Double Pointed

Remember when I had no 7's? I have a gazillion double pointed knitting needles. I have 0's and 1's and 2's mostly because I like to knit socks. I have metal and coated metal and bamboo and birch. They are everywhere, sticking out of everything.

So, when I had to knit some Madrona Fiber Retreat homework on size 7's, I remember bearing sub-zero winter cold temperatures in January, 2008 to walk from one retreat building down (a little hill) about 1/2 block to another retreat building to purchase a set of size 7 Cascade double pointed (bamboo) knitting needles (DPN's). I did all of this begrudgingly because 1) hand surgery had one of my knitting hands in a brace, 2) it was cold, 3) a different brand of DPN's is my preference, not the one available, 4) it was a half block, 5) it was warm inside and I had to go outside.

Yesterday, I was looking in my project stash and came across the end of a skein, AND NEEDLES that I used to make my neighbor's Umbilical Cord baby hat. Size 7' DPN's. This "baby" is 5 years old now.

And, I recently bought some size 7 DPN's to knit Maine Morning Mitts. I bought TWO sets, because I like to knit pairs sequentially and simultaneously.

I got 7's. They're comin' outta my ears.

Seeds and Chocolate

It was my B'day the other day . . . I
got these seed packets. And a little chocolate. Both from My Daughter.
There was a flurry of cards and well-wishes. Some cheese and pizza. Just a very nice day.

Economy Wise

Do This:

3/50

That's a LOT of yarn!

This, My Dears, is a "kilo" of yarn from a small village in Chile. I will have more details on the origin when My Husband returns; however, when looking through Lonely Planet (Chile), the descriptions of yarn being available in the local markets--this is it.

It's really "spun" and quite boing-ey. And there is a LOT. I think I have a plan, tho. Think Lopi, top-down with a round neck design; short, cropped with 3/4 sleeves. I got a big gob of green from My Husband's 2007 trip to Chile. Maybe, if he goes back, I can make a 3-color sweater. Green and cream (this) and whatever color he brings me next time!

Chile

My Husband has been in Chile since the end of February . . . he sent this home:




He has been reporting of the yarn that he found, sold in kilos in Chile. And, of some raw wool. He did say that it cost a lot to send the package, but emptied his backpack! Can't wait!

Dear Hunting

Today, it is rainy and blahk outside. Not black, blahk. AND, the birds are twittering.

I have some free fiber to try spindling again. I think my "free" fiber is less easy than what I got from the nice Tactile Fiber Arts women.

I will just know that it's the fiber and not me.

It's Deer-Hunter Orange. I will have to put on sunglasses if I'm going to do this for any length of time.

Drop Spindle Challenge

When I was at Madrona (MFAR), the nice women at Tactile "taught" me how to drop spindle (DS). In less than 2 minutes, I was MAKING yarn. I showed My Friends. Another customer was standing in the booth (and I think she thought) I made it look so easy, she needed to try it, too!

Now, know that there is this "Old Dog" phrasement running through my mind the whole time the whorl is whorling . . . and, that I have tried this before and not been so swell at it.

I made a little fiber into string. Smitten.

I bought a little, tiny YELLOW (I don't really own anything yellow, but it had a happy--not frightening look, like BROWN) drop spindle. And, the woman gave me some verbal tips, and a little spare hair to play with in exchange for my VISA.

I carried my bag up to the hotel room and totally forgot everything she said to me. I would not admit this; however, and looked lovingly at my new drop spindle like it would eventually do that yarn-making thing again. RULE: always write down everything because you're gonna forget it.

I went BACK to Tactile the next day and made sure that I had more fiber to spin. This time, enough for a pair of socks. Pink. I don't own anything pink. More VISA time was exchanged.

So, I came home . . . tried it out a few times here and there and used up that little complimentary grey wool that I got with my DS. Today, I dug in my stash, and found some "free" wool. I think I'm gonna spin "free" for awhile.

The woman at Tactile said I would master this task in 7 hours. I'm about 6 1/2 hours in. My Friend did tell me I she probably did not mean 7 hours at ONCE. Maybe, tho.