A horse is a horse of course...

or rather, in this case, a yak is a yak, of course! This lusciousness arrived yesterday...


I'm excited to have the chance to design for Bijou Basin Ranch yarns, especially when I get the chance to play with their fabulous yak yarn! Eee! The task has already met with complications, namely my perfectionist friend who sits on my shoulder constantly critiquing my every movement. Graphing out the shawl, while making me want to pull my hair out for the past week, has finally (we hope) reached a stage of satisfaction.

The lovely feeling of completion

It comes at random moments, but when I have completed something, it is a fabulous sensation - a sense of calm, contentment, and glee all rounded up into a happy sigh. Ahhh...

On Monday, my two cardigans for Creative Knitting were mailed off complete with schematics, charts, and all the goodies necessary for a good pattern. They looked fabulous, if I may say so myself, and once again, I shout out amazing thanks to South West Trading Company and Plymouth Yarns for their inspirational support. I wish I could show you pictures, but, you can see them in all their glory this November.

I also completed the unthinkable. Yes. I actually cleaned my desk. GASP! I will not embarrass myself with pictures of the "before," but will proudly show off the after...





It's not ideal as have dreams of an actual office (this is squeezed into the corner of my bedroom), but I think it satisfies considering the size of our town home. You know your desk was a site of disaster when your husband stands in awe at the new look.

The pink yarn on top of the table is delicious. A soft, summery yarn perfect for the design I have going into a book! SERIOUSLY! I get to be in a book! :)

My sock knitting class is nearing the end of their sessions and are cranking out fantastic socks! But, I'm gearing up for a new summer session at Recycled Lamb with these two classes:

• New Pathways for Socks - we will be learning the Coriolis Sock (toe-up version) from Cat Bordhi's book on Monday nights (5/3-5/24) at 6pm. 
• Socks for Newbies - because I am determined to have handknit socks take over the world... learn the basics (and ALL the tips and tricks that will last you a life time) on Mondays (7/5 to 7/26) at 6p

Swing by the shop if you are interested in signing up.

It's My Birthday

and I will knit if I want to...
     knit if I want to...
          knit if I want tooooo.....

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes. =)

The creative minds of some...

I am not quite ... um ... creative enough to come up with fancy art yarn like this

But, I did try my hand at art yarn this week. I used a merino/tencel blend in "Mallard" by Tina (Sugarbubby). About 73 yards in a worsted to bulky weight. I spun silk flowers (attached to fingering weight sock yarn) and beaded wedding ribbon (which wants to be obstinate and some have started to wiggle themselves out).

Taking it easy...

If that is even a possibility for me. :)
I spent some time spinning up a gift of fiber into this:


Worsted weight (12 wpi), approx 118 yards, and the perfect colors to treat a beach friend this x-mas.

I've also been finishing up a sock order. Nothing fancy, but the colors are cheerful


And I am determined to turn this into a stunning work of art for a TLC "Green for Colleen" stocking next week. I think she'd be pleased... the fiber is soft as a baby's bum (and I should know)

Finally!

I've been quite the busy bunny, to the point of becoming overwhelmed, but I decided to step back and spin some yarn this past weekend. Relaxing, energizing, and fun! I'm now ready to plow ahead through my week!

The next best thing to yarn is a sink full of nearly-finished yarn


I think my plying is becoming more consistent! Yea! This is "Ellyll" by MM, 100% Merino Roving, 2ply, sport to fingering weight. I spun about 643 yads




My friend Pat gave me a beautiful batt called "Starry Night" that I decided to just play with. 95% alpaca with 5% angelina, 3 ply, bulky weight


And sweet, sweet Angela from Fairy Blue sent me this fabulous fiber today. Can't wait to spin it this week!

Discovery

No longer shall I struggle with one particular vector program, trying to force it to move faster, cooperate with my commands, or streamline my efficiency! I've discovered that, for me, Adobe does not have a wickedly high learning curve. The free trial version of Illustrator was actually SO much easier to figure out ('course it helped to have Marnie guiding me along).  Therefore, I beg more of you to purchase my patterns so I can pay the hefty ticket price without too much pain. :::big cheesy smile:::

As far as the eye can see...

These are busy days, my friend. Busy days as far as the eye can see. And I am not quite so sure how I feel about it!

Regardless, beautiful things are afoot. Cardigan #1 is complete. While a bit itchy, I can't help but love the look of Plymouth Galway


Cardigan #2 is nearing completion, too. The patterns for both are nearly complete, but charts and schematics are always delayed for as long as possible (tee hee).

I'm plying some beautiful Ellyll from MM

But am already eye-balling some fiber dyed up by ATTD (LOVE Lamar!!).