Spun and Knit!

I couldn't just let it sit there! So I had to knit it up. I put it into a center pull ball and knit it double stranded on a 13 needle. It wasn't exactly lace weight you know.
So now what do I have? It's natural, it's rustic, maybe a doily for a mountain cabin? I could felt it and I'd have a coaster for my hot tea or iced tea come the hot days. It also looks like a loofah mitt. Perhaps I should hang it from my wheel as a reminder of spinning firsts!

I got some hints today from another spinner that mostly spins Llama. I even watched her ply. She had knit a beautiful round shawl. Several sections were shades of brown all natural, no dyes. I loved it. So I'll put what I learned into action and surely I'll progress! I also plan to practice drafting with a spindle that should help too.

On the knitting front I am coming along on my summer top and even my Kinsale! Also started Knitty's Monkey socks. The pattern is really great and super easy for such a nice look. Pictures later of socks.

As rustic as tree bark!

Consistency is a virtue that I apparently lack! Lace weight, worsted weight, bulky weight I can do it all and in the same skein! I want you to know how brave I am to even post this photo to the spinning world. I'm told that one day I will want to reproduce the 'firsts' of spinning and won't be able to. I know I am gullible but....

Notice the subtle hints of grey. I had some grey roving that's as soft as a Brillo pad and looks as good as the contents of a vacuum cleaner bag but hey.... it spun right up. Don't I have an eye for color? You want to see a fabulous first spun skein on a spindle no less? Check Nova's skills I wish she lived on my street! No, I'm not jealous nor defeated, I'm doing this thing! I've got you all holding my hand and walking me through. I am not alone!

Don't be disappointed in me!

I have no handspun yarn to show you. What I do have isn't fit for knitting or maybe would suit a potholder! Giving up? Not a chance. This new friend, the wheel with no name, cost a little too much chunk change to give up on it. I'll press on, fight the good fight, keep the faith and finish the race!!! Sound familiar?

Spinning or trying to.........

Think thick, thin, thick, thin, thick, thick, thick and then a twisted gob! ......... I'm still trying to make time for practice. It will happen. I have confidence and since I'm such a perfectionist it will be nice yarn one day. There's no real detail in the picture my camera is not a top of the line! The wheel is though!! It's a beauty. I've noticed some have named their wheels. I'll have to think on that. The roving is Corriedale that came with the wheel. It's very nice. My problem is too much twist and drafting fast enough. I'm told it will all fall into place in a weeks time! Right?

My bicycle is in the back of the picture on the left. I know your living room isn't the best place for bicycles but there it its for fear it get stolen off our porch. Yes, it could be in the locked garage but that's more trouble! I'm not such a clean freak anymore so a bike in your living space is normal and OK!

Just for Summer

Do you ever go looking in your stash for something specific and come away with a totally different project and CO in minutes? This summer top wasn't a real plan it just happened! It's Knitpicks 'ShineSport', 60% Pima Cotton and 40% Modal. Very soft and silky. The pattern is an old Bernat pattern from 1985. I actually did knit this years ago in a red 100% cotton. I still wear it and it's a favorite even though a little faded. I don't wear much blue so I thought to change that! It's knit from CO waist edge to the back leaving only side seams come finishing time! Here it is in progress adorning the already gorgeous flowers that were a gift from my son on Mother's Day. He's a sweetheart!

Now I know what all the fuss is about!

SOCKS THAT ROCK * This yarn is absolutely wonderful! I bought the colorways, Lemongrass and Lucy. They are so very gorgeous. Get yours from: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Now I need more!!!

Now What??????

This is complicated!! I have to watch the video for instructions as soon as I get the kids away from the TV!

Maybe by tomorrow it will be together?

Addendum: Well, this evening as I was watching the video and putting my lovely gem together I realized they sent two of the same pedals!!!! Can I say, $#$&$(&;*+%(! Soooo, I sent an email to the seller who is in VT who gets it from NC who gets theirs from and is packaged in Poland!!
Another Addendum! Everything is fine. I'm the dimwit!!

It's coming in pieces!!!!

Parts of Kromski Minstrel arrived today! Wonderful Corridale, a niddy noddy and my 'bonus' bobbin!!!! expected arrival of the rest ..... tomorrow!!! Any ideas on how I should spend my time this weekend? After I do my walk for Arthritis

I will have all afternoon!!!

Because I'm patriotic!!

Remember in grade school singing, "America the Beautiful" and "This Land is Your Land" and "My Country Tis of Thee"? I do and they are fond memories. Do they even do that anymore in school? Do kids really understand patriotism, loving your country, goose bumps and tears when you sing the "Star Spangled Banner"?

I feel our country's government (as awry as it may be) and our military are foundational to our good life here in the USA.....built of course on our Creator, God, Lord of the Universe!

Well, that was a bit off topic and probably means little to most. What brought all that on? I don't know! I love that eagle too!!

WHAT have they done??????

THOUSANDS of rich women were conned by a firm into believing LAMBS were valuable miniature POODLES....................... and the 'rest of the story' is here Article The photo is just plain sad to say the least! Well, that was good for a healthy loud belly laugh!!!

Back to knitting: I am about to frog a sock that is more than half finished. It's just not good. So you do what you have to do and I'm OK with it. I can do better.

It's a DONE DEAL!

Thanks to some crafty enabling by catie . Of course I'll be happiest when it arrives! Mine will be the Mahogany finish. It's a Kromski Minstrel! Pray I learn fast! I have the books, Hands On Spinning and Spinner's Companion. Do I need another? I had better get busy!

It's in the BAG!

Nothing yet but soon. I really like this Oregon Tote. I've made one other one using Lambs Pride Bulky which the pattern calls for. I gave that one to my mom. This is Paton's merino, worsted. I increased the stitch amounts, don't ask me to what!!! We all know how we are supposed to write that kind of crucial information down and then don't. I did do the i-cords 70 inches making for a perfect shoulder length for me.