In a collaboration with Fresh From the Cauldron Yarns I have come up with 2 new sock patterns available exclusively through the "All Hallows Eve" Sock Club. Actually, I believe there are 7 different options all together, for you indie dyer lovers who are also Halloween fans.
You know how sock clubs work, no spoilers. You have to have an adventurous spirit!
I can reveal the names of the colorways: Ichabod Crane and Pennywise, if that helps. How about the names of the patterns? TRON and Water Cube. Can you guess the inspirations?
Hurry up - the deadline to sign up is 10PM EST tonight.
If you miss the deadline, the yarns will be available through Fresh From the Cauldron and I'll have the pattern for sale sometime down the road. You only have this one chance to get the kit though.
Kits are $35. Subsequent kits are 15% off. Jen has a lot of frequent benefits programs, check them out on her Ravelry page here.
To reserve a kit, just send Jen a message. The kit will be posted for you in her Etsy shop on September 15th to buy then.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Still here!
Yes, I want to share my knitting with you, but I am busy busy busy!
coming soon:
2 new sock patterns to be released as kits from a cool indie designer (tease!)
A Halloween-inspired project to be released in the fall knitty "surprise"
Show and tell - my first baby knits - for my sweet new niece
And more!
Okay, why am I busy? My day job. (EDITED TO REMOVE REFERENCE TO DETAILS OF DAY JOB AS IT IS NO LONGER MY DAY JOB ANYMORE!)
Also, I'm busy picking berries and just exploring the great Northwest:
"Anybody who goes for a late-August walk... in the Pacific Northwest and doesn't want to move here is either stubborn or insane. - Paul Gerald, "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles, Portland
Have a great late August people!
coming soon:
2 new sock patterns to be released as kits from a cool indie designer (tease!)
A Halloween-inspired project to be released in the fall knitty "surprise"
Show and tell - my first baby knits - for my sweet new niece
And more!
Okay, why am I busy? My day job. (EDITED TO REMOVE REFERENCE TO DETAILS OF DAY JOB AS IT IS NO LONGER MY DAY JOB ANYMORE!)
Also, I'm busy picking berries and just exploring the great Northwest:
"Anybody who goes for a late-August walk... in the Pacific Northwest and doesn't want to move here is either stubborn or insane. - Paul Gerald, "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles, Portland
Have a great late August people!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
New Bike!
I have something to share... my new bike: The Schwinn Sprint (not to be confused with the shin splint)
I was innocently walking through the neighborhood yesterday and I saw a bunch of bikes in a parking lot sale. Something red and shiny caught my eye, and the next thing I knew I was making a deal.
Backstory: I sold my old bike when I moved to Portland. I obviously needed a new one. My attitude towards bikes has evolved a bit over the years, and I keep making new rules about the kind of bike I want.
And then, I break them.
Rule #1: No more Schwinn bikes.
Reason: To be fair, I have always considered vintage Schwinn bikes to be the very best in classic style and overall fun. This has always been my go-to bike. Of course, I could never go very far on one, and after one hill, I was pretty much spent. SO, I decided my next bike would be newer, lighter, and faster.
What happened: I don't have the money to get that bike. Besides, the Sprint is slightly newer and lighter than the Suburban I used to ride.
Rule #2: Girl-style bikes are dumb.
Reason: I was hung up on thinking girl-shaped bikes were the modern day equivalent of riding side-saddle. It was old fashioned and meant to keep you from going anywhere good.
What Happened: I tried to mount a boy-style bike in a short skirt and flashed a bunch of people. Lightbulb moment: a lower crossbar serves a purpose if you want to wear a skirt and ride a bike. It turns out the design is not dumb, and is in fact, quite smart.
SOLD!
New bike, Day one: Adventure!
I already have a helmet, and I also picked up a lock. I rode with a sense of freedom to meet some friends for pub-style trivia.
I quickly learned not only am I not in very good shape, the destination was a bit further than I thought it was and mostly uphill. By the time I got there, my legs felt like cement. I just had to lock it up so I could get some water and eat inside.
