Hemlock Ring Blanket in the Works

My latest start is the Hemlock Ring Blanket. I think the center flower design is beautiful!

Once finished, this will be a "Just Because" gift for my sister in-law. Who doesn't loooove an out of the blue "Just Because" gift? I'm sure she will be ever so surprised and will love it. The project is speeding off the needles and will be finished before I know it.

Actually, it is quite strange not knitting a cable, but I'm looking for just that perfect cable scarf for my Twin Brother. The old cable needle will be back in action before we know it.

Hello Silver Belle

As promised, a photo shoot of Silver Belle.

Another project resulting a tad on the large size, but I still adore it! I especially like the over sized buttons. To get the desired look, I purchased white shell buttons and turned them to the Wrong Side!

My next sweater will be knit a size down, apparently I need to check my gauge thru out the project????? Every garment is still a learning experience for me.

(Sorry for the lack of design detail....DH must have not been in a zoom mood today. I will get a better shot soon for posting)

Silence.

Pups in a state of sleep!

Papillion-Dusty

Italian Greyhound-Jazz

Italian Greyhound-Nicholas

Fess-Up Fiber Friday #5

Yarn Details

Brand: Noro

Yarn Name: Transitions

Color: #8 (teal, lime green, purple, lavender, grey and brown)

Content: 55% Wool , Silk, Cashmere, Alpaca, Angora, Mohair

Skein Weight: 100g

Project Plans: Holly from Naturally Noro Edition

Comments: Noro Transitions is probably my favorite Noro yarn of all and will be my second project using it. This cozy turtle neck will be a quick and simple knit.

___________________See Baa Baa at work!__________________

I Got Surprise

L@@kie... this is what I received in the mail from Ireland today! My new blogging friend, Ille, hand-made and sent me these lovely stitch markers...she made them especially for me, but you could purchase a set from her (check out her blog). They are so unique, so sweet and I assure you, Ille, you will see them on a project very soon. Thank you Ille, I love them!

Fess-Up Fiber Friday #4

This yarn was purchased at the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair (SAFF) in October, 2006. A group of Knit Picky knitters band together for a couple of days of yarn drooling, knitting classes, wine sipping, and tons of laughter and fellowship! The fiber animals at this show were amazing, all knitters adore Angora Rabbits, Angora Goats, Llamas and Alpacas.

Actually I have a rather funny SAFF animal story to share you. so here goes! Most anxious to see the Llamas and Alpacas, several of us were eagerly marching up a small incline to see and touch these fabulous fiber animals when someone (like me) stepped in a sweet pile of Llama Do Do!!!! Never let it be said that I would do anything half way....I even wore the perfect shoes for such an event...shoes with LOTS OF CUT OUTS in the sole ( you know a gal wouldn't want to slip or slide)! Well, my mishap turned from embarrassment to hilarious as this group of knitters were all trying to find sticks, long grass and any source of water to clean up a stinking situation. We had every one's attention with our laughter and joking around!

Yarn Details

Yarn Name: ??

Brand: Plain & Fancy Sheep & Wool Company

Color: Scarlet

Content: 100% Wool

Skein Weight: 400 yards

Project Plans: Two Old Bags Shawl

The End of a Close Relationship

Yes, it is ever so difficult to end a long and meaningful relationship, even when you know it's the right thing for both parties! For sure you will miss the early morning and late night conversations, the sharing of small and large events of the day, that special feeling of being touched...you wonder over and over again if you have the strength to give all this up and put closure to this journey. Then the decision is made for you...... THE PROJECT is complete. I still love you Cable Needle but we must now go our separate ways (at least till the next cable project).

With Silver Belle complete and waiting for buttons, I realize I am a strong Knitting Diva and can finally put Mr.Cable Needle behind me and move forward with my life!

My cable needle may now Rest In Peace!

2008 A Time For Others

This will be my first Knit Gift Project in 2008. As I reviewed my first two years of completed projects (with much shame) I admit to gifting only one piece. That will change in 2008!

So happy with everything about this Leaf Lace Scarf and know I will be proud to gift box it for someone special. This will be the first of many hand knits I intend to gift this year. You may possibly see more small projects from me in 2008.

My 2008 gifting plan goes something like this:

Gift 4 knit items..."Just Because" (they may small, they may be large).

Knit at least one project for charity.

When a gift is purchased a small knit piece will be included.

Prepare a Knit Gifting drawer/shelf.

Label all gifts possible (yes, I do have those pre-printed silk labels with my name in stitch).

Stock ribbons and lots of fun packaging materials.

