FO: Merino-Noro Mits

I really can't get over how quickly these knit up. They were so quick that I haven't even blogged about them yet. I might have mentioned some time ago that I had spun up some gorgeous merino cross wool couple months back, but never really showcased it. Anywho... last week we hit a cold snap and I was really regretting not having something on my hands. With the Noro Wrap finished I had a good part of a skein left over and decided to use it for this project.



Pattern: My own (made it up, really)

Yarn: Merino handspun doubled with Noro Silk Garden

Needles: US 5

Start Date: November 10, 2007

End Date: November 12, 2007

Comments: Started by getting my gauge numbers and then measuring the widest part of my hand. Did some small knitting math and came up with 36 stitches (which divides nicely on 3 dpn's). The whole mit is worked k1, p1 which allows for a nice give and tight hug when needed. The cuffs and fingers sections are done with single merino but the main palm is doubled with the Noro. These will do nicely to keep my hands warm and toasty.

The Good, Bad & the Ugly

Before work this morning I stepped outside to mark my back fence for some trees we're having planted this afternoon. I unfortunately wont be there to inspect the process. The trees have a one year warranty on them, which puts my fears of killing aside for now. While out in the back, I discovered this:



Wow...I saw it and I ran for my camera. On my way back, I was inspecting my kill.



Dead weeds that need to be pulled from ground. I then need to decide what to fill it with. On a ugly sad note I also killed my 50 bucks worth of Irish moss.



This whole gardening thing sucks. I would rather be doing more of this:



Spun up some more of my Merino wool. It's coming along great and it's sooooo not as stressful as the lace;)

Lazy Blogger

Get out of my regular routine and I become the lazy blogger. I've been knitting a little. Cleaning a little. Gardening a little. Mostly enjoying the time off, which leads to late nights, and long mornings in pajamas and no blog posts. Here is a quick update on The Stuff:

Started out Saturday morning untangling my Merino Wool skein. Great way to start out Tour De Fleece.


Candy socks are slowly making their way up my feet.

Three swatches of silk is the right number of finding gauge.


Kool-Aid Sweater back is finished and on to fronts.


Also in a moment of weakness...I joined the Mystery Stole 3 ...I have know idea what I was thinking. I never have wanted to knit lace. I don't wear lace. why? I think I wanted to be apart of something and Stephanie convinced me.

Show and Tell

Last night I could have sat on the couch knitting the Thermal with little Mac watching Sesame Street, but I really wanted to spin. So why not? Pulled out Lenny and was soon spinning the Merino Cross Wool I bought from The Fold some time ago.

It has a different feel then the Shetland....bouncy, longer drafting motions, more of an oily feel and a lot more straw/hay matter. At least compared to the Shetland anyway. I'm trying for a sport or worsted weight... with the possibility of making nice warm socks. I love exploring the different fibers and getting a feel for each and how they react to the wheel. So....you want pictures? No problem.



That's what's left of the roving left to spin and here is what I worked up last night.



I'm hoping to do spinning in the evening and knit during my commutes to work. That way I get to do a little of both during the day and neither project will feel ignored.

The hand spun Shetland was dry when I got home, so I wound it up. Here is my Kool-Aid Black Cherry yarn.



The colors came out pretty cool. There are light and dark spots which isn't so bad. Since the light spots are really pink, I'm leaning towards a sweater or cardigan for little Mac. She ooo's and aaaa's over this yarn every time she sees it. I just have to find a good pattern and hopefully get it on the needles before the chilly Fall air comes around.



POOL UPDATE:

We went from slimy-broken-needs-new-liner pool to slimy-fixed-needs-chemicals pool. Not all over bad...it should clear up within the next couple of days. Right on time for the weekend. Hurray!

A Little Cake and Dye

So, technically my son doesn't turn 12 until Tuesday, but hell...it's upon us. That just means I'm getting older. ahhhhh. Over all it's not bad, older I get the wiser I feel. Yeah, if you believe that one, I've got plenty more where that came from.

Party went off with some minor hitches, but what's a party without late guests, melting ice cream and kids screaming for more tokens. Quick Question? When is it appropriate to cuss out a child guest? Ha...just kidding. I didn't cuss anyone out, but I sure wanted too. There was evidence of a good time.









Five hours of party fun and I was in the bed with my little Mac getting some much needed zzz's. Going to bed early is always good, but waking with a headache is horrible. I was not comfortable all day until late this evening. That's when I decided to do a little dye experiment. I had finished the spinning the Shetland wool and pulled out the Kool-Aid packets. I got my instructions from Knitty and did a basic bath with as many black cherry packets as I could find. It was really very easy to do. I think if I was to do the black cherry over again, I would double up on the recipe. Right now three skeins are drying in the bathroom. They look pretty cool.