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Babies in wool…

Is there anything cuter than babies in wool? and most especially wool soakers?

I have used cloth diapers for all my children. I found out about using wool diaper covers in 1999 when my 7th was a baby. I have tried many different styles and even designed quite a few of my own, but this one is hands-down my favorite. I have made it many times. It’s the Butt Knits Traditional Wool Soaker (Ravelry link) by Amber Perry. What’s so great about it you ask?

I like the seamless construction which is very practical and fun to knit. Mostly though it’s that they fit so well and are easy to adjust if you need to. They are generous and roomy in the right places. I like the ribbing in the wet zone too.

My favorite wool for soakers is believe it or not Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool. It’s really durable and softens up nicely. It’s not prone to pilling when knit at the slightly tighter gauge I like to use for soakers. Finally it’s a very practically priced minimally processed wool. I mean, we are talking diaper covers here. I don’t feel I need to use fancy expensive yarn for these, but maybe that’s just me Winking smile

What do I prefer for cloth diapers? Well I have tried many different types of fitted and flat diapers. I have even, as with covers designed and sewn more than I care to admit, but in the end I have come back around to my tried and true diaper service quality pre-folds. If it possible to love a cloth diaper, then these are it. Easy to use, inexpensive, easy to care for, quicker to dry. Perfect. I have been using cloth remember, for over 25 years, so I think I speak with some experience on the subject. I use pins too. Always have. I don’t find them hard to use at all, but do get the good quality ones that you buy online where you can find the good pre-folds. Here’s my favorite place online. Good people and good stuff. Smile

Posted on June 17, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — 2 Comments

This n’ That Thursday

Clue 1 was sent out yesterday for the Mystic Midsummer Wreath shawl. So, yeah, it’s crescent shaped and cast on from the bottom edge using two strands and a cabled cast on. I am making the medium size which requires me to cast on 429 stitches. Yep. 429. Gah! I swore and griped, and hated every minute, but now that we are past that, it’s all good. Smile One good side to a bottom up shawl is that of course at some part you start decreasing and it goes faster at the end. Love that part.

Oh, I told you how I got the new Simple Touch Nook, right? I needed a sleeve for protecting it in my bag. I really wanted to get another Oberon for it like my other Nook, but the only sleeve that will fit is the large sleeve, which I thought was too big for such a petite little thing. The small sleeve is evidently just a smidge to narrow. Bummer. They are saying they won’t be making a sleeve custom sized for the new Nook. Sigh. So anyway, I did find one that is in no way as lovely, but it will do for the time being.

I also needed a new light for my little beauty since my much loved Mighty Bright light didn’t fit well for the little fella. I did a lot of looking around and decided to give the Kandle II from Amazon a try. Two thumbs up for this light. It’s light weight and stays clipped well. It does the job pretty well. It’s not perfect, since the illumination fades some towards the bottom of the screen, but it’s not too bad. The Mighty Bright was more adjustable in this respect, but it worked much better on my original Nook 3G with the heavy Oberon cover, and not on the new one with no cover. I find that I prefer using it without a cover.

As for the battery usage; I am still using the first charge on Day 12. I have used it several hours a day and have still had the Wi-Fi on 24/7. As you can see I am at 26%. I have used it for reading and browsing for at least 24 hours I bet, which is about right on for Barnes and Noble’s claims. The 2 months on a single charge assumes 1/2 hour a day usage with Wi-Fi off, so 30 hours. With the same usage and 3G always on with my Nook 3G, I charged it about every 4 days. I usually charged it when it reached 25-30% remaining, so really could have easily gotten 5-6 days out of a charge. I didn’t really mind that even, since it rarely inconvenienced me. Heck, I have to charge my phone every day practically.

Check out the clarity of that screen though. Sweet!

Remember when I showed you the room changing chaos the other day? Well here are the results. These are the best shots I could get in the bad light in this house. Annoyed

This one is the “neater” of the two.

