Mt Hood from the Portland side.
The Columbia Gorge from Crown Point.
It just reminds me again how much I love living here in this beautiful place! I hope that these cheer you up as well and remind you that spring is on its way!
~Planting little vines of fiber goodness~
Monday, January 31, 2011
Blue Sky!
Today is a cold grey day. I even saw a few flakes of snow float by today. So I thought I would post a couple of pictures from a drive I took with my family a couple of weekends ago as just a reminder that sunshine and blue skies are right around the corner:
Mt Hood from the Portland side.
The Columbia Gorge from Crown Point.
It just reminds me again how much I love living here in this beautiful place! I hope that these cheer you up as well and remind you that spring is on its way!
Mt Hood from the Portland side.
The Columbia Gorge from Crown Point.
It just reminds me again how much I love living here in this beautiful place! I hope that these cheer you up as well and remind you that spring is on its way!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Willie Sweater
I have been knitting another sweater for X (rav link). I got the yarn for this sweater while I was in Dublin on purpose for knitting this sweater. I love it! The pattern is Willie! by Pamela Wynne. I also think the backstory for this design is super sweet. You can read about it here.
Here is the front.
Here it is all laid out. It is so super cute!!! To make the bigger sizes extra length is added to the dog!
So, I have run into one slight difficulty, which is entirely my own fault. I ran out of the main color of yarn about 2 rows from finishing! I was terribly sad about it, then I tried looking for the yarn. I am doubling Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK to get the bulky weight the sweater calls for. Like I said above I bought the yarn in Dublin. So first I tried looking on Ravelry, and nobody had the yarn even in their stash in the color, which is #041. Then I tried looking at the advertising retailers. I think only 1 had it and they wanted $9 for the yarn. So I went back and looked at the yarn store I bought it from in Dublin, called This is Knit. Doing a little math they wanted 5.99 euro for the yarn, which came out to pretty much the same price as buying it over here. Postage included I got the whole ball for $12.25. This worked out wonderfully since they still had the same dyelot in stock and everything. I think it took about a week to get here.
Oh, and the reason I ran out of yarn is actually 2-fold. First the lady at the shop recommended I buy 4 balls and I somehow thought I would be just fine with 3. The second reason was I added length to it is so it will fit my skinny little guy for an extra long time. I don't know why I didn't connect adding length to needing more yarn. Anyway, the yarn is here (as pictured above) and the super cute sweater will be finished post haste. Of course the weather has decided to reach up to the 50s just as I am finishing this extra warm and snuggly sweater. Hopefully we will get one more snow storm so we can put this sweater to good use!
Here is the front.
Here it is all laid out. It is so super cute!!! To make the bigger sizes extra length is added to the dog!
So, I have run into one slight difficulty, which is entirely my own fault. I ran out of the main color of yarn about 2 rows from finishing! I was terribly sad about it, then I tried looking for the yarn. I am doubling Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK to get the bulky weight the sweater calls for. Like I said above I bought the yarn in Dublin. So first I tried looking on Ravelry, and nobody had the yarn even in their stash in the color, which is #041. Then I tried looking at the advertising retailers. I think only 1 had it and they wanted $9 for the yarn. So I went back and looked at the yarn store I bought it from in Dublin, called This is Knit. Doing a little math they wanted 5.99 euro for the yarn, which came out to pretty much the same price as buying it over here. Postage included I got the whole ball for $12.25. This worked out wonderfully since they still had the same dyelot in stock and everything. I think it took about a week to get here.
Oh, and the reason I ran out of yarn is actually 2-fold. First the lady at the shop recommended I buy 4 balls and I somehow thought I would be just fine with 3. The second reason was I added length to it is so it will fit my skinny little guy for an extra long time. I don't know why I didn't connect adding length to needing more yarn. Anyway, the yarn is here (as pictured above) and the super cute sweater will be finished post haste. Of course the weather has decided to reach up to the 50s just as I am finishing this extra warm and snuggly sweater. Hopefully we will get one more snow storm so we can put this sweater to good use!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Spotlight on Aquitaine Beaded Cuffs
I wanted to do a short series on some of the classes I feel are being overlooked for the Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival. I feel a particular love of the Aquitaine Beaded Mitts Workshop because I am providing the yarn for the class. For the class you get a full skein of yarn in your choice of 4 colors of my Tencel Sock yarn, plus the beads to make a pair of mitts. The fees for the materials are only $24, which is actually less than purchasing a single skein of yarn from my shop. There is enough yarn in a skein to complete 2 pairs of mitts. So you are getting a real bargain there.What I also love about this class is working with Sivia Harding. I have had so much fun chatting with her over yarn choices and color choices and bead choices. Believe me, I really wish I could take this class myself. I definitely plan on taking it sometime with her when I'm not managing the show at the same time. There is still lots of space in this class, so take a look at it and if you haven't already, go and sign up!
I also wanted to post on here some rather sad news. In case you haven't already heard about it, Mary Scott-Huff had the sweaters from her latest book stolen out of her car along with the gifts for her daughter's 12th birthday. Please take the time to read her blog post and keep an eye out for the sweaters she lost!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Brightening things up!
