then microwaving - the yarn absorbed all of the dye. It ended up a light beige.



What I learned:

MORE LEAVES - LESS WATER

Will try again soon.

Lacrosse season is here - with it brings the next wave of knitting in the van. I sit parked between 2 fields and watch 2 of my 3 boys play lacrosse every Tuesday and Thursday. I used to drive around the park and watch #3 play as well, but he has moved into the middle school league, so no more rec for now.

I keep my knitting tucked away between the driver and passenger seats. This time of year it is still pretty cold, so I have to turn the car on and heat up every once in a while. This will go on until May. It is nice once it gets a little warmer.

The one thing I despise about lacrosse is all of the equipment - helmet, pads for shoulder, arm and hand, sticks, mouth guards x3. I feel flustered just thinking about it.

Tomorrow I will have coffee with the girls as we are planning our annual school yard sale. I am in charge, but this year I am trying to be really organized and delegate responsibility quickly. Then, I will head to Adkins Arboretum. My MIL and I are stocking their gift shop with our very own handknitted scarves - another knitting venture - NATURE KNITS! If you are ever on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, you should stop by this wonderful nature preserve. The Arboretum includes a 400-acre preserve including wetlands, meadows, forests, native plant gardens and four miles of walking paths. It is wonderful!

It has been a while since I went blog windowshopping.

Feeling a bit bored today, I decided to take a stroll.

I started here:



Alison at The Blue Blog is really talented. She knits, designs and organizes knit-alongs. I even found out that there was a BANFF along!



I was a little upset that I had missed out on the fun. I wonder if I should send a link to mine anyhow???? It is one of my ultimate favorite sweaters!!!

I clicked on her free pattern link and found this



This is a new to me knitting magazine. The patterns look great, and the articles are fun to read. I love PARIS LOOP pattern. I have been looking for a pattern like that one!!

Magknits is holding a contest for a felted bag kit. I linked in only to find out that the sponsor of the contest is a new knitting shop in Alexandria, Virginia - Knit Happens. It just so happens that I used to live in Alexandria, Virginia. Back then (about 10 years ago) there was only one little knitting shop in Old Town. It was a nice little shop, but closed - not enough business. BOY THINGS HAVE REALLY CHANGED!!!!!

Knit Happens looks wonderful. I may have to return to Alexandria just to get a REAL PEEK!

So there you have it - my stroll through cyber space.

Do you ever feel as if knitting is taking over your life?

Is your stash evolving into a decorating style in certain rooms in your home?

Do you have Knitting Books as "coffee table books" - you know the ones that guests are supposed to browse through when they visit?

How about this.....

I am redecorating my kitichen, and trying to decide on paint colors. I went to my local SHERWIN WILLIAMS = I love those Martha Stewart Colors... [poor Martha!] and picked out a bunch of chips. I tape them up to the walls at every angle to try and figure out what will work and what won't.

So, I have all these paint chips....and all of the sudden I get a funny feeling. I love the colors I chose...but am I having de'ja vu? Where have I seen them???

VOILA!





Do you see any similarities between the chips and a current knitting project?