ShaylaCanKnit

My Easter contribution

2007-04-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I've posted, I was lost for a time and couldn't post anything. Blogspot confuses me sometimes.

This is my Easter contribution. He is crocheted from sugar and cream dishcloth cotton, and his name is Clyde. I designed him myself. He has no facial features, I just couldn't decide, maybe at another time.

I love Clyde's friendly chickens, especially the yellow one, who, if you push down on her, her wings fly up, and she squeezes a bubblegum egg from her bottom. Cute huh?

Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter holiday.

Green Inchies, Dog Hair, and Crocheting

2007-03-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

A busy crafting weekend for me. The weather has been very snowy and cold, so what better way to spend a weekend? I joined a "green inchies swap", where you have to make 1" x 1" mixed media squares, in green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. I made 114!!!! Even tho' they are small, that's alot!!

A friend I met on a group I belong to, swapped some chiengora, for llama fleece. It is from her huskies and malamutes. I washed it up and mixed it with some wool, and it is spinning up beautifully. Looks like angora to me. Very soft!

Crocheted 3 dischloths in a different pattern than I have tried before, very easy. And found a really cute pattern for a headband of crocheted shells. I also made up a few bookmarks in cotton.

One more crochet project I tried that I haven't done before, I crocheted wire and bead jewelry. I have lots of beads, and and bought a wire sampler last summer at a flea market, so it worked out prefectly. I think turned out rather nice. I'll have to try other colors too.

I have been recycling a 100% white wool sweater from the thrift store that I got in the bargain bin for 25cents. There's a "ton" of yarn in it. I'm going to try some new dyeing techniques when it is all unravelled and skeined. Can't wait.

Guess I should call this blog "shaylacanknitcrochetspin"!

SP10 Questions

2007-02-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

SP10 QUESTIONS

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Any soft natural fibers, wool, cotton, bamboo, silk, llama, alpaca, exotic fibers. The only yarns I don't like are scratchy ones, whether they are natural or acrylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a fun needle holder that looks like a large tube with a cover, but most of my needles are in jars on my desk, or being used in projects.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? I've been knitting and crocheting since 2nd grade. I have been knitting and crocheting off and on ever since. I learned from a neighbor, because I wanted to knit clothes for my Barbie.

Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? intermediate

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? amazon

5. What's your favorite scent? musky, spicy, patchouli mixes, citrus.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? of course Favorite candy? tootsie roll pops, any lollipop candy, and dark chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I love spinning. Knit, crochet, knifty knitter looms, drawing, reading, rubberstamp, journaling, ATC's, altered books, collage, watercolor painting,

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like the "top 40" type music, alternative, blues, jazz, classic rock

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love color, the brighter the better. Pinks, lime greens, jewel tones are nice too. Don't care for pastels.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live with bf and 14 housecats. All rescues. They are my babies, and I love them dearly. My daughter is grown and lives in Anaheim California.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? all

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? socks, dishcloths

13. What are you knitting right now? socks, dishcloths for St Patrick's Day

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love handmade gifts

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I prefer straight, my socks are all on 4 dpns, any kind, bamboo, aluminum or plastic is fine. Of course, rosewood needles are wonderful.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? no, but I would love a yarn winder.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? about 9 months

18. What is your favorite holiday? halloween

19. Is there anything that you collect? teapots, vintage jewelry, drawing pens

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?no subscriptions, I just purchase magazines as I see them. I'm always interested in knitting, crocheting, drawing books. I'd love to have the knitted and felted hedgehog pattern.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I'm always open to new techniques and crafts of any kind, but I'm not interested in sewing at all.

22. Are you a sock knitter? YES~!!! What are your foot measurements? I wear a childrens size 4 shoe and a womens size 5.

23. When is your birthday? September

CROCHETED SOCKS?

2007-02-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

The weather outside is frightful, and the socks are so delightful.....don't know the rest of the words or I'd go on. The temperature here this morning was -18. The high so far is -6. That's a high????? Tonight's low is suppose to be -23. I can hardly wait!

The car was not the least bit interested in starting this morning, plugged in or not, so I got to have a holiday from work. That means free knitting day! Or in this case crocheting. I love knitting socks, and saw a book about crocheted socks. I was going to buy it and then I thought why not just wing it. How hard can it be to make a tube, leave a space, make another tube, fill in the heel space, and viola! a sock. This is what I came up with. They fit perfectly and I love the color. The yarn was from a hat and scarf set I picked up at a thrift store for $1.99. And it's wool to boot!! What more can you ask? There is lots of it left so I can KNIT a pair of socks from it too.