10 minutes of struggling with the u-lock later, I caught myself accidentally flashing the folks hanging out in front because of the contortion I had to put myself in to get it all working properly... making this the second time in one day I pulled a Britney. Or is it a Lindsey? I don't know.
Still, it was fun!
When it was time to go home, surprise... darkness! Thankfully I was able to ride the whole way in a convoy of bikes that had flashing safety lights - another thing I need to pick up if I ever want to ride at night again.
Having a bike teaches you a lot about life, mostly things you don't expect to learn. I thought I was going to develop a relationship to the road yesterday, but instead I learned to be better prepared. That and to be more lady-like with my legs if I am going to wear short skirts in public.
I was innocently walking through the neighborhood yesterday and I saw a bunch of bikes in a parking lot sale. Something red and shiny caught my eye, and the next thing I knew I was making a deal.
Backstory: I sold my old bike when I moved to Portland. I obviously needed a new one. My attitude towards bikes has evolved a bit over the years, and I keep making new rules about the kind of bike I want.
And then, I break them.
Rule #1: No more Schwinn bikes.
Reason: To be fair, I have always considered vintage Schwinn bikes to be the very best in classic style and overall fun. This has always been my go-to bike. Of course, I could never go very far on one, and after one hill, I was pretty much spent. SO, I decided my next bike would be newer, lighter, and faster.
What happened: I don't have the money to get that bike. Besides, the Sprint is slightly newer and lighter than the Suburban I used to ride.
Rule #2: Girl-style bikes are dumb.
Reason: I was hung up on thinking girl-shaped bikes were the modern day equivalent of riding side-saddle. It was old fashioned and meant to keep you from going anywhere good.
What Happened: I tried to mount a boy-style bike in a short skirt and flashed a bunch of people. Lightbulb moment: a lower crossbar serves a purpose if you want to wear a skirt and ride a bike. It turns out the design is not dumb, and is in fact, quite smart.
SOLD!
New bike, Day one: Adventure!
I already have a helmet, and I also picked up a lock. I rode with a sense of freedom to meet some friends for pub-style trivia.
I quickly learned not only am I not in very good shape, the destination was a bit further than I thought it was and mostly uphill. By the time I got there, my legs felt like cement. I just had to lock it up so I could get some water and eat inside.
10 minutes of struggling with the u-lock later, I caught myself accidentally flashing the folks hanging out in front because of the contortion I had to put myself in to get it all working properly... making this the second time in one day I pulled a Britney. Or is it a Lindsey? I don't know.
Still, it was fun!
When it was time to go home, surprise... darkness! Thankfully I was able to ride the whole way in a convoy of bikes that had flashing safety lights - another thing I need to pick up if I ever want to ride at night again.
Having a bike teaches you a lot about life, mostly things you don't expect to learn. I thought I was going to develop a relationship to the road yesterday, but instead I learned to be better prepared. That and to be more lady-like with my legs if I am going to wear short skirts in public.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tour de Fleece Wrap up special
With nearly 500 participants in this year's Tour de Fleece, I have to declare this year to be a success... in many ways.
I've been keeping tabs on many of the other spinners and I'm impressed with the quality and quantity of production out there. My goal was smaller, to recapture my lost spinning mojo. I'm happy to say that I have started spinning again, after a long hiatus.
HOWEVER, as one mojo returns, another starts to slip away. Perhaps it is already obvious which mojo I am hinting at: Blogging mojo.
I don't know what kind of meta-universe I am living in where I can say I've lost blogging mojo in an actual blog post, but here we are.
It's not like I'm not having adventures to write about, either. I'm falling in love with my new town, Portland. Evidence:
Exhibit A: Tanner Springs Park, in the Pearl district. Classic Portland - ecologically sane and sustainable resource park. Plus it looks cool.
I have no explanation for the llama I ran into in front of Hot Lips pizza in the Pearl. I love her sparkled headgear.
Another great city feature: old metal rings embedded into the curbs to hitch your horse. Imagine my joy at spotting someone did just that: hitched their horse right on up.
