I Resolve

I really, really want to learn to crochet. Yes, I do. As a result of Gingy giving me a lesson in crochet at today's Spin-in, I resolve to crochet for at least 10 minutes per day until I finish my first project. So, here's the result of my first attempt when I got home:I've dubbed this my summer of shawls, so naturally, I've started hooking a simple shawl using chain, single crochet and double treble crochet stitches. I'm using some Sanguine Gryphon yarn I picked up last summer in Seasock Fuzzy Navel. Very happy colorway. Whatcha think so far?

Speaking of The Sanguine Gryphon...our dear Gryphon hosts a spin-in every month (I know, how lucky are we?), and of course, the afternoon is never complete without a little shopping.

Sarah dyed these beauties in Little Traveller. The tones remind me of summer, beaches, seaglass. Oh, how I love summer. Are you wondering what I shall knit with this? Why, a shawl, of course.

Studiolove

Don'tcha just love seeing the creative spaces that belong to other people? I find artist's studio's to be so inspiring. I used to dream of having a space to call my own in this little cottage that we call home. Then one weekend last year, when I was away on an annual retreat, my sweet family created a space just for me. They're forever giving me gifts of service when I go away. It's their way of showing how much they love me, appreciate me, and miss me when I'm gone. They decked the halls with artwork all their own. It is so very endearing. Wanna peek?
Here's a glimpse:

My space is so cozy. Here's a shot of my stash organization:

My dyeing supplies:

A close-up of some kid art and supplies:

And a girl's gotta have a comfy knitting chair, yes?

Not pictured is a cool armoire for storing a computer, office supplies, shipping supplies, etc. I also have a light box for photographing my work. It's a sweet little space, completely designed a decorated by the ones I love the most. Therein lies the charm for me. Imagine my surprise to be welcomed home with such a gift of love. It means the world to me.

Yarn is Such a Wonderful Thing

The world has a new spinner. Yes, it does. So, this post is for you. I won't tell the world your name, but you know who you are:) I gave a spinning lesson this evening to a natural. She worked a chunky art batt like nobody's business. Never once did the spindle fall. Yarn was made. Yarn is such a wonderful thing. Onward, little yarnie. Here's hoping you knit your own handspun real soon. You're awesome.
Here's what Eutrapelia's been spinning lately:

This has been a fun little spin from a Ravelry swap that Julie invited me to join. Here's a pic of the scrappies I received in the swap. I added a few strips from some Hype batts to extend the fun yardage on this one.

I'm thinking a bag of some sort. Any ideas?
Speaking of bags, I've wound some of the fat yarn I posted about to cast on for a felted fat sack. Here goes:


Mmmmmmmm. Chomping at the bit on this one. Committed to finish the Debbie Bliss Dress with Eyelets, I didn't dare cast on for this instant gratification or else no deadline knitting would have transpired. I know you know what I'm talking about. So very glad the baby dress is off the needles now. When I picked it up to sew the button on today, I noticed Cheeto crumbs on the front of the dress. Now which of my 7 children do I have to thank for that one? Can you even imagine being up against seventy little fingers on a daily basis? Please tell me that you don't see the orange Cheeto crumbs any more.



This is a precious little knit. Baby knits are so fun for me. Debbie Bliss is my fave. The simplicity really appeals to me. This was knit using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino in ivory.

Oh, how I love yarn.

Lost

I know, I know. The whole world watches Lost. I started watching when the pilot aired years ago. I even hung in there for several episodes. Then, I just couldn't get my head around the sci-fi kinda weird mysterious black smoke monster thing. My intellect just wouldn't accept this as believable. I couldn't just go with it. I bailed.
Fast forward to Summer '09. Now I'm just sick of hearing about Lost and all the mystique surrounding it. I tried to get back into it, but that flashback/fastforward thing the director has going on just didn't let me in. So, I caved. Yes, I did. I went out and rented every last episode and have been Lost marathoning ever since. But, lest you think I've just been watching Lost at the expense of everything else in my life...
I've been knitting away on my first lace project. It's also my first shawl. It's my own pattern using Dragonflyfiber Designs Gaia Lace yarn in Sandstorm that I purchased from The Homespun Yarn Party. I'm really loving this knit. The yarn is 55% silk, 45% cashmere. Heavenly.