The second sock is calling my name, so I better get at it.

YFC Questions

2007-01-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

What type of yarn do you knit with most often? wool, natural fibers, worsted weight, sock weight

Is there any type of yarn that you would love to try but haven't yet, such as bamboo, banana fiber (seriously they make it - although I've yet to see it in person). cashmerino, camel, yak, bamboo, soy silk

In your opinion what is a luxury yarn? Cashmere, or any unusual handspun fiber

Is there any type of yarn or fiber content you dislike or would prefer not to receive? I like it all as long as it's not scratchy

What type of garments do you most often knit? socks (do they count as a garment?) and shawls. A few baby sweaters.

What types of knitting books do you enjoy? Ones full of creative ideas. I like the ones with inspirational stories too.

What is a color you like but rarely or never buy yourself? I love all colors, the brighter the better, no browns, or black.

If you were pregnant and had to name your baby a fiber, what would her/his name be? Cria

Do you spin? yes

What is one fiber you've never spun? cashmere, camel , yak, bamboo (I know, that's more than one)

If someone in your family or a best friend had to describe you in one word, what would it be? creative

Please tell us one odd thing about you. I can't stand anyone touching my neck

What was your favorite cartoon when you were little. Roadrunner, still is a favorite

Do you have animals? If so, please name them and tell us a little about them. Oh my, I have 14 cats, all in the house, they are all rescues. I have this sign flashing above my house that says "sucker" and all the strays seem to gravitate to it, because they know I will give them love and a good home. I am a dog person too. but had to put my 14 year old german shepherd to sleep last year because of bone cancer. I miss him.

And last but not least, if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? California, my daughter lives there and I could be near her.

I'M STILL ALIVE AND KNITTING

2007-01-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

Contrary to popular belief, I am still alive and knitting (among other things). Got new glasses yesterday. That was fun. (ack) Picked the best of the worst, and I guess they are actually cute. They are RED metal frames. Kind of squarish. People who see me will not say, "oh, you got glasses." They will say, "WOW! what cute glasses!!" They have personality that's for sure!

See my new little friend? Isn't she cute? I picked her up on ebay. I haven't spun on her yet, maybe this weekend. I have tons of fleece, and bought some more bumps from Leighton Farms (again ebay) and can't wait to start!

An update on my friend who is in a coma. Things are about the same, slight improvement. He is on the therapy floor now, and they are working with him 3 hours a day. The best therapist of all? A spaniel who has worked with with hospital for 11 years. Yes, a dog! Wonderful isn't it? Animals have that special power, and I think if anything helps it will be his kids, and that dog. We pray and hope for the best.

MY SOCKRET PAL STRIKES AGAIN!!!!

2006-12-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

Look at the beautiful stuff my sockret pal sent!! I love everything!! Snacks, yarn, origami paper, candy....what a lucky girl I am!!!!

I haven't posted in awhile, sorry, have been busy with work, holidays, and also some sad news. A very dear friend of mine was in a horrific car accident and is in a coma. It happened last weekend, and he is making baby steps in getting better, but we still aren't sure what will happen, if he will ever wake up, and if he does, what he will be. We just pray things will be ok.

Saturday morning project...stitch markers!!

2006-11-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I decided to get busy on some of my projects that have been in waiting. There just isn't enough hours in the day to do all these things! My "real" job just takes up too much of my free time! These are my newest stitch markers. I'm pretty pleased at the way they turned out. Anyone interested in them, they may be ordered for $5.00 plus postage of $1.85. Just leave a comment or email. There is only one set of the green and red, and one set of the keys. There are 5 sets of fruits. I make other colors and designs, just ask.

Otherwise, a pretty mild day. BIG day for all the hunters out there. First day of Minnesota deer hunting. Not my cup of tea, I could NEVER kill anything, and I don't understand why we have to HUNT for food. There is this "new" invention, it's called a GROCERY STORE!!! They have meat there!!! I know it's suppose to be for the good of the deer population, but it's not for me. Each to their own I guess.

Going back to some more projects...everyone have a great day!!

And HERE are the Sockret Pal mail treasures!