Over on SE Division there is a falafel cart called Fat Kitty. The falafels are fantastic and made to order. While you wait, you can check out the review on the counter. (click on this to read the post-it)
Even the most hard-hearted of souls has to feel a little softening at the sight of a devil bubble man making giant bubbles for the kids on SE Clinton, in front of Dot's.
So you see, I am still here. I am knitting and spinning, working, dreaming and eating. I still love the Tour de Fleece, and I love Portland.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Stage 17: July 23, 2008 - Challenge Day!
Stage 17: Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Embrun to L'Alpe-d'Huez
------------------------------
Welcome to Challenge Day!
The cyclists climb 4 mountains today:
Cote de Sainte-Marguerite
Col du Galibier
Col de la Croix de Fer
L'Alpe-d'Huez
The last 3 are beyond classification climbs, and Alpe-d-Huez is probably the most famous climb in Tour history. It means something to a cyclist to make this journey, and in some ways it symbolizes the Tour de France itself. Cyclists know what it takes to survive it, and it bonds them in a unique way. To me, that is the heart of our challenge day. I can't wait to see what you make of it!
I'm going to spin/ply roving for 6 hours. That's my challenge, considering I have a day job and plans for Wednesday evening. I'll have to get up early to do it. I'm looking forward to it because the actual Tour airs at 3:30 in the morning here on the west coast (!) The other part of my challenge will come later, when I knit myself something from this yarn to be.
Today is our day to really challenge ourselves. What are you going to do?/What are you doing/What did you do?
I thought I'd pop a picture in here of what I spun on last year's challenge day: It's a rainbow yarn with a lot of bright feathers. It was a challenging technique for me. It was my personal Col l'Aubisque.
Embrun to L'Alpe-d'Huez
------------------------------
Welcome to Challenge Day!
The cyclists climb 4 mountains today:
Cote de Sainte-Marguerite
Col du Galibier
Col de la Croix de Fer
L'Alpe-d'Huez
The last 3 are beyond classification climbs, and Alpe-d-Huez is probably the most famous climb in Tour history. It means something to a cyclist to make this journey, and in some ways it symbolizes the Tour de France itself. Cyclists know what it takes to survive it, and it bonds them in a unique way. To me, that is the heart of our challenge day. I can't wait to see what you make of it!
I'm going to spin/ply roving for 6 hours. That's my challenge, considering I have a day job and plans for Wednesday evening. I'll have to get up early to do it. I'm looking forward to it because the actual Tour airs at 3:30 in the morning here on the west coast (!) The other part of my challenge will come later, when I knit myself something from this yarn to be.
Today is our day to really challenge ourselves. What are you going to do?/What are you doing/What did you do?
I thought I'd pop a picture in here of what I spun on last year's challenge day: It's a rainbow yarn with a lot of bright feathers. It was a challenging technique for me. It was my personal Col l'Aubisque.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tour de Fleece - week two underway
How about a very quick check-in?
After a fantastic day trip to Sauvie Island for some berry picking, inspiration hit hard in the form of rainier cherries and boysenberries. (delicious, by the way)
I dyed some roving in the style of berries. I spun it up and finally finished plying it today. I look forward to showing it off soon!
I finally finished all 220 yards of the green yarn. See the pretty roving in the post below this one here.
I know this is quick, please bear with me as I adjust to a new job, house guests, test knitting, designing, and watching three to six hours of Tour de France every day. (!)
After a fantastic day trip to Sauvie Island for some berry picking, inspiration hit hard in the form of rainier cherries and boysenberries. (delicious, by the way)
I dyed some roving in the style of berries. I spun it up and finally finished plying it today. I look forward to showing it off soon!
I finally finished all 220 yards of the green yarn. See the pretty roving in the post below this one here.
I know this is quick, please bear with me as I adjust to a new job, house guests, test knitting, designing, and watching three to six hours of Tour de France every day. (!)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Tour de Fleece - Days 3-5
I think it's about time to check in regarding all things tour related. Yes, it's been a busy week but I do have some spinning to show off.
