All Baby Bunnies

Enjoy! Regular posting to resume sometime, I promise. :)

House Cleaning

Well, not literally. I've forgotten to update you on some things, or I just didn't want to fit it in a post. So, today is dedicated to updating you all on how things are going.

1. Remember way back when, when I joined runagogo? Well, I'm happy to say that I made the 100 mile mark by April 1, actually I made it by Mar. 30, but who's counting? ;) I even signed up for round 2 and have managed 21 miles for this round so far. I love Wesley. :)

2. Remember that sweater that I started for myself in oh, I don't know January-ish? Still haven't finished it. And the shawl that I'm working on that is partially a secret? Still not done. Oh, and the secret project that I'm working on, the one where I ordered yarn from Sheri at the Loopy Ewe and couldn't show you it? Still working on that one too, but I have high hopes that I can show you something soon.

3. I'm making socks. Really cool socks made oout of STR in the Henpecked colorway. I should be done with those soon and we should see Episode 4 of the Sock Hunter soon after that. :)

4. Will is already dating someone else. He started six days after ending our relationship. Rat bastard. I'm doing ok though. Everyone says that hindsight is 20/20 and looking back, I should have dumped that deadweight 3 1/2 years ago. Not only that, but I'm sooooooo thankful that we never got married. Did I mention that he thought that I knitblogged to "RANT. That's all you do right?" (direct quote on that one, grrrrrrrr)

He didn't understand my passion for the knitting, which was about the only passion left in our relationship by the time he broke it off. (smacks head! Should have dumped him a long time before he dumped me)

Also, and now I am ranting, I am a very strong minded, independent, strong willed woman. I am proud of this fact. If you can't speak your mind to me, why are we in a relationship? When I talk to you, I don't expect you to agree with everything I say (or disagree for that matter), but how am I supposed to know that you are bothered if you don't tell me? (end rant)

5. I have muy muy mas conejitos (baby bunnies). They are so darn cute it hurts to look at them. I really need to post pictures. Keep reminding me and maybe I'll remember to take pictures. :)

6. I adore my stinky dog, but he really needs a bath. As in, he's starting to burn my nostrils after he takes a run in the yard.

7. I really need Sheri to take a short break from updating the Loopy Ewe, she needs a vacation, and I need a week where I'm not tempted by all of the goodies. ;)

8. I need to spin more, a lot more, because I now have two fleeces and I need to spin up one of them before the end of the year. Seriously people, how can I keep buying fiber when I'm not spinning very much?

If you made it this far, thanks! I won't be blogging much in the next few days b/c I have two projects due next week and I'm judging the NATIONAL Dutch Show (I'm so excited!) this weekend in Kalamazoo, MI. This is my first national show and it's the breed that I raise, so I'm really nervous too.

Wow! What a long post, I'm off to work on my projects. Have a good night. :)

I'm a Loopy Groupie!

With this being my sixth order at the Loopy Ewe, I am now an official Loopy Groupie! :) My new status meant a cool Loopy Ewe tote bag and a skein of OnLine sock yarn. I've never tried the OnLine yarn and while it is definitely not a skein in my usual colors, I know that someone will love a pair of socks made from it very much.

So what exactly did my sixth purchase consist of? Why Apple Laine Apple Pie (in dusk? perhaps? I'm too lazy to go check the tag), Claudia Handpainted (in Oops!), Scarlet Fleece It's Tubular X 2 (in Claret and I LOVE it), and the so very bright OnLine. ;) (Can anyone read the label on this brand?????)

Sock Hunter Episode 3: Common Bush Kiwi

Day fifteen . . . I've been stalking the Common Bush Kiwi* and finally captured a picture of a pair in the bush. It seems that I've found a new variety as this is a never before documented Baby Cable Rib Common Bush Kiwi.

I sedated the pair to get a closer look, and found the detail of the baby cable found amongst the ribbing was particularly beautiful when paired with the slight variegation of the yarn. I will definitely be watching this pair for signs of any additional Baby Cable Rib Common Bush Kiwi.