This is unfortunately about as good as it gets in here. Eye rolling smile

Posted on June 16, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — Leave a comment

Two down; one more to go

I finished reading Catching Fire on Sunday afternoon and immediately started on Mockingjay. Here are my thoughts so far. I go back and forth on how I feel about the main characters, especially Katniss. Just when I start to like her she acts in such a way as to make me regret my affections and think she’s a nit wit again. LOL! However, that plot has thickened finally and at the end of the second book I was eager to see what was going to happen next. So there’s one thing it has going for it.

The main conflict of this book in comparison with the games in the first book, is that if it’s possible to be more tragic, it is. Mainly this is because they all are supposed to have gained their “freedom” and are friends. Note “freedom” is really unknown in the realm, but they had it as good as it gets. Even the citizens of The Capitol aren’t really free, since they are in slavery to their own decadence and debauchery. For the Victors to have to go back in the arena and kill each other is beyond despicable. One thing that confused me is this concept and practice of alliances. I mean, in the end everyone has to die except one, so are these alliances remotely realistic? I can’t see getting chummy and trusting in these people who you have to kill or be killed by them. Is it just me?

Anyway, I am assuming that the Capitol stands for a totalitarian regime which, in order to maintain control, is using fear to keep it’s citizens under control. At the close of Catching Fire, all hell apparently breaks loose when Katniss’s rebellious act in the arena prompts an all out assault on the helpless citizens of district Twelve. This leads into the opening of book three, which I have only read a few chapters of, by my first and obvious thoughts are that District 13, where the seat of the Rebellion lies, is just another form of totalitarianism. The regime plans out every minute of every day for it’s inhabitants. I haven’t read enough yet to know why they go along with it, but I am assuming they don’t feel they have any other options and their survival depends on what the “state” gives them. Hmm…sound familiar? There is certainly no freedom here either. I guess it’s still to be revealed if anyone has any ideas for whether there even is such a thing as freedom and if it’s worth the price. Stay tuned.

Okay on the knitting front, I am slowly plodding along on my Sprossling and when I have enough worthy of a picture you’ll be the first to see it here. I am also almost finished with a wool soaker for Elijah. Also, I will be starting my Mystic Midsummer Wreath on the 15th when the first clue is released.

I do have a few pictures for you today. As promised, I got the buttons on my el Air and had Joanie snap a few quick shots outside, and do mean quick. It’s in the 90’s here and a wool sweater is not something you want to have on outside right now. Winking smile

We have some moving going on in the house this week. Some of the girls are changing room-mates. I took a few pictures of the before/disaster for posterity. Will post hopefully greatly improved living quarters updates as they develop.

BEFORE

This one I took on a whim today. It’s our wedding picture on my nightstand. We will be celebrating our 23 anniversary this September. I still see us that way in my mind, but at the same time I know we have grown up in so many ways that I barely remember those two in the picture. In love

Posted on June 13, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — Leave a comment

Mystic Midsummer Wreath KAL

A few months ago I was contacted by the talented Anna Dalvi of Knit & Knag Designs about featuring one my yarns in a coming design. I was thrilled by the request and accepted her gracious offer. In early May she sent along the announcement that the KAL for the Mystic Midsummer Wreath would be beginning on June 15 and the shawl pattern will be published in 4 weekly clues on Wednesdays. The Mystic Midsummer Wreath Shawl is a crescent shaped shawl, inspired by the midsummer wreaths worn by young and old on this magical day. It will be published in a mystery knit-along format, hosted in the Knit & Knag Designs group on Ravelry.

It is designed with Knitting Notions Classic Merino Lace in a gorgeous Dark Rose color. The shawl uses 2 skeins (with a little bit left over as a safety buffer).