2006-10-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

I'm lousy at putting 2 pictures on the same post and getting them in the right place, so here is the post and picture about the wonderful treasures that arrived in my mailbox yesterday. My sockret pal sent me the gorgeous things. A cute shirt with a knitter on it, a wpi tool, Burt's Bee's kit, beautiful handpainted yarn, gorgeous stitch markers, dark chocolate (!), can't tell by the pic that one of the bars is gone, and just a wrapper is in the picture..LOL! sheepy tape measure, body glove lotion, and all packed in a needle case with cats! and knitting pictures and a chart on the side to mark off what needles you have. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything!!! Thank you sockret pal, you've truly spoiled me!!!

Mail Treasures..what a lucky girl I am!!!!

2006-10-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of the best days I've had in a very long time! First of all my cousins and my Aunt from California paid me a surprise visit. They've never been to my house and were not even sure where to find me. They went to the nearest town (that's the beauty of "small town Minnesota" and described me, my bf, and where I lived (generally) and were directed right to me. We went to the local cafe for coffee and muffins, and in general made a spectacle of ourselves, laughing and talking, then went to a tiny gift shop in town and did the same thing. After that, we went to my bf's parent's house. They live in a huge OLD farmhouse, full of antiques, and bf's dad collects and restores old gas pumps, so we all enjoyed looking at everything and trading stories about things we remembered about growing up, old house we lived in, relatives that are gone, etc. It was the most wonderful day!

Almost Halloween!!!

2006-10-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

I put up my fall decorations, and Halloween things today. There are bats and cats lights in the window, a huge pumpkin on the deck, and other cats and pumpkins all over the house. I LOVE Halloween, it's my favorite holiday.

My bf made this cute scarecrow for me last year, and it sits on my computer desk. The "sweet treats" pumpkin if full of tootsie roll pops, my favorite candy.

This is technically a knitting post, because if you look carefully, on the shelf below the jack o lantern on the left is a ball of yarn, and between the scarecrow's knees is a felted case for my ipod. Clever huh???

SOCKRET PAL QUESTIONS

2006-10-01T04:45:00.000-07:00

The basics:
How long have you been knitting? Forever. A neighbor taught me to knit when I was in 2nd grade.

Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? Intermediate

The measurements: While your pal may ask for some additional info to ensure a great fit, please provide your shoe size, or any other fitting related info you think is pertinent. (fiber related) shoe size 5, sometimes a childrens 4

Favorites:
What colors do you love? jewels colors, purples, blues, greens, burgundy and hot pink and lime green

Do you prefer solids or variegated? variegated but any is ok

What fibers do you most love to knit with? wool, wool blend, alpaca anything soft

Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? any

What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting? (fiber related) shawls, afghans, hats, mittens

Dislikes:
What fibers can you not stand to knit with? I've been spoiled with the wool and wool blends, so acrylic is not my favorite, but I will use it sometimes

To wear? scratchy garments

What colors would you never wear? browns

The Tools:
Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood? any

Circs or Straights? any

DPNs or Magic Loop? dpns

Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? I'd love some of those little sheep stitch markers. I love EVERYTHING fiber related!!

The Extras:

Do you have a wish list? none
If so, please share the link!

Do you like sweet, sour or salty? (or all of the above? ) salty and sweet

Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? (Certain foods, smoke, pet hair, etc) none

Favorite scents? patchouli, musk, vanilla, orange, spice

Scents you can't stand? strawberry and raspberry

Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? cats and teapots and tea related items, unusual beads

When is your birthday? (month and day is fine!) September

Do you spin? yes

Dye your own yarn? yes

Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better... I listen to a variety of music, mostly what's on the radio now, pop, rock, alternative, not much country, it makes me sad. Vacation spot I would pick Los Angeles because my daugher lives there, Las Vegas, or anywhere in Montana. No real favorite authors, I love readng a variety of books, some fiction, some non fiction...and of course anything knitting, or fiber related makes a good read.

I'M A KNITTIN', SHE'S A BITCHIN'

2006-09-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

(see previous post)
Today I've been working on my scrap shawl. The weather went from 80 degrees yesterday to barely 50 degrees today. Perfect shawl knitting weather! I have so many fall color bits of yarn around, handspun, yarn of the month samples, leftovers, that it was about time I blend them all together into a beautiful shawl. I'm leaving the ends when I switch colors, as fringe, and then will add more fringe when I'm done if need be. I HATE adding fringe, but it won't be so bad if half is already there! I love these colors! Now if I can just get some peace from the "siamese pain" and get some knitting done!

