Twinkle Shawlette

Since the magazine is now published, I can share the pictures of it.  Look for it in the June 2011 issue of Knit 'N Style magazine.  Jonelle sent me this skein of Little Star, and I loved the colors.  I worked the trial run in Tofutsies, as you can see by the modeling of the DD. 

I didn't have my model the day I needed to send this in, so all I have is it on the blocking mat.  This is a fast and fun project, I can't wait to see what people do with it!

Super Secret knitting revealed

Jonelle of SWTC released a sneak peak of my very first published pattern. Yes, I've self published before, but this is in a magazine! Knit 'N Style, to be exact. There are 2 other great patterns in SWTC yarns as well. Follow the linkie to read on (for those of you who saw it on Facebook, sorry for the repitition-can you tell I'm super excited?):
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/SWTC-Yarn-news-and-free-pattern.html?soid=1101272952566&aid=BVXZy1vfN3k

In spinning news, I picked up some merino/tussah silk at Nezinscot Farms in Turner. They're an organic working farm, the store is GORGEOUS, and they are some of the nicest people around. Plus, they deal in Ashford spinning supplies. I try not to go in very often because of this fact. A knitter can never have too many knitting needles, a spinner can never have too many bobbins.
The fiber is called autum; I'm thinking a Helix Scarf from the newest Spin Off is in order for this yarn. It may even become a gift or a giveaway...

In like an arctic blast

Spring is supposed to start in 19 days.  Tomorrow we're expecting temps in the teens.  Again.  And more snow Sunday/Monday.  This is why rodents should not be allowed to forecast the weather.
I have a design that is coming out in next month's Knit 'N Style that I did for SWTC.  I can't wait for it to be published. 
In other fronts, I did spin up a braid of BFL from serenknity.com in the colorway mums.  I got a 3 ply, 378 yds.  Enough for socks, maybe a shawlette.  We'll see.  I just needed some spring colors.  I'm itching for my lillies to poke their heads through the garden.  Enough snow.

Welcome February!

We're expecting more than a foot of snow by the time this storm moves out tomorrow night.  Isn't March supposed to come in like a lion and out like a lamb?  Anywho, I have enough projects to keep me occupied, and the DD wants me to spin up some angora before I do anything else.  Even the beautiful mohair sent to me by J.  Or the silk hankies sent by L.  She wants bunny yarn.  And since I have an abundance, I think it's time to try this out.  Hopefully we will be dug out by Friday, and will have some postable projects (some of them are still secret knitting).  Stay warm everyone!

January 2011...

snuck up.  Fast.  And when the arctic north opened the door, it was COLD.  So there was mitten knitting.  Believe me, I have this pattern down.  These are quick, knit with Cascade 220 and size 5's.  One skein of each color made 2 pairs of mittens.  Anyone looking for these just email me.  They can be 2 or 3 colors, are 100% wool, and are $17.00 for 2 colors, $20.00 for 3, plus $3.00 for shipping in the US.  I know it sounds expensive, but they will last and are so much thicker and warmer than the ones at certain box stores or gas stations.  And the pattern can be modified if desired.

I got inspired by SWTC's latest yarn, JAZZ.  It's bright, sparkley and surprisingly soft.  The colorway that I used is A002.  I had some Louet Northern lights in Meadow Trail, and well, I'll let the pics speak for themselves:

(DH made the tensioned lazy kate as a christmas present-LOVE it!)

And a close up:

It's approx. 267 yds, 18 WPI and 3 plies.

When I ran out of the JAZZ, I just plied the 2 little singles togther until they ran out (actually, one ran out, I need to ply up the 2nd one into more 2 ply.) It's approx. 241 yds, 21 WPI.

In other knitting, I did finally seam up my Tofu Tee. It's done in SWTC's Tofutsies yarn, and I love the way it turned out.  Head on over to the website to purchase the pattern here.

A cowl done in SWTC's Inspiration (alpaca and soy).  I'm sad that this has been discontinued, I love the blend.   I have more in another color that's destined to be a jacket.

And a close up:

And lastly, a pair of knee-highs for DD's wonderful doctor done in Araucania Ranco Multy. It's Bettie's Lace Stockings by Hana Jason; from Interweave Knits Spring 2009. 
I will not tell you her name, because I want her to stick around here. DD really likes her, and when it comes to making sure all bases are covered, she does a wonderful job. They look skinny, but that's only because they aren't on sock blockers.

And a close up of the pattern:

I've been doing designing and secret knittting that I can't post pix of. Once it's published this summer, I will. Pinkie promise.

We held Dad's memorial/funeral service on the 15th. I would love to thank my bestest friend for being there to lend me her support along with DH. He was a well-loved man who lived life to the absolute fullest he could, even when he was sick. He made the decision to go thru chemo and radiation 4 times to prolong his time with his family. As the BF put it, "Think of it as closing a great book that was so asesome, but because you know the ending you just can't read it again."

Oh, and a gratuitous shot of Dehliah and Bert:

Life and death

Yesterday my dad passed away. It had been expected, he'd been sick for a while. And although we all know that our parents grow older and die, it doesn't make it any easier. He loved much, laughed loudly, and cared deeply. He was proud when SWTC graciously asked me to design socks to be published as a part of Socks a la Carte 3 and was fascinated to watch me spin. He enjoyed reruns of Angel and Charmed. Every Christmas Eve he gathered all the kids and grandkids around him to read "The Night Before Christmas." He battled and beat cancer 4 different times with the stubborness and determination he was know and loved for. These battles weakened his body, but never deterred him from pushing on. Although he will be greatly missed, we are at peace knowing he is free of pain. I love you always daddy. Frederick C. Copeland Sr. 6/7/1944-12/22/2010.

November Rain

I love this song, by Guns 'N Roses.  Plus, that's what the weather has been like the past few days.  It feels like spring, only it's so much colder.  Since most of my knitting is super secret, I can't say anything other than I can't wait for the book to come out. 
On the needles, still sitting there is my Jewels Cardigan by Amy King.  It was meant for handspun, but I have some yummy Dream Big by South West Trading Company in a lovely charcole grey color.  I'm hoping to have enough to make the sleeves a bit longer.  I know it's going to be so warm, which makes it perfect for this time of the year.  There's also a free pattern on this page that I would make if I didn't look like a dork in hats.
Life with a new puppy is much like living with a new baby-no sleep at all.  She's adjusting quite well, even if Bert doesn't always like the fact she's around.
No photos for this entry, hopefully the cardi will be done in the next few days.