Romp in the Snow

Last weekend I was mowing the yard and riding my motorcycle. This weekend was snow and ice. It's crazy but Kansas weather is just like that. It was an unexpected change and made for a very enjoyable weekend. Tomorrow the snow will melt and Spring will be here once again. I took the opportunity to click some pics of Duke playing in the snow. He was just as excited about the change as I was.

Saturday Night Yarn

It was another great day of lounging around the house. I wanted to start a new knitting project but found I didn't have the right size needles. I had no desire to get out and plow through the snow so I decided to spend some time with my wheel and fiber from Art Club instead. The fiber an assorted superwash mix (Jumble Bag) that I spun and plied for (9 wraps to the inch) worsted yarn. I'm really liking the look of mixed fibers and colors.

Kicking Back

The weatherman is predicting 8-12" of snow so I decided to take the day off from work for my own SNOW DAY. I know, it's shocking -- I like to enjoy a snowy, blustery day at home kicked back by the fireplace with my knitting. In fact, that's what my boss asked if I was going to do for the day and I had to fess up without an ounce of guilt. Well, knitting-wise it's been a very productive day. I finished another pair of Pebble Rib socks. As for the rest of the weekend - BRING ON THE SNOW!

Pebble Rib Rides

I've discovered a sock pattern that fully accommodates my riding boots in Ann Norling's Play on Ribs pattern, Pebble Rib. I initially thought the 10" ribbed cuff was somewhat long but went along with it. Turns out they're the perfect length to wear riding and now I'll have to make a few more pairs for some upcoming road trips.

A Day in Abilene

Work usually takes me to or through Abilene, KS but today was a road trip day with mom. We especially enjoy spending time together listening to music and talking on the road. So when you add in shopping, antiques and margaritas -- needless to say, we really have a good time. In Abilene, you can treat yourself to handmade jewelry by Tracine, handpoured candles at Cypress Bridge and yarn/roving at the Shivering Sheep. There are five antique shops and in one of them I was delighted to see a booth filled with Longaberger baskets. It was hard deciding upon getting a hat box basket or this Weekend Tote with leather handles and zippered lining. I can see myself filling this tote with road trip stuff and/or knitting projects. It was a very good find and as always, it wasn't difficult to find a few things that made the trip worthwhile!

Rowan Valour

I was inspired by a sample of this Valour Vest at The Studio in KC made from Rowan's newest chunky dyed yarn, Colourscape. Of course, I had to knit mine in a southwest colorway and ended up using one less skein than the pattern suggested. Then I decided to (purposely) lightly felt my new work of art for a firmer fit.

Correidale

I'm on a roll with this spindle business. I took my new project to work today and spun under my desk during my lunch -- and no one knew what I was up to. This is Correidale (sheep) roving from A to Z Farm in Tijeras, NM that I picked up at the Taos Wool Festival last year.

Handspun Bliss

This is my very first spin. It was a batt of all kinds of fibers (2 oz.) I purchased at Twist prepared by Custer Cottage called "Everything But The Kitchen Sink." I could have chosen an easier fiber to start with but unique yarn like this is the whole reason I want to spin in the first place. There are some thick and thin areas but overall I'm very happy.

Drop Spindle Class

Laura did a great job in teaching us to spin and ply wool into yarn on a drop spindle this morning at Twist. Jessica, Jennie and I had our spindles spinning in the air in no time. It's definitely a slower process but I thought it would be a good first step for me to learn how to draft fiber before actually sitting down at the wheel. I'm going to practice this technique until my spinning classes with my new wheel start at the end of the month.

Ready To Spin

Yep, I'm gonna do it - I want to be a spinner and expand upon my love affair with fiber. I debated my wheel choice for over a year and recently decided upon on an Ashford Joy. It's compact size and portability is a plus and I'm very happy I took the advice of others and opted for a double treadle. It came out of the box practically assembled and I spent the evening getting acquainted with all the parts and control of treadling. It is very smooth and it makes a soft, little whizzing sound like a hummingbird. Yes, I'm in love, again, with a new hobby and spinning classes will follow.

Bridesmaids

I'm gonna be a bridesmaid!! Sharon had her first fitting with two of her bridesmaids and flowergirl in tow. We've got until November to squeeze into our pretty red dresses. Until then, we've got some riding to do!