It isn't spring around here yet. I have been feeling the winter blues a bit, so I thought I would change up the website a bit. Now in brighter, more springy purples I present the new shop and website: http://www.lavendersheep.com/shop.html
Let me know what you think! Also, if any pages look odd, let me know about those too. I think I got everything, it's always possible I missed something.
Let me know what you think! Also, if any pages look odd, let me know about those too. I think I got everything, it's always possible I missed something.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cable Sweater
I finished up one project on New Year's Eve.
This is the Provence Cable Sweater by Classic Elite (Rav link). The pattern is free and available online. The yarn I used was Regia Tweed 6-ply in color 32. I started this when we went to Dublin so X would have an Aran sweater of sorts to commemorate the trip. It isn't exactly Aran, but cabled is close enough in my book. It hasn't been blocked yet, but he has worn it outside the house. The only thing I wish is I had made it a little bit longer so he could wear it longer.
This is the Provence Cable Sweater by Classic Elite (Rav link). The pattern is free and available online. The yarn I used was Regia Tweed 6-ply in color 32. I started this when we went to Dublin so X would have an Aran sweater of sorts to commemorate the trip. It isn't exactly Aran, but cabled is close enough in my book. It hasn't been blocked yet, but he has worn it outside the house. The only thing I wish is I had made it a little bit longer so he could wear it longer.
Monday, January 17, 2011
And the Winner is...
Actually before I get to that part I thought I would announce a brand new Limited Edition yarn:
I got a few skeins of this luscious yarn and I have decided to dye it up and offer it as a limited edition. I can't get any more from the mill, so when it is gone, it's gone. It is 65% Merino Wool 35% Silk. It is a light fingering weight yarn, perfect for scarves and shawls. It has 100g and 635 yards. All of colors are available here! I love it!
So the winner is....Tammy of Lavendar Knits!!! I'll be sending her a skein of the Limited Edition Merino Silk Lace, she can take her pick from all of the skeins available. I'm also sending a copy of Gardiner Yarn Work's Amethyst Wrap pattern, which I think is a perfect match for the yarn!
I got a few skeins of this luscious yarn and I have decided to dye it up and offer it as a limited edition. I can't get any more from the mill, so when it is gone, it's gone. It is 65% Merino Wool 35% Silk. It is a light fingering weight yarn, perfect for scarves and shawls. It has 100g and 635 yards. All of colors are available here! I love it!
So the winner is....Tammy of Lavendar Knits!!! I'll be sending her a skein of the Limited Edition Merino Silk Lace, she can take her pick from all of the skeins available. I'm also sending a copy of Gardiner Yarn Work's Amethyst Wrap pattern, which I think is a perfect match for the yarn!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Happy Blogiversary!
Yay! Today is my blogiversary! The blog is 5 years old today! Check out my very first post back in 2006! Boy have things come a long way since then!
After that come back and join the contest! Check out the past 2 posts to see the new yarns. There was one on Monday and Tuesday! Then vote for your favorite! All of them are coming sometime in 2011, so stay tuned! Also you only need to leave your name and email address if you want to be included for a drawing for something special! A winner will be drawn on Sunday!
After that come back and join the contest! Check out the past 2 posts to see the new yarns. There was one on Monday and Tuesday! Then vote for your favorite! All of them are coming sometime in 2011, so stay tuned! Also you only need to leave your name and email address if you want to be included for a drawing for something special! A winner will be drawn on Sunday!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Soft Around the Edges...
Day 2 of yarns coming soon!
The last yarn I would like to introduce is Angora Lace or what I like to call Angel yarn partly because of how soft it is and also because of the ANG from angora followed by L from lace. It is 100% long staple angora. This also means little to no pilling and little to no shedding. I have put it through the rigors of dyeing and reskeining and so far it hasn't shed little hairs into the air at all. I love it! This yarn is super soft and has a soft light halo. I would say because of the halo that I would recommend a 1-3US needle to knit with it. The skeins are 50 grams and 437 yards. Retail price: $25/skein.
I also have 2 other yarns I am going to introduce in the near future as well. I just haven't had time to dye them up yet. I am very excited about all of my new additions. It's so much fun to play with new yarn. Class registration has also been going well for the CGFF. So far all of the classes seem to be filling up fairly evenly. There is still room in all of the classes, so if you have been waiting to sign up, now is the time to do it!
The third yarn I would like to introduce is Pure Cash Fingering. It is 100% Long Staple Cashmere. Like the DK version the long staple means this yarn will have minimal pilling. A real plus for any cashmere yarn. The skeins are 50 grams and 218 yards long. Recommended needle size: 1-3US. Retail price: $40/skein.
