Tot is actually in the basket with the yarn. She is so funny.

The lovely brown yarn you're eyeing is the result of my latest spinnings. It has little threads all woven in through it. The fiber is a wool and alpaca blend. Yummy. This photo is freshly bathed and dried. Do you think my deck needs some attention? That eyesore was only supposed to be temporary.....seven years later. I won't even go there.

In more exciting news. I so cannot stand myself right now. I can think of nothing but Maryland. I absolutely cannot wait! However, I have been cursed with some nasty little sinus/head cold sort of deal. So, I totally feel like crap but I will drudge on. : ) I have a few days to recover before the actual festivities. I have been scouring my knitting books, magazines, everything to help to insure I have a plan. I really get nervous at the thoughts of my aimless wandering self buying everything I see. I need some sort of guidelines for the yarn department. Roving... that is going to be a free for all. I promise to hoard it up in mass amounts. I'm also going to get some raw fleeces to process myself. I'm curious. What can I say? So far my encounters with raw fleece have not been the most pleasant. Oooh yuck. We'll see what happens.

One more day and I am so out of here.

Finally... a few pictures.
This is Tot's Easter sweater handspun by Moi!
She adores it.













Here is Coopworth. This will be an experiment.
Baby Eye Candy. Don't you just want
to pinch those fat little cheeks. Hairdos
courtesy of Mommy.
I love this Cupie Doll picture.
Just two short years ago..........






Christina, this is for you.
Tot is four months old in this picture. The bostons have adored her from the first meeting. One big happy family here. : )

I have tried and tried to post pictures. Blogger is not cooperating. I'll try again in the morning.
I have some yummy pictures of the Jacob wool Tonia gifted me. It's already spun into a nice little hank. It's delightful to spin. She did a great job preparing it. I must see her technique. It was a joy to spin. I didn't have to do anything to it. Not even predraft really. Thanks Tonia. I really enjoyed it. What a thoughtful gift : ) I love gifts from knitters. They're always so useful.
Pictures soon I hope.

Happy Birthday to me. What fun I've had. I think any birthday that leaves you smiling is always a good one. Not all have left me smiling you know.....I spent time with the ones dear to me, I ate lots of cake and ice cream and basically crap all weekend. Mmmm hot fudge. I love hot fudge. I got singing telegrams from little people. I got phone calls from knitters. I shopped. I knit. I saw Clifford the Big Red Dog. I chatted with hubby into the wee hours of the night. I just really enjoyed the day. Thanks to those who made it so nice! : )
I really need to get some issues fixed with pics on my computer.I promise to get pictures up this week. I still have no camera software. My laptop won't recognize my camera. Makes me crazy. I will travel to get them on a disc. Stay tuned. I must post pictures of my gift from Heather. It has a story behind it, but no time for all of that. Anyway, she got me these nesting chickens from Russia. They're handpainted little guys from a rooster, hen, egg, to a chick. They are so cute. I just love them. She also got me some travel bags to compress my "crap" so she would say for our trip to Europe. I must have a ticker for that.....Heather is a human ticker. She tells me daily how much longer we have. She's also hoarding things that are "just for Europe". Like clothing, shoes, purse. Just stuff. I must admit to some of this behavior myself. More in my knitting world though. She had to get me something that she considered practical, that's just Heather. All this talk makes me think about how many times in my life how the anticipation of something can be more exciting than the actual event. I dread for some things to come because I just want to keep looking forward to it. That makes me laugh.
It's late.
I have a date with Tivo.
Knit night's tomorrow.
Count me in.

I'm back. How could you be so lucky to hear from me twice in one day. Hmm. Well I'm over the clog ordeal. Momentarily anyway. I will deal with that later. I will learn to follow my intuition.
I'm going to do something I would normally not do. I'm going to rag on a local yarn shop. Hopefully I can do this with some tact. Let me also tell you that this has no involvement with MY trusty lys, Lambikin's. This is just an example of what may happen to you when you travel outside of your circle....
On a mission. I went in search for some yarn, for the stinking clogs. I founds some, not enough, but some that would do. On my arrival to this yarn shop I found a locked door. This is curious. Then I see someone walking around. I have Tot in tow and a time limit. I knock. I get a stupid look. "She" unlocks the door. I now notice that "She" is barefoot. Divorce Court is blaring on the Tv. "She" is stocking crap yarn. "She" is also not being very pushy considering "She" is running a new business. "She" and her stupid T.V. are on my nerves. Hello! Rude! Why am I the one that goes to these freakish places and end up feeling like I'm the freak? There ended up being two barefooted "She's" who were both not so friendly.
I wish them well on their short lived journeys.
That's not very nice is it?
Sorry.
It seems to be in the air.

