What I Did (Dyed) This Week

I finally sat down this week and dyed something for myself! Yes, finally! All these months of dyeing, and never did I once say, "I need to create something special for myself".. but, here it is:

10 different shades of green, 10 mini-stripes... I give you IRELAND :)



I think I'll start knitting these once I finish up my sockpal socks. Now, I just need to get to Ireland to see if the colors fit. May 20th, can't wait!

In other dyeing news, I did a few new colorways this week in addition to the 60 or so other skeins that are all now on their way to their new homes. Here is Rockstar (thanks for the name Alison) and Black Olive (this one is for you Paula!).



And last but not least, a big thanks goes out to Raquel for sending me a HUGE Bath and Body Works bag. I have such great customers! She sent me this bag to carry all my packages in :)

No More Bathtub

I am loving these nice sunny, breezy days! The yarn is drying in a few hours rather than the few days it took all winter in my bathroom. Scott loves the fact that everytime he goes to take a shower, he doesn't have to shuffle yarn around for 15 minutes first :) I always have loved Spring, but this kicker just makes it even better!

Here is the first rinsed batch outside drying. These and some others are going to be posted tonight (April 18th) between 5:30 and 7:30pm. I have lots of Taos, Raspberry Limeade, Blacksmith, Neapolitan and Shamrock showing here:



In knitting news, I started a new project on Friday! I was hoping this was going to be quick, but it looks like this new Kiko yarn is being difficult. Its a mostly cotton yarn with all these little twists and kinks in it (Kiko is so the perfect name for this yarn). Therefore, the knitting is slow.. I am just about done with the back and its taken me probably 10 hours of knitting time. Owell, hopefully I can devote a good chunk of time again this week and get cracking on the front!

Ready, Set...

Scott and I have both been working hard these past few months and decided it was time for a vacation. So, on May 20th, we are heading here for two weeks:




Any guesses? No?! Well, maybe this will help:



I am so excited, you have no idea! We really wanted to go while in college, but lets face it, we couldn't afford it. So, for two weeks, we'll be exploring Ireland by car, bike and foot. Oh, and, look at all the sheep (aka. yarn)!

Inspiration

Another big bag(s) is joining me on my errands today since 50 skeins sold in about 15 minutes yesterday over at Sunshine Yarns! Phew! You people know how to shop! Thank you everyone for your support and wonderful comments. I got so many amazing emails, it really makes the whole experience even more rewarding on my end. And here are the bags once again (you can see where I shop too!):



I also got lots of emails yesterday asking where the inspiration comes from. Like most other amazing yarn dyers out there, much of my inspiration comes from nature. I am a big outdoors person... I think I would be a permanent camper/traveler/hiker if I didn't have work, bills, etc. Growing up in Colorado made it easy to become inspired by the beautiful things around me. I learned to appreciate it all from a very early age and believe that nature itself formed who I am today (environmental scientist/yarn-crazed-dyer/knitter). Here is just a snapshot of what I see in a few of my colorways:







So, take a stroll outside today and see what inspires you... afterall, its Spring and a gorgeous day here in Boston!

Sockapaloooza

I need to get crack'in on my sock pal socks. Last weekend I dyed up some yarn for her in lovely pinks and lime greens. This is one of the only times you will ever see me knitting with pink, so enjoy it while it lasts! I originally started out with the Falling Leaves pattern, but then switched to the Embossed Leaves from Winter IK after having some sizing issues. These are perfect! My only concern is that the cuff is going to be too tight for her.... they stretch out right?!?

Dangers of Working At A Yarn Store

As you can see below, working at a yarn store is dangerous. Most of my purchases are small, but every once in a while, when you just can't resist...



Yes, I did it Johanna. Check it... 8 skeins of Debbie Bliss Pure Silk in THE MOST GORGEOUS SHADE OF ORANGE EVER!!! My plans are to make this little cap sleeve summer top.



Another big purchase was for the skirt on the cover of the Spring Vogue. I have 6 skeins of chocolate brown as the main color. Call me boring, but pink is just not my thing! I think the brown will be fabulous in the spring and fall (if I can get it knit for this spring) since it can go with almost any color.



And I thought I had officially finished Scott's cardigan two nights ago; however, I am not happy with the dark colored thread on the orange zipper. The collar is a bit big, so it flops over in the front and makes the zipper stitching too much of a focus for me to handle. So, this weekend I am in charge of redoing it once again in a clear nylon thread (which I had no clue existed until work yesterday). Then a little more blocking, and hopefully I'll have pictures for you soon!

Sock Love

Just a little sock love for my readers today! Its dreary here in Boston and I am in the process of reorganzing the sock stash. Look at all those Earth tones!

A Little Bit Of Knitting

The past two weeks have been busy and I haven't had much time to knit. Luckily, I am in love with Artyarns Supermerino yarn and can bust out a pair of socks in a week or so with just a minimal amount of time. So, here they are, my new comfy pair of socks that joined Scott and I at Coldplay in Manchester, NH last night. If you haven't seem them live, you MUST. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. It makes me want to be a rockstar. Maybe in my next life ;)

Oh, and I just have to mention the pooling issue with these socks. I still love Artyarns, but man, these two socks are totally different (same dyelot)! Not only do they pool differently, but the lighter colors are a bit different between the two. I have two more skeins to make a pair for Scott, but think I am going to exchange these for another colorway he likes alot :)



Project specs:
Pattern: Just a basic ribbed sock.
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino #143
Measurements: Made to fit a women's US9.
Started: March 24, 2006
Finished: April 2, 2006
Other Details: I did the magic loop method on a US5. I cast on 44 sts to start for those that are interested :) Two skeins is just enough yarn to make a 7" leg.