I'm HUNGRY!!!

2006-09-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is my siamese pain! She (and the other 12)get 1 can of wet cat food divided between them, every morning and every evening. (Don't worry, they have a constant supply of dry food out all day and night, the wet food is just a treat). Usually I get home from work about 5 and that's when the evening ration is given. On weekends when I am home all day, my siamese pain is CONSTANTLY hungry and starts bitchin' and complaining starting around 3 o'clock. She pesters, and rubs, and whines, gets in my way, and generally becomes a "pain" until I give in and dole out the food. She NEVER can wait. She acts exactly the same way on weekend mornings. I normally get up for work at 4AM, so on the weekends when I want to sleep, which is usually 8AM, she goes nuts, and pesters me until I finally get up, storm out to the kitchen, put the plates down and scoop out 13 little scoops of wet food. Then go and storm back off to bed again! If she wasn't such a sweetheart, I'd........................!
Here is a close up picture of the pain!

One Skein Pal...this is the gift

2006-08-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

I don't think my one skein pal will see this, so here's the gift I made for her. I hope she likes the shawl/scarf. It can cover your head, your neck, or shoulders. Just right for a little too much air conditioning, or wind. I love the colors, blue, green, and brown, and fuzzy. The little bag is boucle, and is in a previous post, and the some tiny notecards. I love these exchanges! They are so much fun!

State Fair and scrubbies

2006-08-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Friday I took the day off we went to the State Fair. We always meet my mom (who's 80) and my brother there. It's kind of a tradition. We rented a motorized cart for my mom, to make it easier for her to get around. It's even hard for US, who are 30 years younger, to walk all those miles and miles to see everything. There is so much to see, ate lots and lots of great (not so great for you) food, and there were even a couple of vendors with yarn and fiber for spinning! There was an alpaca vendor, who had yarn and many hats and mittens for sale. They had 2 live alpaca babies there, who couldn't have been cuter! There was also a booth in the Creative Activities building selling yarns and spinning fiber. I managed to just "look" there.

The Minnesota Fiber, Weaving, Spinning Guild was there, demonstrating spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting. What a job that would be, sitting and knitting or spinning all day. I could handle that!!!

The 2 1/2 hour drive to get to the fair, was taken up by crocheting this time. Managed to "squeak" out 4 scrubbies. Aren't they cute? Usually when I give a dishcloth for a gift I include a scrubbie and a bar of handmade soap. It makes a nice set.

NEW yarn store found!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such great day! In my usual running errand Saturday, I happened upon a new yarn store. Gallery of Dreams. It's only 25 miles from me, which is typical for every store I need, I live in a very rural area. I was in heaven!! Every kind of yarn imaginable. It's in an old house, and she had a room for sock yarn, a room for cotton, and a room for other wools. Lots of patterns and knitted displays. They have classes, knitting nights, and even have a retreat set up at a local lodge in January. Guess where I'll be in January!!

I'm always a little sad living here, because I see so many things on the internet that aren't available here. Even being from Minnesota puts me at a disadvantage sometimes. Seems other parts of the country get things first. It always thrills me when I do find a store that has something I've just read about in someone's blog, or in the groups I belong to. Wahoo!! I am a part of the civilized world!!!

I grabbed up a skein of Opal "Mosaik", a color I don't have, and some"Fiona" in fall colors. She had a lacy shawl made up in the blue "Fiona" and said it was a quick weekend project, that only took 2 skeins. Who could resist?

One Skein Pal

2006-08-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is part of the gift for my One Skein Pal. I don't think she will see this, so this is just a glimpse of part of the gift. Just a little crocheted bag with boucle yarn. What goes "inside" has yet to be blocked, so the picture will come later. That is the true "one skein" gift. I hope she likes them.

SIDEWALK SALE AT LYS

2006-08-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the annual craft show in the town with my closest LYS. The weather was beautiful, not too hot, a little cloudy. As we were pulling up, I spotted it! The LYS (Prairie Needles) was having a sidewalk sale. Hold me back!!!! I went through tables of some nice yarn, some not so nice. Bought a skein of black and a skein of orange for Halloween socks, and found a neon pinky, purple skein that I could not resist. Only one skein would not make socks, so I decided on a dusty purple that matched and thought about doing random stripes. I think they're turning out cute!