So I made my first pair of felted clogs. I enjoyed making them. I ran out of my sole color after the first sole of the second clog. This really annoyed me. I could not find the yarn I originally used anywhere local. So I have an unmatched set of felted clogs to gift. I will send them anyway and promise a replacement. It's not like they are that horrible....they just are to me because I know they are two different yarns, that don't felt the same, look the same etc. etc.
On to a more positive note...I've started swatching on my Nashua Ecologie Cotton. I would like to hoard this yarn in masses. It's so very yummy.
This Sunday is my birthday. I will be spending it with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Isn't that so exciting? I think Hubby and I are doing date night on Saturday. I see a Wooly Winder in my very near future. No big hoopla going on though.
I'm off to knit. So lazy with this weather. I'm ready for some sunshine again. Where is spring?

Happy Easter to Everyone! What fun we've had around here. Tot was coloring herself along with the eggs! I so love the innocence of childhood. This must be the best age. Her excitement for life is intoxicating. Oh how I could ramble on.....
I visited Koenig Farm and Spinnery this week. This was such a treat for me. I've never been to a spinnery. I want one! Imagine that. I want everything wooly. Mark and Kathy were just charming. Mark immediately took Heather and I out into the pasture with the kids,I mean children, to feed the goats. Tot wanted a goat. She thought they were sheep. She's yelling baa baa the whole time. Just a funny girl, she was. After that Mark showed us how the spinnery operates, every detail. Kathy showed us the spinning machine and where she does her dying. Their yarns are just gorgeous. I love the wool and mohair blend. I had to scarf up some of that, and some roving, and some cotton. Yummy! Not to mention, definately stash enhancement materials. Definate bonus stop on our roadtrip to the lake! The Koenig's were simply charming. I will visit them again for sure. What fun!
So the count down to Sheep and Wool is on 29 days and I'm so counting. I'm so looking forward to this. I feel like Charlie going to the chocolate factory. Seriously. I've got a golden ticket. Maybe I'm more like Veruka or whatever her name was....blueberry girl. I'm going with my Mom and her two sisters one is an avid knitter, my Mom is a part timer, she's never been really bitten by the knitting thing. Can you imagine? They are all so much fun. We are taking Tot so that will make it even more fun.
I finished Tot's sweater in time for Easter, last night. She's so very proud of it. That makes me want to knit even more for her. I think it's so cute on her. Perfect fit. I must make another.
I'm getting ready to start some felted clogs. I had hoped to at the lake but the sweater took longer than I thought it would. I'm almost done with my summer tweed but I haven't knit on it in a couple of weeks. The Dale's are still looming over my head, and I have about 20 other things I want to knit, at least. I think I'll start my Nashua ecologie cotton next. I'm in love with that yarn.
Is there anybody out there in my sad little blogworld? Besides Tonia??? No offense to you, pumpkin. And She Knits blogged about how people blog and no one ever comments and how they must be the biggest losers or something to that extent. So Hello...... is there anybody out there? Can I please get some love here. Thank you very much. Have a great flippin day.

Spinning out of control......in more ways than one these days.
Ahh yes I have my laptop back. Life is good. New parts will hopefully give it a new happy life.
I have been gone so long I have lots to talk about. In knitting news Arwen is completely done. I ordered the Bohus from Solveig in Sweden. I received it. It's wonderful. Unfortunately it is not in line right now. Other things are calling. I'm currently working on a basic long sleeve pullover with Rowan Summer Tweed. It is a very boring knit but a very practical garment. So I will knit on. I have two Dale of Norway sweaters on the needles. One is St. Moritz for Hubby, the other is Nansen for myself. I'm swatching for a summer top made out of Blue Moon's Bamboo yarn. It is to die for. It will feel like nakedness when I wear it. I love a fabric like that. I'm also trying to get a sweater started for Lexi that will be complete by Easter Sunday..... which leads me to..... I bought a spinning wheel. Many thanks to Christina. I sincerely mean that. I can't believe how much I love to spin! I have had a hard time dividing my time between knitting and spinning. So I'm spinning the yarn for Lexi's sweater. After tonight I should have enough spun to complete the sweater. I have also spun some muskox which I believe is to die for.
I have many photos to share but I have to get my camera software running again. I will share soon.
It's great to be back. ; )

My computer has recovered.....I think.
I will do my best to update everyone tonight when the tot is fast asleep.
I have no time for that at the moment.
I am existing in the world again. Yaaayyyy!

Little Miss Harlot needs to lay off with the evil temptations she's been tossing around like it's nothing. I have really had it with all this Bohus business.......
I'm totally consumed. I can barely keep from calling Solveig right now! I must have the Bohus. I think this would be a wonderful addition to the stash at the moment. You can check it out here
I love the pink and red combo, you can link to the Bohus Museum through the Yarn Harlot. Would Jackie not be so all over this? She will want a Bohus too. Anyone else been bitten by the Bohus Bug?

