BLUE TOE SPINNER

Now that the holiday is over, I can show you the little things I made. These are the bookmarks I made for people at work and for some of my nieces and nephews. They are the Harry Potter Scarf bookmarks from "Charmed Knits". They are made from DMC #5 Floss on #1 circular needles. The multi-colored ones in the center I just threw together to use up some of the leftover floss. They were so fun to make. I'm still working on the Magic Loops socks and still trying to work on a hat for my son and a lacy top for my daughter-in-law. I was able to spend some time with family this year. It was a very special time for Mumsy and me. May the Lord bless you all this season and in the new year to come!

This is my first handspun sock yarn. It is made from Louet Northern Lights roving. Two strands lollipop and one strand circus. I have started knitting the socks, using the Magic Loop method. Also a first. I can't believe how difficult it is to find a pattern to do this. I elected to do cuff down. But, I wasn't able to find a pattern for this. So, I guess I will wing it. I bought a book that shows how to knit two socks on two circular needles. This introduced too many factors into the mix, (which cable goes to which needle end..., what sock am I on...?) I am still determined to see the project to the finish, hopefully before my new Guild meeting in January. Oh, I also have to thrum something by then, too.

I finished the two infant hats for my granddaughter (due in January). The yarn is Debbie Bliss' cashmerino. I knitted the five petal flower, which I had never done before, but it was great fun! I raided Mumsy button box and used these vintage buttons. This hat pattern, also made from cashmerino, is an original. In honor of my granddaughter the pattern is called Hayley's Button hat. Catchy, ah? A co-worker has ordered one of each (pink and navy blue). The story of my spinning wheels: The first year I learned to spin I purchased an Ashford Traditional. It was rescued from non-use and was refurbished by Julie Caldwell. She gave me "such a deal"! And in honor of my great aunt Emmeline Pratt Bluth, (who was a spinner, knitter, seamstress extraordinare), I named this wheel Emm. I am of the belief that things work better if they have a name. My car's name is Bob. Anyway, for my birthday this year I decided to buy a traveling wheel. This time I bought a HitchHiker from T...

Conquering Fears I am just going to jump right in and blog. How's that?! I have had an amazing weekend!! Saturday, Maureen was so very kind and came to my home to show me how to use my Ashford drum carder (that I have had for 2 years). With a few minor adjustments we were able to mind-meld and it cards beautifully. Maureen helped me conquer my fear of the crazy thing and now I am on fire!! A couple years ago I bought some wonderful raw fleece from Heindselman's. It is a beautiful brown with (what I think is wonderful), sun-bleached tips. This is the fiber I chose to card. It came out a lovely heather-y colour. I look forward to long and happy relationship with my Ashford Drum Carder. And I am very grateful for Maureen's kindness in sharing her time and experience with me. Mumsy is recovering nicely from her surgery and treatments for breast cancer. She is my very best friend and I am very grateful I get to keep her longer. She is my greatest support and the best fiber en...