The last yarn I would like to introduce is Angora Lace or what I like to call Angel yarn partly because of how soft it is and also because of the ANG from angora followed by L from lace. It is 100% long staple angora. This also means little to no pilling and little to no shedding. I have put it through the rigors of dyeing and reskeining and so far it hasn't shed little hairs into the air at all. I love it! This yarn is super soft and has a soft light halo. I would say because of the halo that I would recommend a 1-3US needle to knit with it. The skeins are 50 grams and 437 yards. Retail price: $25/skein.
I also have 2 other yarns I am going to introduce in the near future as well. I just haven't had time to dye them up yet. I am very excited about all of my new additions. It's so much fun to play with new yarn. Class registration has also been going well for the CGFF. So far all of the classes seem to be filling up fairly evenly. There is still room in all of the classes, so if you have been waiting to sign up, now is the time to do it!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Let's Get this Party Started...
Every year I like to do a little something special for my blogiversary, which is January 13th. I like to hold a little contest of some sort and hand out prizes. This year I have decided to give a little sneak peak into some ultra-soft luxury yarns I am adding to the collection and having you vote for your favorites. I'll introduce 2 today and 2 in the next couple of days. Voting will begin on Thursday for your favorite!
Second is Cash DK. It is 100% long staple Cashmere, which minimalizes pilling. The skeins are 50 grams and 122 yards. Needle size 5-7US. Retail price: $40/skein.
Stay tuned for 2 more yarns in the next couple of days!
First up is Baby Alpaca Silk Lace. It is 70% baby alpaca and 30% silk. The skeins are 100 grams and 874 yards. Needle size 1US or smaller. It is dyed up in Smokey Rose. Retail price will be $32/skein.
Second is Cash DK. It is 100% long staple Cashmere, which minimalizes pilling. The skeins are 50 grams and 122 yards. Needle size 5-7US. Retail price: $40/skein.
Stay tuned for 2 more yarns in the next couple of days!
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Projects 2010
Here is the grand list of projects from 2010:
So that is 2 pairs of baby pants, 1 pair of baby socks, 3 baby sweaters, 2 pairs of baby legwarmers, 4 baby hats, 2 scarves, 2 dice bags, 3 pairs of mitts, 1 sweater, 1 hat, 6 ornaments, and 1 baby! That's 27 knitted projects and 1 baby who has become the most wonderful part of my life. I had such a wonderful and fantastic 2010. I hope 2011 is just as good or even better!
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Happy New Year!
Let's see, I have lots to catch up, but I think I will just try and post the last projects from the last year to wrap up.
First up I knit 2 more Chibi Totoros. A blue one (rav link) for my mom and a brown one (rav link) for her twin sister for Christmas. I still haven't figured out how to do the eyes correctly. I also have no idea why the brown one looks like he is really angry because he doesn't look that way in real life. They were both very appreciated, which makes this knitter very happy. I used the same pattern as the white one I did for our tree.. It's a free pattern on Ravelry. I also used the same yarn, Dale of Norway Baby Ull, only in colors 5701 Pale Blue and 2232 Tan.
The other project I finished was a Red Cthulu dice bag (rav link) for our friend Aaron. He requested one when I made the green one back in September, so I thought I could do it before Christmas. I really like how it turned out and it was a big hit for him as well. The pattern is a free pattern online. I only made one modification and that was to have a round bottom instead of a square one. I posted the modifications on Ravelry, so you can check them out there or leave me a comment and I'll post them there. The yarn I used was Cascade 220 Superwash in colors 815 Black and 1909 Ruby Heather. I don't think it needs to be superwash, but I had some leftover so that's what I used
I also finished a sweater for X last night at 10pm. I haven't had a chance to get a photo of it. In fact today was rather busy with the opening of registration for classes for the Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival! There is still plenty of spaces available. So far I'm keeping on top of everything from questions to updating the website as registration notices come in. Make sure to check it out if you haven't already!
First up I knit 2 more Chibi Totoros. A blue one (rav link) for my mom and a brown one (rav link) for her twin sister for Christmas. I still haven't figured out how to do the eyes correctly. I also have no idea why the brown one looks like he is really angry because he doesn't look that way in real life. They were both very appreciated, which makes this knitter very happy. I used the same pattern as the white one I did for our tree.. It's a free pattern on Ravelry. I also used the same yarn, Dale of Norway Baby Ull, only in colors 5701 Pale Blue and 2232 Tan.
The other project I finished was a Red Cthulu dice bag (rav link) for our friend Aaron. He requested one when I made the green one back in September, so I thought I could do it before Christmas. I really like how it turned out and it was a big hit for him as well. The pattern is a free pattern online. I only made one modification and that was to have a round bottom instead of a square one. I posted the modifications on Ravelry, so you can check them out there or leave me a comment and I'll post them there. The yarn I used was Cascade 220 Superwash in colors 815 Black and 1909 Ruby Heather. I don't think it needs to be superwash, but I had some leftover so that's what I used
I also finished a sweater for X last night at 10pm. I haven't had a chance to get a photo of it. In fact today was rather busy with the opening of registration for classes for the Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival! There is still plenty of spaces available. So far I'm keeping on top of everything from questions to updating the website as registration notices come in. Make sure to check it out if you haven't already!
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