Monday, November 05, 2007

Knitting and Spinning and Bears, Oh My!

Ok, so there was plenty of knitting and spinning this past weekend, but the bears failed to make an appearance! (We think we spotted a couple on the drive home, but were not allowed to go back and feed them and take pictures, so we will never know!) Anyways, there were six of us that met up at the Graves Mountain Resort in Virgina. Here we are: Me, Alice, Wendy, L-B, Julie and Sheri. It was humbling for me to be in the midst of such experienced spinners and knitters. They were all incredibly inspiring!!


I spent most of my time knitting. I did give the drop spindle a try and sat for a bit at the spinning wheel. I think I could really enjoy spinning. Hmmm, may need to look into getting a wheel at some point. Here is Sheri getting a lesson with the drop spindle. (Alice was an incredibly patient teacher with both of us!)














I decided to start a Ballband bag to work on over the weekend because it is an easy project to work on and visit at the same time. I made pretty good progress. I am using Ella Rae Classic Wool yarn double stranded on size 15 needles. It will be a large bag.. probably big enough to carry a laptop! I hope to have it ready to felt next weekend.








I also worked on my Monkey sock. I got the first one done and got the second one cast on and the rib finished. I am using Shibui Knits yarn in the Earth colorway. I love the feel of this yarn. I can't wait to have them done!










My last project was the second Fetching Fingerless mitt for Kirstin. I just have to finish the thumb and they will be ready to send her. I love this pattern.















We took a side trip on Saturday to Carodan Family Farm Yarn shop. I took the plunge and purchased the yarn and pattern for my first sweater!! I am very excited and received a lot of encouragement from the 'experts' that I could do this!! I plan on working on my swatch this weekend and hopefully casting on the sweater after that.
Edit: The book is Ella Rae Queensland Collection Book Seven. The pattern I am looking at doing is called 'Gracie', although I may change my mind and do the 'Bubbles' pattern instead. Decisions, decisions... (Oh, and the yarn is Kathmandu Aran color 145)


I also found some sock yarn that needed to be mine. I loved the colorway. It's a black/blue/gray blend that I think is going to be beautiful. And it looks beautiful just as a skein, which is good, because I'm just not sure when I'll get around to casting it on!
(I'm so glad that sock yarn doesn't count as stash. It simply enhances my 'collection'.)










Well, I have more to share, but will save that for later this week. I'm experiencing some knitting withdrawal so I think I need to go pick up my needles for a bit.

Until Next Time...

10 comments:

SwissKnits! said...

OMGoodness Janice, that shades of blue sock yarn is just stunning. I can't wait to see how it knits up for you.

Looks like you had a great time!! Glad you are back safe and sound!

Oh, Was there chocolate?? -wink-

Marianne said...

Those were awesome pictures! Thank you for telling us who was who.:-) I am really glad that you had a fabulous weekend with some great knitting ladies!

I love your new sweater yarn & pattern! It's beautiful! You can do it!

I also love the Fetching fingerless gloves for Kirsten! I need to get started on a pair, my self. :-)

Welcome back home!

Jknits said...

I love the colors you chose for the ballband. I think you'll find the sweater to be much easier than you think - really it's just a lot more stitches. Very nice sock yarn.

Robin said...

I think you need a wheel Janice. I have been doing research myself and will probably travel up to the Twin Cities to try some out in the near future.

monica said...

What a great weekend. Sounds like tons of fun. Your yarn aquisition is lovely.

marit said...

Great knitting, and great yarn! I love the yarn you picked for your sweater- and the pattern as well!
Sounds like you've had a great weekend:-)

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you and Sheri gave spinning a try! I love spinning, there's something about it that is so relaxing and zen, and the fact that you come out of it with one of a kind yarn is a pretty big bonus, too!

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

The yarn is lovely! Can't wait to see your progress (and finished product) of the sweater! I'm sure you'll do fine with it :o)

Sounds like you all had a great time this weekend. I couldn't bring my spinning with me to Korea and I miss it. I hope I don't forget how to do it when I get back. Maybe I'll have to get my parents to send it to me at some point...wouldn't weigh too much...

hakucho said...

All of your projects look wonderful. Lots of luck with your first sweater. Very exciting. Can't wait to hear and see your progress.

Anonymous said...

I love the pattern for your first sweater...could you let us know which book it is in?

Good Luck...Sweaters are easy...not instant gratification like socks....but you will be fine!

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