PLYING DECISIONS

After taking the plying class at the Guild I have become more determined to experiment with my plying. I started spinning to create yarns that are peculiar just to me but haven't gone very far down that road. This was created from two Ashford rovings--Hollyberry and Green. Originally I was going to ply the Hollyberry with some Maroon/Wine ingeo that I have but thought that would be too expected. The picture doesn't, as usual, do the colors justice but I think that the effect is interesting and has possibilites. I'll live with it a while and see how it grows on me.

ZORA UPDATE

It's hard to believe that Zora will be one month old on Thursday. It seemed that it took her so long to get here and now the time is just flying by. The changes in her seem to come so fast now that I am not seeing her every day (Yes, I finally had to go back to work and have had to do twelve-hour days to make up missing the two weeks. I am dragging!). Last week I had seen her on Monday and then again Thursday night. Her face had changed noticably and she was even more alert. When I went to leave I bent down to give her a kiss and she leaned forward to accept it--very cute. I am in love.

Trying to get back in a more normal and regular zone and have spent the day spinning some fiber I bought from Ruth Northrup at the last meeting. I got a lot done but can't decide how to ply it. Pictures later.

SECRET PALS AND POWER KNITTING

I heard from my Secret Pal today and got my match to spoil as well. This is such a simple idea but produces so many rewards. I have the opportunity to meet interesting women from all over the States whose paths would never have crossed mine. I get a big kick trying to find fun things to send my SP and the packages I have received have been sensational.

Mama and baby are progressing which is a good thing as I have to be back at work next week. It will be nice to settle down into a more regular routine. I think that I am finally ready to finish some of those UFO's and have been power knitting on the Faith sweater trying to finish. It and the Amy Bliss barn jacket are at the top of my list.

CAMP PLUCKYFLUFF

I finally got registered today! Go me! Several other women from the Spinning Guild are going as well so this should be really fun. We are going to drive up together which could be grueling but if everyone helps with the driving it should be just fine. We haven't set our accommodations yet--maybe a motel, maybe a tent. To be decided later.

Plying class after the Guild meeting yesterday and while I spun my arms off I did learn some new tricks. It was taught by our own Janel Laidman, editior of Spindlicity.

Still not ready to commit to a big project so there's another pair of socks on the needles and a sweater that has yet to be finished.

WAITING FOR THE BABY TO COME SOCKS

Worked on this pair while my daughter was in the hospital and finished the toe of sock number two last night. These were knit from some Lorna's Laces that I bought with a gift certificate from Kpixie that my SP7 Angela sent me. The pattern is from a not too old issue of Interweave Knits that I discovered in my stash of magazines.

SECRET PAL 8 QUESTIONARIE

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Not into synthetic fibers unless doing charity knitting as I prefer natural fibers.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A Dr. Seuss mug.
3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
My grandmother taught me to knit at age 8/9 and I knit at an intermediate to advanced level, though there are still lots of techniques that I want to master.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, there is one on Amazon.
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Love a wide variety of scents but not rose.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Unfortunately I have a sweet tooth and love caramels.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I am a spinner who also likes to dye fiber, felt and make beaded jewelry.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Folk, world music and classical.
9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
While I adore most colors, if I am going to wear it then blue based colors work best for me.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Divorced, living alone with the dog and loving it but fortunate enough to have grown children and new granddaughter very close by.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
No to ponchos, tried them in the 60’s and they didn’t work for me them.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I have parameters that are way too wide to settle on a favorite.
13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, sweater and a scarf.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Adore it.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Like them all.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes to both.
17. How did you learn to knit?
Grandma.
18. How old is your oldest UFO?
3 years old
19. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween
20. Is there anything that you collect?
Pop-up books and storybook character dolls.
21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I buy all of mine monthly from my lys
22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I still would like to master intarsia.
23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I always have a pair of socks on the needles. My shoe size is 8.5.
24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
March 9