To sign up, please purchase the pattern here and the clues will be distributed directly to your Ravelry library. It looks like you can also buy the pattern directly from Anna at the above link to her website if you aren’t a member of Ravelry. Smile

Yesterday I received my updated pattern clue which contained the “swatch” chart, so I figured I had better get my knit before the 15th when the first clue is released. Anna suggested a size 6 US needle so that’s where I started. After a soak and light blocking my swatch came out to the right dimensions, so I will be sticking with the 6 needles.

I am using the Aubergine color since I already had one skein in my stash and I haven’t knit with this color yet. I haven’t done one of these mystery KAL’s since the Swan Lake Stole in 2007, so I think this will be fun! There is still time to get yours started and even do the swatch, so why not join us?

Oh, Nook Simple Touch real life battery usage update so far is looking pretty good. I fully charged it on 06/05 for at least 3 hours and with Wi-Fi on all the time and an hour or two of reading and shopping each day, it is still at 82%. That works out to an average of 4.5% a day which calculates to about 22 days between charges, although I won’t let it totally discharge. Still it’s not bad consumption with Wi-Fi on. I would lose 10-15% a day on the original with airplane mode off. I kept it connected to 3G network all the time so it could sync with BN.com if I read anything. I have three devices that I occasionally use and like to know that whatever I am reading will be current across them all.

As for what I am reading, I am halfway through Catching Fire, which btw I love the fun feature on the Nook for posting reading status updates to Facebook and Twitter. In love Anyway, at this point in the story Katniss and Peeta have returned to the Capitol for the Quarter Quell, which I hope will be not just be a BTDT type repeat of the first games. What else could it be though? Eh, they are okay so far, but I may be missing something, but I am still not seeing what is so over the top fantastic about these books. Again, let me stress, I like them and all, but I guess I was expecting more, you know? I guess it depends on what you want in a book.

Take for instance Moby Dick. I just finished listening to the audiobook and I feel like there is so much more to digest than one reading can offer. I have attempted to read it four times and this was the first time I got all the way through it. I finally happened across a version through Overdrive at my public library that had an engaging reader, which I think finally made the difference for me. There are many points in the book that move very slow, but there is also such depth of thought and emotions that it bears more than one reading. I am sure I will visit it again.

Now it’s probably not fair to compare a modern young adult novel with the likes of Moby Dick, I know, but my point is that just because I find the Hunger Games rather light in comparison, it is not because they are not good. I think I am maybe having a hard time liking Katniss because she can be such a ditz when it comes to guys. Eye rolling smile I mean really. Who is that clueless?

Posted on June 8, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — Leave a comment

Hoosier Hills, new sweater and Nook

Sorry for the lack of a promised update but we were pretty busy and by the time we got to the hotel at night, too tired to do much. We had a lovely time seeing everyone and we heartily thank all who came in to our booth! This is such a nice facility and we are hoping this show continues to grow and be more and more successful for all involved. Anyway, without further ado I will share a few booth shots, including a picture of my finished Bel Air sans buttons. I completed the second sleeve and seamed it up in the hotel on Friday morning. Yay! Modeled shots to come later when I get some buttons.

We got home from Indiana on Sunday afternoon and what did I find waiting for me? Why, my new Nook Simple Touch Reader! I had no problems with my original 3G Nook, but was attracted to many of the new capabilities of the new version. I don’t miss any of the things they left off since they didn’t happen to be things I used my Nook for anyway. I am not much for games, have a laptop and a smartphone for email and internet, and an iPod for music and audiobooks. I want my reader to do one thing and do it well. Read books. This new Nook is exactly what I wanted with even more of what I wanted and nothing I didn’t care about. So far my only minor annoyance is that it doesn’t access my current wish list created on BN.com. My original Nook did this and I used that feature a lot. You do have the ability to create a wish list from the device, but I will have to start over to do that. I really love the Facebook and Twitter connections and the much improved highlighting, note taking, and look up features. I don’t use them all that much but it’s good to know they are there and easy to use. Also love the interface for fine tuning text, fonts, etc. It’s similar to the Nook for Android which I have on my phone with some additional functionality. Battery usage does seem much better. I left my Wi-Fi on and will just to see how far it goes that way, then I will try it off after a re-charge and compare. Anyway after fully charging, I played around with it a lot last night and read for an hour or two. This morning the battery was still at 94%, with Wi-Fi on, so not too shabby. Here she is!

