Spinning And Such

I am really enjoying learning to spin my own yarns.  Isn’t that blue pretty?  I am also knitting a shawl (above), and no, I did not spin that purple yarn.  But I did knit and then felt the little bowl to hold my ball of yarn while I knit.  It was quick and easy, and the first time that I have felted a knitted project.  The pattern for the bowl is here, and the shawl pattern is here.
I have been learning how to spin on my drop spindle from classes on line at Craftsy.
I am enjoying the last few days before we begin school again.  It is time to get back into our normal routines. 
What are ya’ll up to these days?
Join the fun - 

Yarning Along

Two of my favorite things, knitting and reading!  I’m joining Yarn Along over at Small Things this week!
I am in love with the yarn I a using for these fingerless mitts for Kiana.  It is a Cascade 220 yarn.  I don’t remember the color, but you might be able to see from these pictures that it is ridiculously gorgeous - hints of blue and pink whispered  through out the purple.  The pattern is called Handsies.  I really like this pattern, and it has several different sizes so that I can make some for the other children.  I have never knit mittens before, but I am enjoying them.  They are quick and I feel like I have really accomplished something pretty.
I am being encouraged by a book called Found Faithful by Elizabeth R. Skoglund.  

Visit Small Things if you would like to see some other beautiful things!

Yarn Along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

I am finishing up a beautiful blue shaw for Caresse.  She really wants it before she has her surgery in a few weeks.  
I am also working on this adorable sweater for Noelani (if it fits her). 

The book that I’m reading during nap time is Nine Hills To Nambonkaha - Two Years In The Heart Of An African Village.  It is fun and interesting.  

Journey With A New Knitter

I’ve been teaching myself a new skill, ya know, because I have SO much extra time.  Ha-ha.  Actually, I have always loved beautiful yarns and the look of knitting.  So I bought a beginners knitting video and started learning this beautiful art.  The cute thing is that three of my children have fallen in love with knitting also.  The video that I got (at Amazon - here) has been a wonderful help to me and has also been a great help for the children.  

 Last night I jumped in with both feet (well, hands), and started a shawl.  

I can’t even tell you how many times I cast on my yarn, knit a bit, messed up and then pulled it out to start over.  Non-the-less, this morning, I started to get the hang of it.  And I can tell you, I think I’m addicted to knitting.


And it’s all their fault.

I keeping thinking how fun it would be to learn to dye, spin and knit with my own yarn.  And there is going to be an open house at the alpaca farm this Sunday.  I can’t wait!  The owner will be doing some fiber demonstrations!  What fun!!!