Clue 2, Whoohoo!

Clue 2 of the Mystery Crochet Shawl Along came out yesterday. It only had three rows added. Wish it'd had more because this is really fun so far!:) I love, love, love this yarn too. The anticipation for Clue 3 is looming ahead!:)

My goal this year is to try a bunch of new things.

1. Crochet lace...which I'm doing above with the CAL.

2. Learn to spin...I've spun some wool and alpaca.

3. Continental knitting and Norwegian purling....worked on this during the weekend. At first I was so fumbly like a new knitter but after five rows I think I've got the hang of it and my tension is even. What's funny is I hold my yarn continental style when I crochet! They noticed this at my group and couldn't believe I crocheted before I knit!:) These techniques will lead me into...

4. Colorwork/fair isle. I want my Continental a little more automatic before I delve into this one.

5. Also might try designing a bit. I'm wanting to design a special crocheted item for my grandma's birthday in July...she'll be 90 and she's the one who taught me to crochet. I have some ideas but haven't tried them yet. They're sketched in my mind!:) After I finish the wrap I'm working on I'm going to start on this.

So it's only March and I'm off to a good start on my "new things."

Spinning and Roving!

Spun this alpaca/wool from Silversunalpaca's. I did it in a worsted weight consistency. From 20z. of roving I got @42 yards! I have no idea what to make from it. With so few yards I'm guessing a headband or maybe some small mitts? Any suggestions?

Thursday I get to visit Ricky at the Silver Sun Alpaca Ranch! So excited! Hmm, how many alpaca's can I fit in my car? or at least more roving!:)

Yesterday in the mail I received some awesome roving from Julie at Flawful Fiber. I ordered the one on the right which is called Butterflies in the Fields. She was a little late in shipping it so sent the other braid of roving along with my order. It's really pretty too and called Fresh Escape. I was soooo shocked she did this. I hadn't even noticed she was a little late! I pm'd her on Ravelry and told her how awesome she is! I just love the greens in them!:)

Queen of Knitting!

I received the first Woolgirl Sock Club kit of 2009!

This kit is entitled "Be the Queen of your Knitting!" This kit focuses on one of the most famous Queens in history, Cleopatra.

Included in the kit:

1 skein of Serenity merino/cashmere sock yarn from Zen Yarn Garden in the colorway Gold Dynasty. So, so soft and squishy!

Majestic sock pattern designed by Elizabeth Warner and Alexandria a scarf pattern designed by Lisa Dykrsta. I'll probably do the scarf because I can't imagine putting this yarn on my feet, want to really enjoy it.

A Cleopatra themed stitch marker in pretty bag my Mama Llama.

A silk sock sack from Lantern Moon.

A Queen of Knitting Sock Club pen.

Hand Lotion made by Christine from Rachel Rene.

A pyramid gift box filled with gold and silver luster dusted Cleopatra chocolates from Gayle's Chocolates.

A calendar magnet with all the Woolgirl Sock Club shipping dates listed on it.

A hand-made Cleopatra sheep card from artist Willa Landino.

Individual sized sample of SOAK in the Celebration scent.

Great package....it's so fun to open these bi-monthly kits.

Have a great Friday!:)

Happy DOT!

Another not so happy Fuji pic!

My girl really likes to be naked and not dressed up!

This is the hat I test crocheted for Alisha. She's in the process of making it in different sizes too. You can click on her link to get to her website to see when she'll be having it for sale. I've made five of these already trying to make an itty bitty size for one of Fuji's new friends. It's a great, fast, easy, well written pattern.


The pattern works well for cats too, as Jimmy displays in these photos!:) They were easier to photograph with the hats on than Fuji was, they just sat there!:) Jimmy has also found that these hats are great for all his Webkinz stuff toys and has requested some different colored ones!

I know this is supposed to be just a dog post but these cats don't know they aren't dogs! They follow you around like they are dogs, they try to eat the dogs food, they drink out of the dogs water...they even beg for cheese when Fuji is! Now if they bark we have a problem folks!:)

Have a Happy Dogs on Thursday and visit the fur babies posts!

Spring is Coming!

My first bulbs I've ever planted! Whoohoo! Aren't these daffodils beautiful?

Since daffodils are Jen's favorite flower...these are for you!:)

Did a little spinning yesterday...trying for a worsted weight consistency with some alpaca. Doing pretty good (I think) it looks like yarn anyways!:) This is so fun! Next week when we go up North to celebrate James' birthday I want to stop at this spinning store and try out some wheels. Hmmm, wouldn't James just love a spinning wheel for his birthday! ha ha j/k honey!:) Hope everyone is having a great hump day Wednesday! Take care and keep on knittin', spinnin', and cro'ing!:)

Photo Meme...

Jennifer tagged me for this photo meme...

Here are the instructions

1. Go to your pictures on your computer

2. Open the 6th folder

3. Choose the 6th picture

4. Show the picture on your blog and write something about it.

5. Invite 6 new people to this challenge.

6. Link to them and let them know they are challenged.

This the the California State fish called the Garibaldi. An interesting tidbit about this fish is that it can change its sex throughout its lifetime. It can also do this multiple times during its life. This pic was taken in 2008 when we went to La Jolla, we had so much fun! Let's see now...I shall tag.....Dawn, Leesa, Julie, Alisha, Khris, and Gnat! Have fun!

Spinning & Mystery!

Wow, I haven't blogged since Thursday, so sorry!

Friday I cleaned and cleaned house so that Saturday and Sunday I could learn to spin and have some knitting/cro time. This is my first handspun! Very chunky....going to dye it soon too. At the knit meeting yesterday I learned how to draft it to get it thinner, Jo was a huge help. Amanda had just learned the night before so it was nice having another newbie to learn with! Now I'm wanting more roving to spin!:) Had a great time at the meeting too! Fun to see all the goodies they brought back from Stitches West! I also test crocheted a pattern this weekend for Alisha...I'm saving the pics for my DOT post though! Very cute and love the pattern!

I'm doing a Mystery Crochet Shawl Along....this was the first clue yesterday! I was really scared to try this but didn't have any problems! Yeah! I'm using Blue Heron Mercerized Cotton in the colorway Marshgrass and a size E hook. Can't wait for the next clue!

Off to take Jimmy to the dentist today...maybe we'll find a sheep to sheer!:) ha ha