Knitterly Love

After a long hiatus from knitting (and blogging) I have returned. I have been busy knitting to sell a few things at a local shop. Although there is no knitting shop within a 200 km radius (hopefully I can change that someday...), I have been using up my stash. Last night I spent two hours dyeing some handspun (I'll post pics tomorrow). Other than dyeing with Jello, I have never attempted this on my own. I wasn't sure how things would turn out, but I was quite pleased with the results. I chose to dye the yarn a combination of blues and purples. I also have a rust coloured dye, but I'll save that for another day.

I have started thinking of a couple projects to make my DH and DD. But this whole "working thing" sure cuts into production time! Yeah, yeah...I know. In order to replenish the stash, one must commit to some form of working outside the home. However, work must be done to earn the "moo-lah". So, hi-ho...

New Vintage Wheel

New Vintage Wheel 3, originally uploaded by Knit Girl2006.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Well, I was able to win this lovely little wheel off eBay. I just got it this weekend. It was made in 1988 and needs a bit of lovin'. It has a shellac-type finish, so I am hoping to strip that off and it needs a light sanding. Some of the wood feels a bit rough to the touch, so I think a light sanding should help. Then I'll stain and wax it.

I also need to look into getting a few extra bobbins. It came with one tiny one with only one speed. I need to do a bit of research to see what will work since even the bobbin was handmade. I'm a little concerned about the orfice. It looks to be a bit rough where the wool comes through to feed onto the bobbin. I'm worried it will fray the fiber as it feeds through. It is also missing a piece of leather that holds the whorl onto the one maiden, so I need to figure out what I can do.

I am really looking forward to restoring this pretty little wheel. My hubby will help me out, so I'm pretty excited to get this going. Better go. Need to make dinner...

Lacy Bokeh

Lacy Bokeh, originally uploaded by Knit Girl2006.

Ahhhhhhhhh....

A combination of my two favourite things: knitting and photography! I have been busy working on five scarf projects. A local restaurant owner is expanding her business to include jewellry and a variety of giftware. She has asked me if she could sell some of my scarves on commission. I was pretty flattered and excited.

I'm also hoping to sell some of my photography in town. There are a couple of places I would like to check in to.

I also signed up through the Canadian Knitter's Guild for a Knitting Accreditation Program. It is a five level program that you work on at your own pace. By the end of it all, you are able to design your own projects, complete a thesis, and earn your accreditation of "Master Knitter". SWEET!

I would eventually like to open my own yarn shop. There are no knitting shops in the town we moved to and the next best place is two hours away. I've been trying to shop online, but quickly become frustrated that many places either don't have what I'm looking for or they are out of stock for various yarns or colours. YARGH@*%&*#&%!

Also, I miss having a place to gather with other knitters in a funky, warm atmosphere sharing a love for the craft and textile things. I am not finding that here -- I am definitely missing it.

Anyway, I need to go finish my last scarf -- the shop reopens next Tuesday and I want to have everything ready to go. I also need to design some funky tags for each scarf. Gotta go...wish me luck!

B.

Knittin' Kitten

Well, I've been back to clicking the sticks -- I'm glad it has been a relatively cool summer. It has lead to some great knitting opportunities. I'm working on a scarf right now (pics will follow soon). Once I find a job (we've relocated to Saskatchewan), my plans are to purchase a spinning wheel. Sweeeet!

That's all for today -- lots to do and can't wait to get at it! Talk to you later.

B.

I've been telling you robots would take over the world...

Hi All,

Well, my DH and DD went to see the movie Wall*e a couple weeks ago. We met up with friends after work to see the show -- honestly, I was exhausted and really wasn't interested in watching the movie at all. So, my plan was to hunker down in my comfy-cushy theatre seat and have a bit of a snooze.

The movie opens and my sleepy eyes start getting droopier by the minute. But after a short time, something in my subconscious told me to sit up and take notice of what is happening on the screen. Much to my dismay, I soon realized that the "helpful" space robots in the movie are actually taking over for the human race. I leaned over to my husband and said (in my best I-told-you-so voice), "I told you robots would take over the world." From that moment, I watched the rest of the movie making mental notes on what I must do to protect myself and my loved ones from the onslaught of the impending robot invasion!!!!

Oh...you laugh now, but you won't be laughing later my friends...

Have a great weekend,

B.

Getting Back to Basics

Hello Babies,

I am back...and getting back to basics. A lot has been happening for us lately and so returning the the "basics" has slowly become an essential for dealing with everything.

First of all, we are moving...back to Saskatchewan. Arron got a call to serve three parishes there, so we are off at the beginning of August.

Secondly, I've been missing my knitting and spinning. Yep...there you go. I was sitting on the couch the other night and the breeze coming in through the window was so cold, it actually felt like fall. I promptly headed downstairs, grabbed some wool and sticks, and headed back upstairs. After I snuggled in under a blanket with a movie playing and my favourite bevie beside me, I proceeded to knit with some handspun I made quite some time ago.

It was wonderful and I've missed it a lot -- I forgot just how relaxing and therapeutic it is for me. I've been wanting to spin too, but since I am no longer part of the Spinner's Guild in town, I haven't been renting a wheel. I do have my drop spindle, so I think that will have to suffice for the moment. At least until we get moved. Then I would like to save up for a wheel.

I'd better go -- tah tah for now!

B.

Have You Missed Me???

Well, not sure who's even out there anymore, but I shall blog nonetheless!

I had another great friend contact me on the weekend indicating she missed my blog entries. So, for all you who miss me out there...I'm back.

I've been pretty busy since Christmas. I finished working at the portrait studio -- long story short...I was mislead on some key things regarding my employment. But shed no tears my pretties because I am currently working on setting up my own photography biz. Once I have the website up and running, I will be sure to post that.

I haven't been doing a lot of knitting as of late -- was so busy working into the evening that by the time I drove home (25 min drive) I spent the remainder of the evening with my family. Also I have been doing a lot of photography lately. It has been quite a therapeutic outlet for me. The joy it brings me far exceeds anything else (hobby-wise). *gasp* ... even knitting!!!

I didn't join the spinners' guild this year because I was always working on the evenings they have their meetings. So, therefore, I no longer have a spinning wheel -- which I really do miss. I love how relaxing it is. Well, I have a job interview tomorrow, so if I get the job, I can always save up to purchase my own wheel.

Madeline is taking piano lessons -- me so happy! She seems to be enjoying it emmensely. She practices without me even asking...I'm sure that will end.

I have so many blogs to catch up on!!!! Reading and writing. Well, hopefully there are still a few of you out there...look forward to hearing from you if you're still checking in.