Can I Just Say...

I love my new STR yarn from Blue Moon Fiber Arts . I love the feel, the weight, the colors, which are Rocktober and Cracked Canyon. Of course, I should give credit to the source for my getting on the Chevron Scarf Bandwagon. I no sooner read Dr. B's post and was off to buy the yarn and book. Now I'm happily knitting away. I have to say, the scarf really isn't suitable for a Last Minute Knitted Gift, but have no doubt the end result will be gorgeous. And, if you haven't knit with STR yarn, do it. I can't say enough about how lovely it is.

I've been binging a bit with yarn purchases. I bought the most lovely Claudias Hand Painted Yarn in Black Walnut from Simply Socks Yarn Company. And some Elsebeth Lavold SIlky Wool. And more. But I'll save those for another time.

And another rave for Simply Socks Yarn Company, besides all of the yarns they have to offer. I needed size 1.5 dpn's for gloves I'm knitting and couldn't find them locally, so I ordered them online, Friday evening. The yarn and needles were at my door on Monday. What can I say. Now that's excellent customer service.

Apparently the last cup of coffee I had, Northwest Blend and French Roast mix, has me buzzing. So, though I could go on and on about my goodies, I'm going to stop and get back to knitting. I leave you with some of my latest crocheted menagerie.

Floppy Puppy pattern can be purchased here.

Pockitty pattern can be found here.

Bunny pattern can be found here. I made some adjustments to this pattern as I went along and used a size F crochet hook instead of H.

I'm done. For now.

MMmmmmmm

Every year one of my nieces makes her pilgrimage to my home to give me a box of Turtles for Valentines Day. Not the reptile with the shell. These are pecans, cashews and caramel covered in milk chocolate. And ok, so it's not a pilgrimage really. She lives upstairs while I live downstairs, in our duplex.

I've been good. I only ate 2. Because I could eat them in a couple of blinks really. My tastes are simple. I know there are better brands of chocolates with fancier names and all that, but I do like these. A lot.

Between knitting my lace scarf, I knit some wire and bead votive sleeves. Not bad. I didn't use a pattern, though I know they exist somewhere. It was just a sidetrack from the lace knitting. I like them. I'll make more since I have lots of wire and beads.

My Jelly Fish. A quickie crochet about 3" long including tentacles.

And finally, I have to tell you my strange dream. I dream a lot, usually pretty vivid and in color. I used to have a dream dictionary that was 'borrowed' and never returned so I stopped trying to figure my dreams out a long time ago.

In my dream my friend and I went to a shop. I was going to get my first tattoo. I went around the shop checking out designs, I couldn't find anything I liked. In the meantime he decided to get one while I was checking things out. When he was done, I still hadn't picked anything out. So he showed me a picture of one of the 7 dwarfs, from Snow White. I can't remember which one (it better not have been dopey!) I told him I wouldn't get a Disney character tattoo. He said, the dwarfs aren't a Disney invention, they have a long history and Disney cashed in on them (or something like that.)

So I get in a chair and this woman starts my tattoo process. Of course, I was done in an instant, it's my dream after all. So we went to a liquor store after that (don't ask me why the liquor store, I hardly ever drink alcohol) and when I went to show the guy behind the counter my tattoo, he laughed at me... I was so sad. So I looked at the tattoo and it was a drawing with a pen! What's up with that?

One more thing. I bought a new pattern. Can't wait to start but it goes in my knitting 'queue' for now. It's Wicked from Zephyr Style. Love it!

Where Did January Go?

It's been a very busy time for me workwise. Some days I'm so exhausted, I just can't seem to do any of the 1001 things I have on my personal agenda. I've read a blog or two here and there, but never had the gumption to comment. But, I always try and make time for knitting or crafting or plain ole relaxing by being creative, even if just on paper.

My fair Isle project still swims in my head and on graph paper. I haven't made any color or yarn decisions yet. So, instead I worked on other projects, frivolous, and some necessary for the soul. I bought yarn, mostly frivolous.

I'm going to knit an heirloom lace something or other or 2 or 3. I've knit lace patterns before, but never knit with lace weight yarn. That's going to change now. It's very exciting choosing my first project. I bought the yarn. Of course. And Victorian Lace Today for inspiration. This book is lovely. It's informative with numerous projects for all skill levels. The location photos add to its charm. This is not for the bookshelf. Worthy of display, a coffee table book, if you will.

My Touch Me scarf is done. Just needs ends weaved in and a hot wash for felting that I'm so afraid to do. I'll do it. Before and after photos when I take that plunge.

Also, I finally ordered a knit rubber stamp from Patternworks then found this wonderful site for stamps. Kaspareks. Well, of course I had to order a couple more stamps for my collection. Check it out. There are so many choices.

I have too many pictures but I think I'll keep it down for now so I don't cause any explosions with heavy photo posts. And let me add, what a perfect day it is here in the City of Angels. As I sit here, there's a warm and beautiful breeze drifting in through my windows. Could life be more perfect? Well, yes it could. I could have 4 hands and get more done, or never have to worry about debts and the like and pass my time creating fiber goodies. Oh, a personal chef would be delightful. So it goes.

My crochet Amigurumi Chihuahuha. So cute! The pattern can be found here, if you're so inclined.

Karabella's Gossamer Lace Stole in the works.

My Gentlemen's socks to be. The diamond pattern doesn't really show in the pic, but it's lovely.

Delicious Laines Du Nord yarn. Reminds me of Neapolitan ice cream. That was my mom's favorite flavor. I'm not sure what I'll make, but I couldn't resist the bargain price of $2.75 per.