Each additional day spent in the field is yeilding new and exciting finds. My specimen collection has nearly outgrown its container and I fear that subsequent finds shall force me to purchase more containment. In hindsight, my addiction to the Loopy Ewe may have precipitated my fantastic finds as well as my containment problem.

Day sixteen . . . remember to buy more containers. ;)

*US 2 Birch DPNs, Baby Cable Rib from Sensational Socks, twisted German cast-on, Heel Flap (S1, K1 repeat across row, S1, purl across row), my usual 4-point toe decrease, Scarlet Fleece It's Tubular X 2 in Kiwi (yarn from the Loopy Ewe)

No Knitting Content Today

This is what the girls and I enjoyed on Friday night when we got home. It was as tasty as it looks and the sentiment is real.

My girls at Baker's Peak here in town made this little cake for me. I told them the whole sordid story and decided right then and there to buy a little cake for myself. When they asked me what I wanted on it, this was the first word that came to mind. Appropriate, no? It was a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting in case you were wondering. :)

I Love Fiber :)

First, my purchases from Briar Rose. One skein of handpainted 100% alpaca, 2500 yards. Three skeins of a limited edition merino wool and silk blend from the sale bin, yardage unknown.

Next I bought these beauties, Handmaiden SeaSilk 70% silk, 30% SeaCell, over 400 yds. (Kristi, where did we buy these?)

Oh my! How did these sneak in here? My order from the Loopy Ewe came while I was in Greencastle frolicking among the fleeces. :) Fleece Artist, two skeins of the basic merino and three of the new SeaWool blend. I may just wallow in my Fleece Artist whenever I need a "pick-me-up" from now on. :)

The picture above and below, is my fleece from Sherri. You know, the six pound Polypay fleece that I didn't really need? Oh, yes, that one. Isn't it gorgeous? This is definitely one of the benefits of getting to the Fiber Event early.

Why look there! It's "beast" roving from Lonesome Stone. I adored the ladies there. In fact, if I could adopt them into my ever growing fiber family, I most certainly would. :)

This would be 8 oz. of fun, alpaca and silk and merino and who knows what else, but it feels divine. Sorry that I snapped this lovely portion out from under you Kristi. ;)

I also bought a skein of the most lovely plum colored sock yarn from the ladies at Lonesome Stone.

Finally, 8 oz. of mixed fibers with a purple cast that you can't see in this picture from the Full Bobbin. I think that she was there with Ozark Carding, that's the link I have for her in the book, so that's the one I'm giving you all. :)

I feel really good about every purchase that I made. I can't wait to get spinning the fibers that I bought at Greencastle. Kristi, you asked in the comments if I was ready for next year, and I have to say honestly "not yet." :)

My First Fiber Event

Boy, it was a doozy! Here's just a taste of the fibery fun. If you want more random pictures from the Fiber Event click this link. :)

I just want you all to know that I walked the entire event once before making any purchases. On the second swing through though, I did my shopping. I only bought something if I saw it, remembered it, debated it, and then decided that I still wanted it. That said, the first thing that I bought was some lovely "Beast" roving and sock yarn from Lonesome Stone. (I'll tell you more about my purchases in another post. I want to focus on the Fiber Event in this one.)


This lovely lady is one of the owners ( I think), she agreed to pose with myself and Monica in front of her shop.

I then perused several more of the shops, finally making a beeline back to a gorgeous Polypay fleece being sold by Sherri Harris (sharris@jvlnet.com if you are interested). I had seen this fleece on my first round and while I really didn't need another fleece, I'm so glad that I bought it now.

This is Sherri and myself hanging out by the fleece, yes that lovely one on the corner. :) She was sharing booth space with a woman who made the most amazing little felted animals.

See this adorable raccoon? This little guy is one of Linda's creations. He was fabulous! Oh, and I love the little otter playing cards and betting fish. Mo and I had a great time chatting with these two ladies.

Soon after this I met up with Kristi (Needlefingers), Jennifer (Jenny from the Blog) *seriously, do you ever post?*, and Ragged***.