Posted on June 6, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — 4 Comments

Almost a sweater!

I am almost at the finish line for my Bel Air sweater! I got quite a bit of the second sleeve knit this weekend during down time at the festival and I am up to the cap shaping on it. Woo hoo! Since all I have to do as far as seaming is set in this sleeve and pick out buttons, dare I think I will have it finished for Hoosier Hills this weekend? We can hope, but unfortunately that’s probably a bit unrealistic since my knitting time will likely be non-existent this week. We only have today and tomorrow at home before hitting the road again and there won’t be as much down time for this one. I’ll have it in my knitting bag at the very least so if you are coming and want to take a peek, don’t be shy. Just ask! Winking smile

On the reading front, I finished The Hunger Games and am a few chapters into Catching Fire. I am enjoying it, and did like the first book for what it is. It’s definitely a light read and that can be good, so I am not being critical. I tend to read a lot of larger more complex works and classics so it’s nice to take a break from those occasionally and read something light and easy. My only constructive criticism of it so far is that the characters don’t have much depth, at least I don’t feel it. I can see the attraction of the series for the pure entertainment value and the plot, but that’s about all I am getting from them. There are many books with so much depth that you can and want to re-read them, but I don’t see that happening for me with these. It’s a good story and all, but I can’t see needing to read them again, so I am glad I only paid $5-$7 each for them. Winking smile Looks like they have gone up in price some since I bought them. Sad smile

I don’t know if any of my readers are even remotely interested in the same music as I am but I’ll share what I have been enjoying lately. I am still finding myself turning on my Foo fighters collection quite a lot. I have all of their albums and would have a hard time picking a favorite. I love them all. Also The new Journey album, Eclipse, is awesome! No, really. I haven’t loved a Journey album this much since Evolution, which is my favorite. I have never felt like Escape was their best, although I do like it. I have also started listening to Finger Eleven more lately. This is a new to me band. They have been around since their first album, Tip, in 1998, and I have all 5 of their albums now. It’s a bit more Alternative than I used to like, but their style is a unique mix of Alternative and Melodic Metal. I think I like the last two albums Them vs. You vs. Me and Life Turns Electric the best, but the older albums are definitely growing on me.

Posted on May 31, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — 2 Comments

Great Lakes Fiber Festival

Thankfully I was worried for nothing and there is no water in the buildings or the parking areas around them. We setup this morning with no problems at all. Yay! There was some water still lower in the fairgrounds but the festival areas are just fine. Whew! Anyway we are in our usual spot in booths 31-33 in the white building across from the grassy area where there are always some animal vendors.

The booth is looking great with lots of beautiful new knit samples, so come on out and see for yourself.

Someone is all tuckered out from all that work. Smile

Oh, I am only about 30 pages away from finishing The Hunger Games. I expect to finish it tonight and start Catching Fire. Smile

Posted on May 27, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — 6 Comments

on to the woodshop…

Okay this is the final installment of a sneak peek at our workshops. Let’s just get right into it shall we?

We’ll start with the table saw.

This is the bigger lathe where all the bowls, darning eggs, and nostepinnes are turned.

These are the hand tools used with it, and no I don’t know what they all do, or even what they are called so don’t ask. Nyah-Nyah

Here is the smaller lathe used for the small, fine turning, such as the Shawl Pins.

Sanding and planing station

Chop saw and jointer

Stash, stash, and more stash. See knitter’s aren’t the only ones.

And just for fun, this is the walnut co-sleeper that Jerry built for the baby.