I believe it's been established that I have the attention span of a gnat. For those of you who need further proof I give you the above exhibits. Can you spot the scene of the crime?
My first solution was to put a lifeline on both sides of offender, cut, and kitchener back together. Quick? Yes. Easy? Yes. Dangerous? Very. Very. Christina, who I can't seem to link. suggested I probably should step away from the scissors. We all know what happens next. Back to the frog pond. Rippit!
The picture of the brighter green is most true to color. The one full size picture if prior to taking it out, the others are of after. Even the ripping process was painless. I must learn to pay closer attention. This has been very fun to knit so far. Why do cables make knitting zip along so quickly?
Isn't Arwen going to be pretty?

Two things I believe one should avoid discussion of...politics and religion. However,
if I did talk I would have a whole lot to say about politics...
I'm very interested in the potential canidates.
I openly disagree with the war. I will say that. I think it is time to just send them all home. Before none are left.
I digress.
One Mermaloose done.
One Fleece Artist sock almost done.
I can't decide what's next.

Done.
That was a challenge....though I'm not really sure why. My fellow knitsters may have some enlightening reasons why though!
It seems every time I encounter these little obstacles in knitting that I'm generally the problem. I guess the only benefit is that I have learned some valuable lessons.
I really like this sweater. I love (cannot stress this enough) the Chunky Malabrigo! It's a dream I tell you. I could totally hoard this in mass quanities. I will be stalking the UPS man to get the next delivery from the LYS. Total crack yarn.
In honor of all things Blue Moon....I'm working on my Mermaloose Mittens. I am an official Rockin' Sock Club Member. Woo hoo! I've got little packages coming for the rest of the year! :p Won't that just be so much fun! I believe if I read things right that EVERYONE will get a place this year. Even if you're on the waiting list, you're still in. That's the way I understood it anyway. So you can still get your Rockin' Socks through the end of January. Go! What are you waiting for?

"What's the difference between acrylic yarns and natural fibers?"
"Excuse me?"
Same question comes at me again.
I sputter like I'm choking on a ball of acrylic.
Do I really need to go there? Lets start with the basics....acrylic = plastic. It was kind of like the explanation I got on my way to Myrtle Beach (the first and last time). I was told it was the KMart of the beaches. At this point in my life the worst beach I had been to was Naples, Fla. which is far, far from dear old Myrtle. In my opinion, Myrtle Beach and acrylic yarn belong together.
I'm a yarn snob. I will shout it from the mountain tops. I will not root for excuses for myself. I will not apologize. I have no other hobbies. If I choose to spend my last nickel on a ball of the purest merino ever spun. I will.
This brings me to the whole beginning of the knitting adventure. It was a beautiful spring day. I met a dear friend at "the market" in Dayton. We were strolling along, minding our own, when it happened. There it was in all it's glory. Hanging for my eyes to spot. Imagine a small, market style, open air market with the sun shining abundantly. A small little booth with a couch, knitting needles, and all the Colinette Yarns I could possibly wrap my mind around. Remember, I didn't know the difference between Red Heart and Cashmere, and up to thus far I had no reason to care. I wanted everything this lady had. ALL OF IT! How much for all ya got? I only bought two skeins. I had no idea what I was going to do with it.
I looked at it for days. I loved it. It was decor.
I had to do something with it.
I bought a "You Can Knit In 10 Minutes" book.
I knit a scarf.
I obsessed with Colinette yarns.
I knit bags.
I knit sweaters.
I loved knitting!
Knitting brought a peace to my life. I'm in my place when I'm knitting.
I have been knitting for almost two years now. Time flies when your having fun.
The moral of the story is......
I guess I'll let you figure that out.
I sure am glad I bought those hanks of yarn that day. : )

How many times can I frog and reknit.....note to self.....next time when using a pattern translated to the English language, read it at least 25 times before beginning.
I have completely knit the front and back of this sweater, a few times now. I can not stand defeat. I finally have figured it out. That's the only reason I can bring myself to even think of speaking of my misfortunes. I knew 30 cm. into it the first time that it wasn't right. I do this to myself repeatedly. I just keep right on. Like I'm going to wake up and the knitting correction fairies will have made everything sugarcakes. What's up with that? I'm not always knitting impaired, just lately it seems. Maybe the knitting Gods think it is my turn for some kind of lessons or something. I've been good....I swatch, I gauge, I do my math. Why torment me?

I think I overloaded the whole blogger system or something........I don't know what I was doing wrong but here are some photos in no particular order.

Meet my family. Dear Hubby, my tot, and Gypsy, Boy somehow managed to escape the photo sessions.

Tot is wearing her Christmas attire and in total disbelief of the loot Santa has left glittering in the tree lights. Gypsy accompanies her in hopes that Santa may have left something for her or at least dropped some crumbs from his cookies.