Finally meeting Kristi was a delight. She was so much fun in person, and Jenny and Ragged killed me. I laughed so much with them. This was Monica's first Fiber Event too. She found some felting fibers and needles to play with. I think she had a lot of fun. She was pretty groggy though as she had worked all night and was running on three hours of sleep.

Kristi, Jennifer, Ragged, Mo, and I had pizza after the Fiber Event. We chuckled about things like fiber addiction, socks, and carry home cups. It was a truly fun day all around. I bought a few more things than I listed here too, but this post is getting a bit long. So I'll leave you with this picture from the Fiber Event. Why yes, that is a needle-felted Betty Boop created by Bill Eatmon (deceased). Want more info? Contact his partner Steven (shelteringpines1@yahoo.com ).

***Due to the DR Knitting Witness Protection Program and some scary stash weasel incidents, I am not allowed to show you Ragged's face. Take heart, my blog readers, she was enchanting in person, but those stash weasels can really hold a grudge! It's for the safety of her knitting that I can't show you her lovely visage. Please notice that she has excellent taste in yarn. Other Fleece Artist junkies will know what I mean. (hee hee, this is like the neighbor on Home Improvement)

Anger is Great Motivation

Specifically, I have completely rearranged my room. I now have a knitting nook, albeit not quite finished. Well, actually, none of my room is "finished," but it is close. Check out the yarn and knitting books and implements. :)

I still need to put up curtains and a few pictures and my weavings (all wall hangings, without rods, just another thing that Will never got around to).

Plus my bed now faces the doorway again, and I have a new jar of B&Body Works "body butter" in my new fave scent "Tiare Flower." I put all of the pillows back on my bed. All thirteen of them. :) The yellow quilt and pillows were a gift from a family friend for my HS graduation. I love them, but sadly the family friend is no longer a family friend, as she had a mental break-down related to bunnies and will no longer return my calls. :( The quilt does, however, bring back happy memories from before that time. (Oh, and that beige wall color in the picture above, is VERY accurate. It's not so pretty.)

Finally, I bought a new shelf for my African Violets, and took down the table he gave me. I'm still working on the TV area. I really want a TV stand. Right now it is on a bedstand and I can swivel it towards my chair or bed. :)

So a little more work and I need to put away some things that you can't see in the picutres. Plus I need to find a new spot for the stash. :) Then my room make-over will be complete.

Oh, and, if you are planning on being at the Fiber Event on Friday, I hope to meet you there. Send me an email if you plan to attend.

Sad

I have a rabbit show this morning close to my home, so this is a quick post. I may not be posting for a few days.

I don't usually talk about the personal things that are happening in my life, but I am hurting right now. Will ended our relationship last night and while I knew that we were having problems, I didn't realize that things were that bad. We had talked and we were going to make some changes to the pattern that had developed. Now he's gone and I miss him terribly this morning.

I'm just really sad and I don't think I can handle blogging for a few days.

I Won A Contest!

Oh, and Sheri knows me too well. I adore Fleece Artist, and my favorite colors are in this skein, blue, green, and purple. Did I mention that this is the new SeaCell and Wool sock yarn? It's squishy. :)

She also sent some non-wool items. The adorable Knit Notes for Socks tablet and some Busy Bee lotion. My roommate says that the lotion smells like my house at home. I sniffed the lotion and immediately identified the scents she was referring to: lanolin and beeswax. Or as I so eloquently put it "smells like sheep and honey." Not one of my finer moments. ;)

Souvenir Yarn

While waiting for Miss Stephanie Sunday, we decided to walk the short distance to Busy Hands and do a little yarn shopping. I mean, 20% off the entire store? That was reason to go even without the wait!