This year's tour is really different. Instead of a skein a day or more (I really did 8 skeins a week) I am only doing 2 skeins this first week.
What happened? I'm not doing bulky singles this time.
The last few days I've been working on this roving I picked up at the Black Sheep Gathering this year. It's pretty, soft, and easy to spin.
I took a little over 4 oz, split it in half, and spun up two fine singles. I started plying them together yesterday and hope to finish that today.
Yes, I've slowed down, sort of. It's okay. I think I'm spinning about the same yardage per day though since I'm aiming for fingering weight now.
I'm looking forward to a great weekend of spinning some roving I dyed recently and perhaps a bit of berry picking as well.
Happy Fiber Friday!
This year's tour is really different. Instead of a skein a day or more (I really did 8 skeins a week) I am only doing 2 skeins this first week.
What happened? I'm not doing bulky singles this time.
The last few days I've been working on this roving I picked up at the Black Sheep Gathering this year. It's pretty, soft, and easy to spin.
I took a little over 4 oz, split it in half, and spun up two fine singles. I started plying them together yesterday and hope to finish that today.
Yes, I've slowed down, sort of. It's okay. I think I'm spinning about the same yardage per day though since I'm aiming for fingering weight now.
I'm looking forward to a great weekend of spinning some roving I dyed recently and perhaps a bit of berry picking as well.
Happy Fiber Friday!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Tour de Fleece - opening weekend
I'm spinning again! After a long hiatus I'm happy to report that some real spinning happened this weekend.
Day 1: July 5, 2008: Brest to Plumelec
Despite opening day jitters, I sat down at the wheel and started spinning up some fiber as if I hadn't just taken a break for the better part of a year. Just like riding a bike, it came back to me.
The fiber is a blend of mohair, wool and alpaca in a natural charcoal color. I bought it from Bear Dog Fiber at this year's Black Sheep Gathering. It's soft, fluffy, and easy to spin.
I split the roving in half and spun up two singles as thin as I could do them on my bulky flyer. I used a trick I had read about where you zigzag the yarn through the hook to slow the draw... it works!
This is all rather shocking because:
1. I haven't spun in ages
2. I never spin thin or consistent
3. I rarely spin just one kind of fiber
4. I usually spin art yarns
So, my style is evolving. I thought this might happen after such a long break.
Day 2: July 5, 2008: Auray to Saint-Brieuc
A day for plying. I sat down at the wheel and watched the Tour de France and plyed the charcoal yarn.
I think it looks good. I'll have a better idea how I feel about this yarn tomorrow when I wind it onto the niddy noddy and can count the yards.
In summary:
Just like in the actual Tour de France, I declare my own spinning challenge to be off to a great start!
Day 1: July 5, 2008: Brest to Plumelec
Despite opening day jitters, I sat down at the wheel and started spinning up some fiber as if I hadn't just taken a break for the better part of a year. Just like riding a bike, it came back to me.
The fiber is a blend of mohair, wool and alpaca in a natural charcoal color. I bought it from Bear Dog Fiber at this year's Black Sheep Gathering. It's soft, fluffy, and easy to spin.
I split the roving in half and spun up two singles as thin as I could do them on my bulky flyer. I used a trick I had read about where you zigzag the yarn through the hook to slow the draw... it works!
This is all rather shocking because:
1. I haven't spun in ages
2. I never spin thin or consistent
3. I rarely spin just one kind of fiber
4. I usually spin art yarns
So, my style is evolving. I thought this might happen after such a long break.
Day 2: July 5, 2008: Auray to Saint-Brieuc
A day for plying. I sat down at the wheel and watched the Tour de France and plyed the charcoal yarn.
I think it looks good. I'll have a better idea how I feel about this yarn tomorrow when I wind it onto the niddy noddy and can count the yards.
