I've caught the spinning bug!

I always knew i wanted to learn to spin someday. The complete process from animal to yarn to finished project has always intrigued me. I guess I didn't realize that spinning could be portable and really inexpensive to start.
I stopped in at a well-hidden LYS recently that specializes in spinning and weaving. I picked up a drop-spindle and fiber for less than $40!
Thanks to youtube and video podcasters I was able to get going on my own. Here is what I accomplished so far..

My first handspun!
From left to right, my spinning has progressed significantly.

spin 1 is not very consistent with varying degrees of thickness from fingering to bulky.

Spin 2 is more consistent but still has some thick, thin areas. Seems to be sport to worsted weight.

Spin 3 became thinner towards the end.

The fiber is corridale wool and it was white but i had to start with color so before spinning i used wilton cake dyes in the microwave so the colors may be unusual but this was my first try at that, as well.

The undyed wool seemed to spin the easiest, maybe i overcooked the fiiber somewhat when dying...

I think I'm getting the hang of it now. Not having to park and draft as much... it seems easier if i pre-draft somewhat. I'm working on my last batch of fiber now and I'm really proud of how it's turning out. It's becoming easier to draft, i just gotta work on getting an even twist.

I would say this is a lace to heavy fingering weight.

These are all singles, now I just need to learn how to ply!

My Marina

I have a new finished object and I can't wait to show it off!


Here is my Marina.

I was looking for a quick project to knit and while trolling the Ravelry boards I noticed  the June KAL for the WoollyWormhead hats group. Tebe Slouch. Cute pattern. I love Woolly's designs so I decided to purchase the pattern. Then I noticed the sale - buy 2 patterns and get one free. Well, I couldn't pass that up so I also got the Mayrose and Marina patterns.


The marina appealed to me right away. I like the sideways construction. I had previously made the Abalone hat from Woolly Wormhead's "Going Straight" book with a Noro Taiyo, a 40% Cotton, 30% Silk, 15% Nylon, 15% Wool blend. I just bought a similar yarn over the weekend - Noro Chirimen - 60% Cotton, 24% Silk, 16% Wool. This kind of blend works really well for hats for me because I'm sensitive to wool. This yarn is very comfortable to wear against my skin.


Loved knitting this hat. Love how it came out. So simple. So cute. One skein. Super quick.

Now that it's summer I'm already dreaming of cooler weather so I can wear it.

Keeping Myself In Check

I used to blog more regularly but life has been crazy and it didn't seem like a priority to me so I've been seriously slacking. Life seems to be evening out some lately. My husband is nearly healed from his spine injury from New Years 2010 and we are gradually coming to terms with our son's diagnosis of  an Autism Sprectrum disorder. I'm a full-time nanny so I really value the time I have at home and with my family.


I'm trying to get the knitting part of my life a little more organized and I was realizing that blogging would be a good way to keep myself in check. I have so many Wips hibernating because i forget about them or get uninspired... I don't have anyone to show them to so the joy of finishing something is sometimes deflated.


Ifind many patterns that are intriguing and decide to cast on right away but I have no intention of actually knitting them, i just want to play. Patterns that i would like to knit are forgotten about before casting on. What I really need is a knitting journal and this blogs eems to be the best place to do that. Plus, i can feel like I am sharing my passion of knitting with someone.


You will occasionally see some FOs from me but be warned, i may not continue with every project i talk about, or even start.


Even with my crazy busy life I have been making time for quite a bit of  knitting lately and i treat myself regularly to some yarny goodness. I don't think i'm ready to reveal all of my recent stash enhancements :/




My most recent FO is the Coquille Shawl by Mary Lou Egan
The pattern can be found at knitty.com
Here is my ravelry project page.

I made the bigger version and used Noro Silk Garden Sock. I'm not super impressed with the colorway of this yarn but it was half price at Jimmy Beans Wool. I do like how it's so colorful and I just got the black shawl pin to wear with it.


LOVE the pattern. Super easy take along project as it is easy to memorize. I'd love to make a couple more of these, maybe the smaller version in a softer yarn that would be cozy around my neck.