What you see above is the loot I scored at the store. Two skeins of Malabrigo laceweight in Velvet Grapes, 100% Baby Merino, 470 yards and a skein of Grignasco Merino Silk, 75% Merino, 25% Silk, 1533 yds. I've been feeling lacy lately. :)

I have no idea what I am going to make with this yet, but I know it will be fabulous. I also got my prize for winning Sheri's contest. I'll talk about that in my next post. :)

More Purchases

What can I say? I heard great things about this book and I had a coupon. Saving $10.40 on this book makes me a happy knitter. I'm looking forward to making a study of my books one day(actually reading the entire book in most cases). Maybe this summer after I finish some classes.



Being the little enabler that I am, when Jordan stayed with me Tuesday night and said she wanted to learn to knit socks, I offered to teach her. Which meant a trip to River Knits. :) I did restrain myself, only purchasing two Cookie A patterns and the size 17 and 19 needles to fill out my Denise set.


Please notice Kristi that there is no fiber in these purchases. :)


Just to remind myself that spring is coming and will be back soon, here is a photo I snapped on campus Tuesday.

I'll show my fibery purchases from Busy Hands (purchased while the Yarn Harlot was careening around O'Hare or frantically talking Brad into taking her to Ann Arbor, no doubt) in the next post.

Fog, Fun, and the Harlot on the Run

While my Harlot trip really started with my travel on Friday night and the bunny show on Saturday. I'll start my story for today with Saturday night. Kristi graciously let me stay with her, Noel, the boys, and the fur fam on Saturday night. I was supposed to have been at her house in the early evening, sadly my show ran late and I didn't arrive until 9 o'clock. While it put a slight kink in our plans, we did still knit for a while. I staunchly defended my Apple Laine Apple Pie socks (they are too sock yarn!) and argued heatedly about doing a gauge swatch, before we finally retired to bed.

Of course, I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of the boys the next morning. Boys meet my blog readers, blog readers meet Kristi's boys, Garrett and Austin. (Better known as Gangles and Scrappy to regular Red Dog Knits readers.)

I even managed to snag this precious pictures of Gangles with the sweetest smile on his face. I'm sure the thoughts running through his little noodle were "Hello Crazy Lady covered in bunny fur. I have gas and I'm smiling. How about you?"

The boys assited Noel in the kitchen while he cooked up some super delicious huevos rancheros burritos. MMMMMM, yummy. So yummy, I barely managed to resist the smells wafting toward me until the appropriate time, namely as soon as I buckled my seat belt.

While I got to know Otis and Maslow a little better, hang out with the boys, and meet Noel's mom, the other knitters in our group were steadily making their way to Kristi's. The knitters were at her home in good time and we left promptly before our projected leave time with Pat, Erin, Kellie, myself, Kristi, and blogless Julee packed into Kristi's super nice mini van.

Kristi had us there in what seemed like no time and we were surprised to see the line of knitters already there. Imagine my even greater surprise when I heard my name called out. Dana recognized me from the back, in a gaggle of knitters, without my braids, and hair that was five inches shorter, talk about a good memory! I was elated to see her and immediately snapped a picture.


Incidentally, she was wearing this cute little concotion of Tempting and Audrey (correct me if I'm wrong). I seriously wanted to stalk her neckline and I believe I was even petting it at one point. Sadly, the neckline escaped my poor photography skills by moments each time.

I was surprised further when I was informed that Amby of Rusell Yarn was in line. She was carrying her Hitchhiker and planned to have the Harlot sign it (btw, she did). I so want her to be my new sister. Why? Because she can swear a bluestreak and it just makes me love her. :) Does that make me odd?

That's Diane on the left (in the red coat, for those like me who are directionally challenged) who has a blog, but couldn't remember the exact url because it's very new, was kind enough to help me find a seat. We'll get to that later on.

Check out all of the knitters! (And this was just the beginning.) Blogless Nia (in the flowered jacket), Diane, Amby, and the sadly blogless, but famous Rams, well the back of her head. :) (Knitters if you see yourself let me know. I didn't get to meet everyone and I'm terrible with names.)

I can't forget the posse I rolled with from Kristi's house in all of this. The knitting ladies of the Red Dog Knits Harlot Trip of 2007: Erin (well, her arm, how did I miss you?), Pat, blogless Julee, Kellie, and Kristi (hmmm, just her back, I am a very bad photographer).

