Spinning Year End Wrap Up (or how many WIPS can I find)

I am currently spinning a variety of different fibers.  Just like my stitching, I want to finish all the items I have on the go before I start anything new.  And oh are there a lot of pretty things waiting for my attention.

On the Kromski Sonata I am spinning a wool and silk blend.  It is rather sticky and not a lot of fun to spin.  Once it is spun and washed, I think it will be very pretty. 

On my spindles, I am working on a 80/20 BFL and nylon blend in the color Bounty Hunter's Picnic.  This is a long term spin.  I am taking my time and enjoying the process.  The fiber came from a fiber club by Into the Whirled.  Even though it has been in my stash for a couple years, it is spinning like a dream. It wasn't compacted at all.

On the Electric Eel I am working on a fiber from Wisconsin Sheep and Wool.  I don't recall who the vendor was or what type of wool it was.  It is a mixture of wool and sparkle.  Emphasis on Sparkle.  It is oh so pretty and interesting to spin.  I really have to pay attention or I end up with all sparkle or all wool. But I think that may be what is making it fun.

Until next time, Be Safe, Keep the Shiny Side Up and Always Ride Your Own Life ~ Crystal

Weaving & Stitching Year End Wrap Up (or how many WIPS can I find)

I feel as if I have a million projects on the go.  I wanted to do a year end wrap up and discuss my goals for 2022.  But I've got so many WIPs that I think I have to split them into groups based on the type of crafting.  Today I'm going to start with weaving and stitching .

I just learned to weave about a month and a half ago.  I enjoyed it so much that I purchased a rigid heddle loom on the spot.  For my first project, I set up the loom for a scarf.  The length should give me plenty of practice with my selvedges.  The warp is a Yarn Bee, Hand-Dyed wool yarn from Hobby Lobby.  I was afraid that I wouldn't have enough yarn for both warp and weft, so I started the end with some left over navy blue fingering weight yarn and plan to add the same yarn to the end.  The plan is to get working on this and finish it up after the holidays.

This next picture isn't all WIPs.  I started the cross stich several years ago and would like to get it finished in 2022.  The Christmas Woolens and Redwork Mittens kits I purchase in the Amana Colonies in 2019.  We took a short motorcycle trip to shop and visit the colonies.  The memories were so wonderful.  It would be a great way to remember the trip if I could get these stitched up and put on the 2022 Christmas tree.

Until next time, Be Safe, Keep the Shiny Side Up and Always Ride Your Own Life ~ Crystal

Independence Day Socks

  

Pattern Name:   Independence Day Socks

Cast on: 6/18/21

Bind off:  7/13/21

Needle size:  US sz 1/ 2.25 mm Magic Loop

Yarn:

The main color is from The Wooly Cabin in the colorway Old Glory.  The Cuffs/Heels/Toes are in leftovers from Hobby Lobby's Yarn Bee in the colorway Dark Denim.

Notes:

These were meant to be done for the 4th of July.  However, I didn't quite make it.  There were still fun to knit.  I have to admit that the Yarn Bee Yarn is a little splitty, so I had to be careful when slipping my heel stitches.  Still I loved the way they turned out.

I used Susan B. Anderson's sock recipe from her blog for my heel numbers.

I knit 16 rounds for the cuff; 50 rounds for the leg; and 70 rounds for the foot.  Next time I'll try 60 rounds for the leg and 75 for the foot.  They fit well but are just a touch snug and I'd like a little taller leg. 

Da Crofter's Kep

 

 Pattern Name:   Da Crofter's Kep

Cast on:   5/10/21

Bind off:  5/26/21

Needle size:  US sz 3 (3.25 MM)

Yarn: Kit from Schoolhouse press

    Brand:  Jamison

Notes:  I loved this pattern.  There was enough left over from the kit to make a second hat.

Sebonzakura - redesigned

 Pattern Name:   Sebonzakura

Designed by:  Skein Charmer

Cast on: 3/6/21

Bind off:  5/10/21

Needle size:  US sz 1; 2.25MM

Yarn:

    Brand:  Knit Picks Stroll

    Colorway:  Ivy

    Yardage: 100 gram skein

Notes:  I started this as a Sock Madness sock.  I was not able to finish in time to complete.   So, I ripped back the foot, put in my favorite heel and worked a ribbed foot.

Drew's Baby Blanket

Pattern Name:   Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth

Cast on: 3/19/21

Bind off:  5/8/21

Needle size:  US sz 8

Yarn:

    Brand:  I Love this Yarn

    Colorway  Steel Gray/Mint Tea

    Yardage: 2 skeins of each color

April 27, 2021

There are actually 2 of this sock.  They are finished and gifted to my Mom.  This is the ElinPelin Socks by Jenny Alderbrant.  The pattern is in "Winter Knits from Scandinavia"

 

This is the spinning I'm currently working on.  It is Shetland wool.  All 3 braids are died in the same colorway on different colored bases.  I am spinning them each as traditional 3 ply.