Hubby is knitting in the one photo. He couldn't stand to just watch. The magic rubbed off onto him. Look at him pulling on it and seeing how he's doing. I keep this on the needles for whenever he might feel inspired to give it a try. I will always keep it. He caught on very quickly. He was casting on in about five minutes. I was pretty impressed with his abilities.

Hummingbird Raglan is done, except for weaving in ends. I don't like to weave much either. I just want to be done when the knitting is over. On to the next project please. I believe I'm going to start another Malabrigo Chunky. Donna found a great cable sweater in a Rebecca magazine that begs to be knit in Whale Road colorway. I'm so drawn to classic, you can wear this the rest of your life, designs lately. Donna has great taste for these as well, I copy her yarn or pattern choices often. Thanks Donna : ) ! Christina and I are drawn to the same color palettes, which sometimes can create issues : ) hmm..hmm Noviembre......Tonia and I just squabble over who gets the most of what or who bought what before the other could get to it. : ) Oh what fun it is being addicted to lovely little hanks!

Pictures of Hummingbird and some of my knitting loot coming soon.

I almost forgot to mention the picture of Tot in the lovely crocheted hat. She loves this festive little number. She insists on wearing it when there is sweat dripping off of her head. No, I did not make this. I would like to know who would wear this? This was gifted to me when I worked by a client. I accepted it graciously, thank you very much. So graciously that I receive another in a lovely shade of yellow around Easter. I also kept it for over two years....why? Tot is glad that I did. They are very nice hats, just not quite my style.

Everytime I try to post with photos it says cannot find server......WHY WHY WHY?

First of all let me say that I'm glad to finally be blogging. I have been trying to get in after switching to "new blogger". It has not been fun. It seems so slow.
Anyways, on to more important matters...... I had wonderful holidays. Tot was overwhelmed by all the hoopla. She has been a sleepy girl the last few days. What fun she was this year. She is still saying "ho, ho, ho!". Very fun age I tell you. I have some pictures I will post soon.
I have been knitting on my Chunky Malabrigo. It's coming along nicely. I'm not totally into the pattern but I wanted mindless, and mindless it is. I'm not certain what's going to come next. I'm thinking Kate Gilbert's "A coat for Arwyn" or whatever that sweater is called that Kate has in the latest IK. I'm going to use Reynolds Rapture in green. I love that sweater. It will have to be a bit longer. I'm nervous about running out of yarn. I will do it anyway. We have a plan to hunt more if i'm short. Donna kindly gave me her leftovers which are very close to a skein! Thank you Donna. She knit a gorgeous sweater for her daughter with this yarn. I was very smitten by this sweater. I had to knit with this yarn. "Arwyn" is perfect for this.
I'm also eyeing Nora Gaughan's cover sweater on IK. Loving that. So feminine, but bold. Just lovely. I was suprisingly gifted with yarn and yarn related items, gift cards etc. Imagine that.
So I'm looking to see what provokes me that hasn't already. I also want to make that "Irish Hiking Scarf" that Yarn Harlot has just posted. I really like that too. I can totally see myself styling in the Bavarian Alps in a Irish Hiking Scarf. Ich bin gehen zu Deutchland.......or something like that. I'm going to Germany and Austria for Oktoberfest. Ich mochte ein bier, bitte! I do believe I may have been correct with that one : ) I have never been to Europe so I'm quite excited, even though it is nine months away. At the current moment everything I want to knit is to take to Europe.
Pictures of hubby to come......enquiring minds want to know! I'm tossing around posting one he would probably not be real thrilled about. He's knitting....Shhhh.....don't tell anyone.
I hope everyone had a great holiday.

So it has taken me one week to come around to talking about "the sweaters". They were a hit at the party. I loved wearing Gatsby. Hubby loved his sweater but complained of being hot. He got over it. Everyone then decided to ask for a knit something or other....sorry folks, I only knit for those I really love....alot.
These are pics of Gatsby and Hubby's after a washing.
I have been so busy Christmas with Hubby's family is this weekend. Tot and I have both been deathly ill. Seriously. So bad Tot had her first hospital visit. Not good. Thankfully, we are all well again.
Also in the pics are new chunky Malabrigo. I love everything about it. It's going to be mindless knitting. Holiday knitting. The colorway is Hummingbird. It reminds me of an old bermuda bag I had when I was younger. Does anyone remember those? With the little wooden handles? The bag buttoned and was reversible. Snappy they were!

I have arrived......in so many ways.
Both sweaters are done. We will be wearing them to the party. I say we'll be wearing the hell out of them at the party. I'm so in love with Gatsby. Hubby's in love with Gatsby. Finally there is some light. The sweaters are done. I'm free.