Ladies, you rock. I had such a great time with you all. I'm so glad that we could get together. Plus we got to see Miss Stephanie and go to the yarn store. Oops! Getting ahead of myself again.
The doors to the library opened promptly at noon and I was surprised because the time seemed to pass so quickly. I could swear we had just gotten in line and then the doors were opening. We all made a mad dash like rabid dogs after the last skein of cashmere in a yarn shop walked sedately downstairs and scored prime seats near the front on the right hand side. Pat and I were convinced that the line would start there for book signing (which, btw, it didn't). Somehow I ended up in the front row between Diane and Riin. I was going to sit on the end of the fourth row with the rest of the gang, but then I wound up in the front row.


This turned out to be fortuitous. As I sat in the same row as the famous, gorgeous, fabulous RAMS!!

And to top it all off, Rachel H. sat in the front row too. You know Rachel H., the one that helped put out the smoldering sawdust fire in the snow on the front lawn. That Rachel H. She was wearing this sweater. Oh my Knitting Goddess, the sweater. The fabulous, glorious, beautiful sweater. *sigh* I think I want to be Rachel H. (I also apologize profusely for being the first one to break the news that you missed Rams in Ann Arbor last year.)
I also met these two fabulous ladies. That's blogless Nia and she was so funny. I had a lovely time chatting with her.

Oh, and Tracy. She had the best buttons on her cabled cardigan. (Tracy, I have completely forgotten your blog address. If you find this, let me know and I will be sure to add it.)

Plus, I saw Mouse again! I was so sad that she had to leave. :( She did however have an awesome Venezia that she was working on, and of course I had to get a picture of her showing it's cheeky stranding. ;)

By this point we had been informed by Tim (of the library) that Miss Stephanie was going to be late. Her flight from Chicago to Detroit had issues and she was stuck in Chicago which meant a two hour delay. I snapped a quick pic of the knitters at this point and we pondered what to do.

Why, go to the yarn store of course! Twenty percent off everything in the store, and I scored some great laceweight (I'll reserve this for another post.)

When we got back the number of knitters had grown substantially. Sadly Diane and her cute piggy earings had to go home. That's her in the pink sitting by Rams in the front row in the above picture.

Happily, Jenn was my new seatmate. And sitting beside her was Kathy aka Presbytera (anyone have her blog link?) who was wearing this gorgeous salmony corally shirt. It really was the perfect color on her. You can see them both sitting below. I'm in the blue-purple polo, Jenn is next to me, and then there is Kathy. Oh, she was so pretty in that color. (Did I mention that she and Rams were knitting socks in the same yarn and color? Weird huh? One was toe-up and one was cuff down.) Here are the knitters shortly before the Harlot arrived.

Shortly after another of the Michigan knitbloggers snapped this for me (I'm so sorry I totally forgot your name and blog, even though I talked to you for 30 minutes.), Dana called out "Kelli, look it's LarjMarj." My head whipped back so fast I think I popped a ligament. Of course, a picture was in order. Hi Dana and LarjMarj! I'm so glad that I got to see you both. :)

Not long after I finally met Marj, Miss Stephanie came running in to the roar of over 100 knitters. She came, she said crap, she called out for a beer, and she gave a sensational speech. If we truly acted on what she spoke about, there would be no more incredulous looks at the phrase "I'm a knitter." I truly believe that.

At the end, when I was standing in line with Karen in Toledo, I just knew that I had to snap a picture of her with the Harlot. Again, my poor photography skills in action. :) (Did you spot the Bohus? It was so pretty!)
Really, it was a fabulous trip. I enjoyed myself immensely. I met so many people and I know that I didn't remember all of their names. (Shout out in the comments if you met me!) Pat, Erin, Julee, Kellie, Kristi, thanks so much for letting this Hoosier gal tag along with you. I can't wait to meet with you all again. Anyone up for a Sunday, July 1 meet-up at Threadbear?