Charleen's Fiberblog

Spinning My Wheels

"Thank you for your SOAR 2008 registration. Confirmations will be sent the week of June 9th." I was able to go to the 2004 SOAR retreat - the last time it was held at Pocono Manor. This year I was able to talk my principal into going to bat for me with the superintendent so that I will be allowed to attend the entire event. So why does it have to be this year that SOAR received so many registrations during the first week that everyone is being put into the lottery? Okay, I'll stop whining and think positively.

To increase my chances in the lottery I decided I needed a little spinning karma. I finished the Vermont Maples from Anne. This is 40% brown alpaca, 50% dyed wool in magenta, pink, yellow and burgudy, and and 8% yellow silk noil, 2% bronze angelina. I'm usually not a fan of slubby yarns but the photo doesn't do the yarn justice. It will be a nice partner for the chocolate Humble Hills Romney X that has been patiently waiting for an accent yarn. Once plied I started on Oberon, again from Anne, a lovely pale lavender roving - 40% gray alpaca, 30% gray angora bunny and purple/blue dyed angora, and 18% purple/blue dyed silk, 2% purple angelina

All of my weekend spinning reminded me of my last project, all washed, skeined, and ready for action. I've got about 2400 yards of this squishy 3 ply corrie. So now the question is what do I make? I had planned on a cabled cardigan but now I'm thinking maybe I'll add some other natural colored yarn and make a patterned yoke instead.

Next up? Since I didn't get a chance to go to MDSW again this year, I treated myself to some Hog Island roving. I heard about this breed after Vee showed her Hog Island yarn and told about the historical background of these sheep. Very cool!

Oh, if you tried to post a comment in the last week or two, I realized that in my zeal to block spam I blocked all comments! Doh!

Tangled Yoke

I seem to be having the same blog paralysis that's plagueing Sue. I've taken lots of pictures and I have lots of ideas, the problem is being at a keyboard when the thoughts come together!

So here's a shot of the Tangled Web cardigan finished sans buttons. It's quite warm so I have a while to find the perfect ones. It's a little big (so say my daughters) but I like the wider neckline. It will be perfect for school because I never know what temperature my room will be.

After the buttons are on I will block the cables a little better.

I absolutely LOVE the Sailor's Rib vest. However I started last spring and thought I was making a smaller enough size. Once it was done I thought it would still look good, and it would if I wear it over a heavier sweater but I would be more likely to wear it over a blouse or turtleneck.

A bit big, no?

I loved working on this pattern. I knit this all sitting on the sofa at my mother's. I'm so happy Claudia suggested the 220 Superwash. I'm not a fan of superwash but on her suggestion I tried it. This is lovely. Soft, but not artificial feeling. Definitely a yarn that will becoome a favorite for Jackson knitting.

You can be assured that I will be posting soon. If for no other reason than to get my mug off the top of my blog!

Back to Knitting

I'm an evening away from finishing my Tangled Yoke cardigan. You might remember that I wasn't happy with the folded neckband. I didn't bother blocking - I knew I wouldn't like it, so I ripped back and bound off and I was much happier.

Then I followed the directions for the front band and despite my concern that there were too many stitches I blindly picked up the stated number of stitches and ribbed away. Once I started binding off I could see I was going to get ruffles.

I ripped out and picked up 2 stitches for every three rows and that did the trick. It looks quite puckered but after weaving in a few loose ends I'll give it a good soak and block. I still haven't found the right buttons but I've got plenty of time. I don't think I'll be wearing it until next fall - especially after today's 82° temps.

I found this almost finished cardigan in one of the bags I used to take to my mom's. I worked on it last summer and it only needs the front bands and a zipper but I don't think it will fit Jackson now. Guess it will go in the box for the next grandchild.