Yarn Dyeing

I dyed my first skein of yarn this weekend. I'll post pics tonight, but let's just say it came out pretty. I think it'll make a nice pair of socks!

Scarf Finished!

I finished the scarf for the ravelry scarf exchange. Sorry, no pics or details right now.

I'm going to get it in the mail next week, and I'll post some details and pictures when it has arrived and she's had a chance to be surprised.

In addition to that, I've got a sweater going for me and a pair of socks for hubby. Pics of those soon, I promise.

There's been an interesting (and rousing!) discussion on Ravelry lately about acrylic vs. animal fibers. I never realized people could get so wound up (pardon the pun) in their yarn.

I'll knit with just about anything, though wool is my favorite. I have acrylic in my stash, and I find it useful for some items. I usually put no acrylic on exchanges though, simply because it isn't something I prefer. However, I don't have anything against it. I use acrylic for blankets, rugs, etc. and I use some acrylic blends as well.

I have a king size afghan I crocheted for my husband about three years ago in acrylic. It's fuzzed up quite a bit, but I can't imagine caring for something that large in wool!

At the risk of opening up a firestorm, do any of you have a strong preference one way or the other?

SP12 question

This week's question is what we liked most about summer vacation.

I enjoyed having the summer to do what I wanted, for a change. Although I was good in school, I tended to be pretty bored as well, especially in the lower grades. I spent the year doing lessons and then waiting quietly (yeah right).

When summer came, I checked out stacks of books each weekend. We'd drive to the library, and I remember how cold it was inside. Our car didn't have air conditioning, so the building was an absolute haven. Quiet and cool, it fairly beckoned.

It was a wonderful Saturday afternoon ritual, and we still keep it in a manner of speaking by heading to the bookstore.

Froggin'

I'm working on a sweater in Knitpicks CotLin. It's very nice yarn, but I've found one thing about it that surprised me. Maybe I just haven't worked enough with cotton or linen. The yarn shows decreases. I mean, it really really shows decreases. I thought that after I had done a few rows it would resolve itself, but it looked just as bed.

So, it's frogged.

I had intended to do a little waist shaping to account for a slightly too-wide sweater at the hips, but I just decided to start over with fewer stitches. This also means that I doubt I'll be able to do any kind of short row shaping for the neck as well -- the decreases are just too glaringly obvious.

Has anyone had similar problems? Maybe there's something I can do to make the decreases less obvious?

SP12 Question of the Week

I think the question of the week is a great idea. My favorite summer drink is iced tea, made with splenda, not sugar. Lemonade is a very close second, also made from splenda. I like real brewed tea and lemonade from lemon juice, none of those mixes!

If I want something alcoholic, I like the bottled fruit wine coolers and malt coolers and even an occasional Corona with lime.

Forgive the lack of updates, I got a case of food poisoning early this week, and I'm trying to get myself pulled back together.

Secret Pal 12

Secret Pal 12 is getting underway. Here is my questionnaire.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I like just about any animal fibers. I don't like acrylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

A bag for small needles, a vase for long ones.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting about five years. I learned the basics in a class, but I've taught myself most of it. I'd consider myself intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Not really.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Citrus scents and lavender.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Dark chocolates.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I'm just learning to spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Autumn colors, especially orange, yellow, rust, brown, etc. I don't like pink.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

We have several pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves, hats and mittens - yes. I don't wear ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Just about anything really, but I keep socks on the needles practically all the time.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Scarf, socks, sweater.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circular. Bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes, my husband!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

About 10 months old.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Gargoyle and sheep figurines. (My husband got me started on the latter)

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop. I don't have any magazine subscriptions.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Button bands for cardigans.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I wear a size 8 1/2 shoe. Yes, I knit socks.

23. When is your birthday?

May 6

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

jkay