In summary:
Just like in the actual Tour de France, I declare my own spinning challenge to be off to a great start!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Tour de Fleece Eve
Can you believe it? The Tour starts tomorrow! This is what I spun on the opening day of last year's tour:
This year? Some things are still the same:
1. I love yarn
2. I love the Tour de France (despite the organization's intentions otherwise)
3. I love reading about what everyone is up to with their spinning
4. I love seeing pictures of what other people are spinning
5. I love the idea that we can turn a haircut into a wearable garment with a few steps
6. Homespun yarn is cool
7. Community is cool
8. I am still here
9. You are still here
10. We are still friends
Good luck tomorrow! See you on the finish line!
This year? Some things are still the same:
1. I love yarn
2. I love the Tour de France (despite the organization's intentions otherwise)
3. I love reading about what everyone is up to with their spinning
4. I love seeing pictures of what other people are spinning
5. I love the idea that we can turn a haircut into a wearable garment with a few steps
6. Homespun yarn is cool
7. Community is cool
8. I am still here
9. You are still here
10. We are still friends
Good luck tomorrow! See you on the finish line!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Knitscene Fall 08 Preview
...Looks like a really good issue! Check it out here.
Yes, I am being obnoxious because I have a pattern in this issue: Kimono Socks!
I will (cough cough) probably mention this again when the magazine becomes available. I'll apologize now for the forthcoming braggery.
When? On newsstands July 22, 2008.
Yes, I am being obnoxious because I have a pattern in this issue: Kimono Socks!
I will (cough cough) probably mention this again when the magazine becomes available. I'll apologize now for the forthcoming braggery.
When? On newsstands July 22, 2008.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Black Sheep Gathering 2008
It was awesome! Wanna see?
This Alpaca was named Stephen Colbert.
OK, great. But what you really want to know is, what did I buy?
Bamboo roving,
natural dyestuff,
natural roving,
pretty roving,
French breed roving (for the Tour de Fleece),
a non-ironic alpaca shirt,
...and some mill ends medium weight Socks That Rock from Blue Moon Fiber Arts!
I did not pick up weaving or rug hooking yet. I did, however, buy my first natural dye stuff and feel like that could be the start of a new addiction. Time will tell.
Somehow I managed to stay within my budget, but it was reallyreallyreally hard. I'm especially happy that I now finally want to spin again, which is something I was really hoping would happen.
I wish I could tell you more about this massive fiber fest but it was a wee bit overwhelming and I wouldn't know where to start. Or end. So I'll end it here instead.
This Alpaca was named Stephen Colbert.
OK, great. But what you really want to know is, what did I buy?
Bamboo roving,
natural dyestuff,
natural roving,
pretty roving,
French breed roving (for the Tour de Fleece),
a non-ironic alpaca shirt,
...and some mill ends medium weight Socks That Rock from Blue Moon Fiber Arts!
I did not pick up weaving or rug hooking yet. I did, however, buy my first natural dye stuff and feel like that could be the start of a new addiction. Time will tell.
Somehow I managed to stay within my budget, but it was reallyreallyreally hard. I'm especially happy that I now finally want to spin again, which is something I was really hoping would happen.
I wish I could tell you more about this massive fiber fest but it was a wee bit overwhelming and I wouldn't know where to start. Or end. So I'll end it here instead.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tour de Fleece 2008
The Tour de France is coming! It begins on Saturday, July 5th. I can hardly believe it's been another year but here we are again and I am really excited. Welcome to the third annual Tour de Fleece - an online spin-along for people who spin yarn and play with fiber.
This year there are some changes. Actually, let's call them improvements. We have teams and prizes!
The first Tour de Fleece was in 2006. We had 16 spinners and a lot of fun. Last year was much bigger, with 138 spinners, and even more fun. I wonder how many we'll get this year?
The concept is simple, They spin, we spin. A real spinning themed spin-along.
Want to participate? There are three ways. You choose - do one, two or all three:
1. Sign up in the comments here. Please include a link to your blog if you have one.
2. We also have a Flickr pool here. Join the group and show off your homespun in the pool!
3. (NEW THIS YEAR) Be sure to check out the Ravelry group as well. There is already a lot of action happening over there!
If you want to give it a try, or just follow our progress, or are a fan of the Tour de France, JOIN!