Allow myself time to prepare for fabulous presentations.

As 2008 progresses, some additions may be made to the gifting plan and I WILL allow myself the liberty to be flexible. Ohhhhhhhh, I am Light Headed with excitement!

Now let the Stitch'n Begin

My sheep sneak in a little play time on Silver Belle before the stitch'n begins.

Last evening I actually pinned the garment together (which by the way was rather comical) and did a mini fashion show for my DH. It looks like this will be a nice fit.


I made the decision to add a cable to the bottom of the sleeves, which should really provide a nice finished touch. Also, I decided to not block the piece till finished.

Fess-Up Fiber Friday #3

Is it Friday... Again? Already?

I am sooooo totally beside myself with this latest yarn purchase that I simply MUST use today's Fiber Friday to share my bouquet of colors! Prepare yourself, this is pure happiness............... :o)

Today I received my Peak Brim Flare Crown Star Top Hat kit from Jimmy Bean Wool! This is a design by Kathryn Alexander Designs that will surely put a Gigantic Smile on my and your face. It is probably not an accessory for a wall flower, but if you are one of those that on an occasion wish to Stand Out from the Crowd...then this one is for you too!

This will be my first entrelac project....learning is such an incredible High!

Yarn Details
Brand: 100% Montana Wool
Color: Received 19 Hand Dyed Colors
Skein Weight: Unknown (yarn purchased as a kit)

Project Plans: Peak Brim Flare Crown Star Top Hat

Comments: I will enlarge this hat slightly as I want it to be somewhat floppy!

Fess-Up Fiber Friday #2

Bamboo is a fabulous Spring and Summer fiber and ever so elegant to the eye!

Yarn Details
Brand: RYC
Yarn name: Bamboo Soft
Color: Beaver #106
Content: 100% Bamboo
Skein Weight: 50g = 112yds
Project Plans: Glade
Pattern: Rowan Classic, Book #18, Nature

Comments: There are many beautiful patterns in this issue of Rowan. Actually I have the yarn for yet another project from RC, issue #18 (which you will see on a later Fess-Up Friday). I was not the only one taken back with the designs, my friend, Jeannie purchased the book and yarn to knit a vest! After reading several bloggers experience with this sweater, I will knit it in a size xs and shorten the sleeve length.

There are so many things to love about this project, look at the beautiful bell sleeves, the bobbles, the hem border! B e a u t i f u l ! !

What a Knitter does with Christmas Money.........

....why of course, she will purchase knitting goodies!

Yea, knitting goodies like:

An OTT-LITE Floor lamp from Michaels with a 50% off coupon.

Let me set the record straight....this lamp is awwwesommme!

The height is adjustable.
The lamp tilts.
The base is flat and engineered to place under any chair allowing for additional adjustments.
Fine details are easily and clearly seen.
The Ott-Lite is a "TrueColor" lamp.







And a knitting bag with a matchng accessory purse by ATENTI. A LYS (Knit Picky) just received a shipment of these bags and I chose from a selection of 4 bags. Trust me, the decision was not an easy one as they were all beautiful!

I chose The Gitana. I adore the bling-bling of this chic bag, but I love anything that sparkles or glitters! What a roomy bag for those large projects and of course I have my Silver Belle in it at this very moment.

Diva Holiday Knitting

The Holidays are not only a wonderful time of the year, but also a hectic time of the year with work, baking, cooking, decorating, cleaning, re-cleaning, parties and most important spending time with family and friends. With that said, when does a Knitting Diva have time to knit?? She knits late nights and early mornings.

Knitting is complete on my Silver Belle and the peplum and upper body are ready to be sewn together. This project has been put on hold for a week or so as I want time to give it 100% focus (....I think I feel a day of vacation coming just to commit a full day to finish the project). The construction of SB is unlike any other project I have worked with and I certainly don't want to feel rushed at this late stage of the piece. There will be pics in the next few weeks.


I did start a new lace scarf. It is the Leaf Lace Scarf designed by Twisted Knitter and it is a Free Pattern! I loved the color of the original piece and went to all lengths to find the Malabrigo Yarn Lace in "Lettuce". It was quite apparent that Lettuce was a most popular color selection, but Malabrigo in Lettuce was finally found at Yarn Paradise and was mailed to me promptly (thanks Yarn Paradise Gals-you're the best). Only a few inches have been knit, but thus far I'm finding it a very enjoyable knit while Jazz finds Leaf Lace an enjoyable knit for napping on me.

Relaxation is at it's best when knitting with a loved pet by your side.