That’s it for now! We are in Wooster, OH tonight for the Great Lakes Fiber Festival so I’ll probably have some pictures from that later. We are a bit worried about the water we saw at the Fairgrounds when we were driving past this afternoon on the way to the hotel. Confused smile Hope it’s not a problem for the show this weekend. We haven’t heard anything to the contrary. Lightning No more rain okay? We had enough of that last night in Nashville. Our power was even out all night. Thankfully it came back on this morning after I left. Okay, bye for now.

Posted on May 26, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — Leave a comment

Dye studio pictures

Before I start on the part about the workshops a brief update on my reading; I am more than halfway through the Hunger Games and it really is as good as they say it is. The main character, Katniss is likeable and easy to get to know. I am enjoying it a lot, but I won’t comment too much more until I am further into the series. So, there will be more on this topic later.

Also, I ran across link on Facebook to the newest Journey album, Eclipse, just released today on Amazon as a MP3. I think you can also get the CD at Wal-Mart. If you like the heavier guitar driven stuff from their late 70’s material, then I recommend you give it a listen. I was listening to this tonight and I swear the hairs were standing up on my arms. I didn’t much like the last release (Revelation) since it was too like the era of material which I didn’t like as much even when Steve was still with the band. I also had a hard time with a Journey without him. They have found something again in this album which just moves me though. Red heart

Okay now for the promised workshops pictures. We’ll start with my dye studio which doubles as the finish and lamination area. These are my propane tanks which are pretty self explanatory.

These are my burners and dye pots. Jerry built those racks for steaming hand painted skeins.

Here is my dye stock containers and some left over dye previous sessions that will be used next time. We also use those 3 1/2 and 5 gallon buckets for mixing stock and custom colors.

Here is my lovely industrial sink and washing machine for spinning rinsed skeins. I am beginning to wonder now why I thought it was such a good idea to share the seamier side of production dyeing. It’s not exactly very photogenic is it?

My triple balance scale, respirator, notebook, and other miscellaneous stuff. This is where I mix and measure stock and colors.

The view out the studio door to where I set up the dye pots and burners.

Our yarn drying station, as known as good old fashioned clothes lines.

See, pretty cool, huh? I’m sure the neighbors think we are nuts though. Open-mouthed smile Okay it’s getting late so wood shop stuff later.

Posted on May 25, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — Leave a comment

Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival 2011

I’ll get back to the workshop pictures next post because I wanted to share my pictures with you from the Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival in Lexington, KY. We are in the Big Top Tent in booth #38 and will be here tomorrow until 5:00pm. So if you missed us yesterday, please come on out and enjoy the show. There’s lots of things to see and do. Music, food, animals, yarn and fiber, even tractors.

The boy has an affinity for wool, but of course. We aren’t really too surprised are we?

That’s my new Cluaranach in the Berry Merino Superwash Sock. Pretty no?

More shawls; Bee Fields, Lacewing, Fiore d’Melanzana, and Rosebuddie (which is actually a square and meant to be a baby blanket/shawl.

Here’s our tools display; Nostepinnes, Darning Eggs, Sock keepers, Shawl Pins, and Yarn Bowls

Yarn swifts a plenty.

Lots of Little Nothing scarves, socks and yarn of course. Smile

a better view of the Lacewing shawl in Classic Merino Lace.

That’s me and the boy.

My favorite sheep picture from the show. I just love that color. Red heart

See I told you there were tractors. This one appealed to the boy above all the others. I have no clue why he singled this one out except that he appeared to like the little poky rubber bits on the tires. Confused smile

Bye for now and workshop pictures next time. I promise. Smile

Posted on May 21, 2011July 11, 2011 by yarnmama — 2 Comments

Babies in wool…

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This n’ That Thursday

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Two down; one more to go

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Mystic Midsummer Wreath KAL

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Hoosier Hills, new sweater and Nook

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Almost a sweater!

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Great Lakes Fiber Festival

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on to the woodshop…

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Dye studio pictures

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Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival 2011

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