This will become that

Here's my very own bit of wishful thinking.

Alchemy Silk Purse yarn in a pretty pink and 4 metres of black ribbon will become this:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTeiffel.html

I'm finally going to be joining in on the current KAL on the Sexy Knitter's Club. It's not as if I need another WIP!

Knitting = Indulgence

Knitting = Beauty

Knitting = Joy

Failed Adventures in Kool-Aid Dying

I bought a 1/2 lb of undyed laceweight wool about 6 months ago. I wanted to try out dying my own yarn. Kool-Aid try #1 failed: not enough powder. Kool-Aid try #2 failed: wrong colour! So, I had to stop by Michaels and buy this:
I'm sure the yarn can't resist the powers of RIT dye! (also: please note I realize the colours in these pics are not the greatest. That's intentional. The yarn dye-job is truly shameful, and so to disguise it as much as possible is to my advantage).

Spyro and the Peek-a-Boo Scarf

Here is my adorable Spyro doll I got for Christmas, sporting my recently finished Peek-a-Boo scarf from KnitScene. It's some ribbon yarn woven through holes made by the pattern. The scarf itself is a hank of Fleece Artist Slub in a beautiful cream colour. Incredibly soft and fluffy!

I haven't yet decided whether to keep the ribbon in or not. It took more than a while to thread it all through. Also, the powerful colours of the ribbon may be a bit overwhelming for the soft cream scarf, I'm not sure.

What is this?

Mystery project. Here's a hint: free Garn Studio pattern. I almost led myself down the path of gauge destruction once again, but luckily some creative blocking cleared that problem up. I'm about 80% done. Hopefully I'll finish soon, and the weather will accomodate me and cool down so I can wear it!

Central Park Hoodie - Final Decision

I've just decided to let it be: no zipper for this CPH. I love the yarn - Karaoke - with it's smooth gradations of silvery-grey and black. Very soft, and incredibly warm! I can't recall how many skeins it took, but I know it was less than the pattern called for. I find that happens with most patterns. Better more than less! There's nothing worse than searching for a yarn to finish a project (except maybe for dropping a load of stitches, or tinking back about 6 rows of twists and cables! and no, I've never had any of that happen to me before...)

Two Little Birds

For today: just a picture-post to display the lovely necklace I received in a swap with Flor from Portugal. It seems I get the nicest packages from people there! Another swap, happening at the same time and from the same country, contained a pair of earring that match. Cosmic!
Knitting will be posted soon, I promise (Steph!)

FO - Lady E

Here it is, my completed Lady E! I really love it. After the first round or two it started to get very repetitive and boring, but I'm very glad I finished it. Eight balls of Noro Silk Garden 208. The fringe is my favourite part.

At first I didn't care much for the reverse side, being a bit "unfinished" or "rustic" as the pattern warns, but now I think I prefer it to the front side.

While I won't be making another one of these any time soon, I can now at least say that I've conquered entrelac. (still not sure about the green on me, but it's my latest yarn colour phase.)

Merry Christmas from the Sanctuary!

Have a good one!

Shhh! It's a Christmas Present

It's almost done! My mom's Christmas present. I hope she likes it (I know she will). It's Fleece Artist Merino Sock yarn in the colourway Forest. I'm on the last chart, the end is near! Blocking will be magic (Christmas magic, if it's dry and wrapped on Christmas morning!)

Behold Lady E Blocking

I was just reading Eunny's blog re: How to Block any Shawl Part Deux, and she says that unless you live in a very humid climate, it should be blocked within a few hours. Certainly not the case here. I'm going to have to wait over a few days for this one. (and I said I'd never block on the floor!)

My Stash is Horrendously Bigger Than Yours

In various places and in multiple ways I have stockpiled away. I do have a method, and it really does make sense! The smaller wicker baskets contain scraps and ribbon yarn (because why did I buy it and what am I going to do with it?) The yellow-handled basket and it's companion plastic bag have the yarn I've been holding on to for ages in order to make a comfy purple/blue afghan.
The hope chest and other baskets are just full. :P They contain most of the stash, with the majority of the acrylics in the wicker baskets, and the WIPS and natural fibres in the chest.
Beat that, Stephanie! :)

Needle Case

I've finally gotten the courage to use the sewing machine, and here's the results: a case for all my knitting needles. While it's not the prettiest case, it does the job and the sheep are perfect for it. I love the colour too. I haven't decided yet how I'm going to keep it closed; maybe a ribbon or two. I still have to sew in the zipper for my Central Park Hoodie, so whenever I finally get around to that, maybe the case will get a closure!

Angry Ives

Way too funny, here is Ives beaking off while sitting on Butter's cage. Beneath him, right at the bottom, you can see Butters looking up at Ives and wondering what he's all angry about!

Birds in Flight

Here's a sampling of the pics I took of my boys this morning. All are Hilts but the close-up at the top. They look so cool in flight!

Swap Angel

Here's a little bear I made for a swap. The wings are just tin foil wrapped around a couple of cardboard cut-outs. I punched holes in the back of them and secured them on the bear with some white thread (to match the dress). I also made a little Santa outfit, but didn't take a pic before I sent it off. I hope my swapee likes it!