Guidelines (NOT RULES):
1. Spin every day the Tour rides, if possible. Saturday July 5th through Sunday July 27th. Days of rest: Tuesday July 15th, Monday July 21st. (Just like the actual tour)
2. Spin something challenging Wednesday July 23rd. (The last hard climbing mountain stage in the Tour - the famous L’Alpe-d’Huez)
3. Take a button if you want one. Then we can use the button on our blogs in show of solidarity. Take it from here or grab a clean one from the flickr pool.
4. Wear yellow on Sunday July 27th to announce victory. Why not wear yellow on any day you feel particularly successful? (Yellow is the color of the race leader in the Tour - but here we are all ‘race leaders’)
5. Other colors if desired: Green (sprinter - think FAST), Polka-dot (climber - as in uphill), and white (rookie)
Teams: Join one, or many, or none. Sign up here or in the Ravelry group. (I can't stress enough how great the Ravelry group is)
- Peloton (The main group. Everyone is in the peloton at some point)
- Rookies (first years)
- Sprinters (fast and/or high mileage like lace)
- Climbers (conquer mountains, big personal challenges)
- Breakaway (Art yarns)
- Lantern rouge (You will participate as much as possible but you may skip days here and there. Cheerleaders welcome.)
- Wildcards (This is for people who want to form their own team. This includes sponsored teams, like those affiliated with a specific fiber shop or people who live in the same town, etc.)
The teams are inspired by the actual Tour de France.
Prizes: (more on this later)
So far we have some fantastic fiber-related prizes donated. We could use more. Just let me know if you want to donate. Email starina AT hotmail D0T C0M. Sorry not to make it a clickable link, I get enough spam as it is.
Start training... NOW!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are 401 Tour de Fleece members on Ravelry!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extra special players who sign up here & TEAMS:
Peloton: (EVERYONE - people who sign up in the comments here - way more on Ravelry)
1.Star (me)
2. Carole Knits
3. Funfairiegirl
4. Twinkle Toes
5. Heartknits
6. Sonja
7. Laminathegreat
8. Blogless Ebeth
9. Mel
10.Janice in GA
11. Anne
12. Soprano Spinner
13. Leethal
14. calicokitty6
15. anne-marie
16. Dawn
17. Sarah
18. Blogless Judi
19. Jacki
20. Michelle
21. Katie
22. Jessica
23. Amanda
24. Kiki
25. Knitter106
26. Dawn
27. goldfishgirl
28. Marlana
29. Emily
30. Morgan
31. michele/akkasha
32. marie
33. Linda Watson Mickelberry
34. Opal
35. dragon knitter
36. Jennifer
37. aj
38. selkie-b
39. Pixeldiva
40. Bimakra
41. Therese
42. val
43. thebon
44. betzi
45. spininmamma4
46. beth
47. Walden
48. Rach
49. sgeddes
50. val
51. graybastian
52. Rachel
53. Melissa
54. chelle
55. Phyllis
56. Kit
57. Uli
58. Judith Detert-Moriarty
59. Lauren
60. Jaime
61. Sally comes unraveled
62. Kristal
63. Bellavitafarm
64. Spinnerlady
65. Trillian42
66. Deb
67. Aimee
68. Melanie
69. kitten
70. Jen the bread freak
Subgroups: (you can join one, none, or several)
Rookies:
Twinkle Toes
Sonja
Mel
Anne
Leethal
Dawn
Katie
Amanda
Kiki
Knitter106
Emily
michele/akkasha
Linda Watson Mickelberry
Opal
Therese
Rach
sgeddes
val
Melissa
chelle
Kit
Uli
Jaime
Sally comes unraveled
Kristal
Bellavitafarm
Trillian42
Deb
kitten
Jen the bread freak
Sprinters:
Heartknits
Mel
Janice in GA
Opal
selkie-b
thebon
Climbers:
Twinkle Toes
Linda Watson Mickelberry
Rach
Breakaways:
Star (me)
Leethal
Jacki
Lantern Rouge:
betzi
Phyllis
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