The Perfect Fruit

2006-07-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

Isn't it beautiful? One perfect apricot from my tree. There are 2 trees, probably around 6 feet tall, only a few years old. One of them managed to squeak out this perfect apricot. And was it delicious! Very sweet and juicy. Maybe next year there will be two!!

Notice how I incorporated knitting into the post. The "perfect" apricot is sitting on a "200 Knitted Blocks" book, new from Barnes & Noble. Pretty clever, huh?

What else can you do when it's 100 outside?

2006-07-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

It's 100 degrees outside today, and humid. Beautiful Minnesota weather, yeah right. Even being the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" doesn't mean squat. It's HOT!!!

What else can you do but knit cotton dishcloths? I found this cute round pattern with the cute little petal edges to try. It's turning out better than expected in the colorful cotton I chose. I think I will make up a few of these for gifts. They are fast and easy.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, I have a jar of sun tea, simmering on the deck railing, and yarn I dyed with Wilton's drying out there next to it. Both should be done about now. (or melted)

Have a great weekend everyone!!! (I'm camping out next to an air conditioning vent for the next 2 days!)

It's So Hard To Knit With Help

2006-07-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to knit with help. If you notice in the picture, my cat, Furby, the yarn I'm using just happens to be stuck in his paw. He lays wherever I am and "helps' with all my projects. I am SO lucky! I wouldn't have it any other way!

Check it out out. I finished my other salsa sock and now they make a pair. Yahoo!! Now, on to the next pair.

How cute is this? My Salsa Sock!

2006-06-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

How cute is this? Finished sock number 1 today, working on number 2, but had to take a pic of the lone sock to show here. I dyed the yarn myself, Cascade 220, looks like homemade salsa to me. No second sock syndrome with this one, number 2 is already on the needles and 1/4 of the way done. It's such an easy pattern, I will probably finish tomorrow. I LOVE making socks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just me and my sister, or is it my sister and me?

2006-06-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

These are 2 of my babies, Angel and Nick. Brother and sister, tho' they do not look alike. They are 2 of the 3 original cats I had before the house fire. I was not able to save them all, there were 9. I could only save 3, and the 2 dogs, there just wasn't enough time. Luckily my daughter and I were not hurt. We lost everything except the clothes on our back. We ended up living at the neighbor's house for 3 weeks before buying a modular home to put on the lot. The fire was 7 years ago, last week, and feel like it was yesterday. I know I should let it go, but I STILL feel guilty for not being able to save all my cats. I realize I could've died too, because I went back in, but it's hard to forgive myself. Strange how this was suppose to be a happy blog, and a happy picture and this is what came out. whew!

This is my RUSH hour

2006-06-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

This is what my afternoon rush hour looks like on my way home. (Pretty much looks the same in the morning too.) Don't laugh! I know I should be happy, but it does get boring day after day when all you see is a handful of cars and trucks and field after field. Oh the fun of living in a rural area.

OUCHEE AND THE NEW TATTOO

2006-06-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

Got a new tattoo today. My best friend and I decided to get matching tattoos, on our feet. It's an evil looking bunny, that we both fell in love with. She was pregnant (just had an adorable baby boy, Jagger, yesterday) so couldn't get the tattoo until she had the baby, so I volunteered to go first. This morning I was in the chair at 8AM. OUCHEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER get a tattoo on the top of your foot!!! I have many tattoos, my chest is covered, my legs, my back, arms, etc. I have NEVER had one that hurt this much!! Paul the tattoo artist is the most gentle man on earth, so it was not that he was heavy handed, it's just that there is no "cush" on your foot, only skin and bones. Oh, the pain! Finally, I had to stop him, I just couldn't take anymore. It's pretty well done, just needs a little more shading and some colors. It's beautiful right now, and can't wait to get it finished, but I have to let it rest and heal for a few weeks before I try this again. OUCHEE!!! Thank you to Paul for the beautiful work you do.

2006-06-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Weather has been oh so nice here, and I've been spending lots of evenings outside, so my blogging just hasn't been what it should. I've been knitting like crazy, socks, dishcloths, and kitty blankets and toys. I've been spinning too. Got this beautiful roving from my LYS and I love it! I want to make socks out of it, it's so soft!! Better get busy spinning or I will be an old woman before the yarn is spun for them. I have a spinning wheel, but it is still fun to spin with the drop spindle too...and alot more portable!

DYEORAMA

2006-05-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Joined the dyeorama, and I am finished with the project ahead of time! I don't think my partner will see this so I will show you a sampling of the yarn I dyed for her. Also I made up some lavender balls, (to keep those pesky moths away), made her some knitting needles, and included a dishcloth. (my other favorite project next to socks). I hope she enjoys it.

A Day For Finishing

2006-05-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today is the day I chose to finish some projects, long overdue. First, a felted purse that I started long ago, and second, a shopping bag, made from what else? shopping bags!!! You know, cut the plastic bags from the store into strips, string together, crochet into an adorable shopping bag. I carry my lunch, sodas, whatever, to work everyday in a regular old shopping bag, NOW, I will have this BEAUTIFUL new bag to carry everything. What a concept! It was fun to make anyway. And the felted purse turned out pretty cute too. Now on to more projects!!!

2006-05-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

World Wide Knit in Public day is June 10th!.

Dyeing again!

2006-05-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

I'm dyeing again. Had some lace, crocheted doilies, and some yarn bundles around that were just humdrum, and figured a little creative dying couldn't hurt. This is what I came up with.

Another lovely 3 day weekend begins. Weather here is a balmy 90 with 150% humidity! It is BREEZY tho'. Only in Minnesota!!! Tonite will bring thunderstorms I heard, always happens when it's humid. Should've moved to Arizona when I had the chance! It's a DRY heat!

My night, how's yours?

2006-05-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is what bf and I do most evenings in the spring, summer, fall, to relax. It's so beautiful in the backyard, and of course, the bbq food is always good. Can be anything from turkey legs, to hamburgers, to corn on the cob, to pork roast, there's not much we haven' t tried. Many nights you find us out there after dark, just sitting by the fire. It's so peaceful. And of course, there are cats joining the festivities as you can see. Would not be the same without them. They always share in the hamburger paper, and other wrappers. Family bonding time!!

If I could only spell?

2006-05-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

What I meant in the title of the previous post is SHEPHERD'S FESTIVAL.......Lake Elmo MN. I REALLY can spell, it just gets away from me sometimes...oops.
Other than that, one more obliglatory cat photo....this my "Misty" pretending she is an outdoor cat, by laying in front of the open window. She looks innocent, BUT, she is my "devil" cat! If anything is going on, she is in the middle. See the look on her face? Possessed?

Sheperd's Festival Lake Elmo mN 2006

2006-05-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

Had the BEST time at Shepherd's Festival! Weather was cold and rainy, plus a 3 hour drive, BUT it was definately worth it. Met some people, in person, that I had met only on the internet, and saw so much fleece and yarn it was overwhelming. This is just a sampling of everything I got. Beautiful, isn't it? Even got a new drop spindle and spun on the trip home, as you can see by the lovely green yarn wrapped around the program for the Shepherd's Fest. What a day!

HAPPY MAIL DAY!!!!!

2006-05-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's a happy happy mail day!! Woo hoo!! Received beautiful roving and more sock yarns from ebay auctions. Also, the book, "Mason-Dixon Knitting". I've heard nothing but great reviews of this book. We shall see. Now if I could just figure out a way to knit and read at the same time.

It's freezing here tonite, suppose to be in the 30's and a possibility of snow? Huh? In mid May? Figures! Fishing Opener this weekend and the weather could do anything. That's Minnesota for ya!!

2006-05-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

DYE-O-RAMA

Specific to this swap:

Your favorite colors? Hot pink, neon green, purple, yellow, blue.

Preferred yarn weight anything good for socks, my favorite things to knit!

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? multicolored

If your buddy is able to do so, would you like a variegated, self-striping, or self-patterning yarn? any is fine, solid or patterned

Would you be interested in a wool blend sock yarn (nylon, tencel, silk, acrylic, alpaca, etc.)?any is fine, mostly wool is my favorite

Imagine the perfect colorway. What would you name it? Neon Dreams

What was the biggest appeal to you for joining this dye-along? To see other's creations

General yarn/fiber questions:

Have you dyed yarn/fiber before? Yes

If so, what’s your favorite dye and method? Kool-aid in the microwave

Do you spin? Yes

Have you knit socks before? yes

Do you use sock yarn for just socks or in other patterns too? sometimes others, mostly socks

What are some of your favorite yarns? no favorites

What yarn do you totally covet? any that is soft and cuddly

Favorite patterns? socks of course

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?
Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? have many favorites

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? any lorna's laces that has pink in it...and I would be a sock yarn

Nothing to do with knitting/yarn/fiber in any way but seemed kinda fun:
Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? tootie roll pops, and dark chocolate

What’s your favorite animal? cats

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? I have 14 cats, I won't list them all by name and ages but they range in age from 1 year to 16 years. And from Tabby to Siamese, all colors and sizes. I love them all dearly. They are all indoor cats and LOVE my yarn and fiber habit!!!

If you were a color what color would you be? Neon pink

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s)..my favorite shirt? a worn, comfortable, soft, sweatshirt

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature? fuschias (flower) and owls

Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read. "The most romantic thing a man can give a woman is honesty."

Do you have a wishlist? amazon, knitpicks, crafters choice, doubleday books

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today? this exchange sounds like so much fun. I can't wait to see other's creativity.

Results of Dyeing and Cheddarwurst!

2006-05-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Finished the cheddarwurst and the dyeing. Here's the finished product! Should spin up into some interesting yarn! Can't wait til it's dry!!!

Dyeing and Cheddarwurst

2006-05-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

Must be a country song in there somewhere. Eating cheddarwurst leftover from last nite's bbq, and dyeing roving this morning. Using kool-aid and easter egg dye. Not sure which is my favorite, seem to get the same results with both. It's a beautiful, breezy, spring day today, and perfect for drying newly dyed roving outside. It's a great day!!!!!!!!!!!

ShaylaCanKnit

2006-05-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

ShaylaCanKnit

Can I come in?

2006-04-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

THE FIRST OF MANY CAT PHOTOS, I'M AFRAID.

This is SeaBass. Yes, as in the movie "Dumb and Dumber". I always wanted to name a cat SeaBass so when they wrestle, I can yell "kick his Ass SeaBass" just like the movie! Soon after the movie, a stray cat showed up at my house. (divine intervention perhaps?) I know, duh!! (who's dumb and who's dumber?) Anyhoo.....not thinking, we put a decorative garbage can (can you use the words "decorative" and "garbage can" in the same sentence?) on the deck just below the window. He thinks that it is out there for him to stand on to let SOMEONE know when he wants to come in. He can telescope that neck of his like ET to get someone's attention. Doesn't he look pathetic?

ShaylaCanKnit

2006-04-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

ShaylaCanKnitI am a A Topaz Dragon!
Hey, I took the http://dragonhame.com online Inner Dragon quiz and found out I am a Topaz Dragon on the inside.
In the war between good and evil, a Topaz Dragon tends to walk the fine line of Neutrality....When it comes to the powers of Chaos vs. those of Law and Order, your inner dragon is a risk taker and answers to no one....As far as magical tendancies, a Topaz Dragon's nature does not lend itself well to the ways of Magic....During combat situations, whether by spells or by claw, your inner dragon will do whatever it takes to get the job done....The Topaz dragon makes it's home on temperate islands and coastal regions. This particular gem dragon is widely known for it's impish behavior and charm.'Unless something specifically interests or affect them, topaz dragons tend to be indifferent to happenings about them.'When born, a topaz dragon is a dull yellow-brown in color, infused with streaks of blue. As the dragon ages, its scales harden, darken and become translucent and faceted. A topaz dragon shines brightly, giving off rays of amber and blue light. 'This Dragons favorite elements are: Topaz, Beauty, and Charm
http://Dragonhame.Com

And Then There Are The Fish

2006-04-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

Absolutely could not resist trying to make these fish. Aren't they adorable? When I saw the pattern I just HAD to make the blanket of fish. I love it!!!

Oh, The Places We Will Go

2006-04-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

Finally got to take pictures of my projects in various stages of completion. I was a little surprised just how many things I have going on. Why do I think I have to have EVERY shade and pattern of yarn to make more and more socks? Just take a look at the box I received from KnitPics 2 days ago. And what is it? SOCK YARN!!!

Here are samples of socks in progress...would you say I'm just a tad bit scattered?