1 Pair of Mitts and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Stressless Mitts

By Ruinwen
Here is a cute little last-minute knit that makes up easily in a day. This mitt employs a K4, P1 ribbing in the body to ensure a snug but comfortable fit.

Materials
5 double-pointed needles to gauge
Cascade 220
A scrap of waste yarn
Stitch marker

Gauge
4 stitches per inch – size eight needles
Pattern
Using the long-tail method, cast on 10 stitches on each needle.

Join and knit with working yarn and tail to secure for the first two stitches of K2, P2 rib. Put a marker after the second stitch to signify the first needle. Work in ribbing for 10 rounds.

Switch over to K4, P1 ribbing for 11 rounds.

In the next round, we want to make room for the thumb by using waste yarn to knit stitches that we will later remove. This yarn should be approximately the same thickness that you are already using but a different color that will make the stitches easy to pick out later.

Knit 6 stitches with waste yarn on 1st needle and remove marker for the waste yarn will now mark the first needle. Slide these stitches from working needle back to left-hand needle. 1st needle should now have 10 stitches again but the first six will be in a different yarn.

Knit 6 more rounds in K4, P1 rib.

Change to K2, P2 ribbing for 10 rounds. Bind off all stitches.

Now go back to the waste yarn stitches and place the bottom and top rows of the stitches that are being held by it on two separate needles. Take out waste yarn carefully. You should have six stitches on both needles.

Join new yarn knit 4 stitches from 1st needle. Take a new needle and knit remaining two stitches from 1st needle and pick up 2 side stitches. Knit 4 stitches from the top needle. Take a new needle and knit the remaining 2 stitches on the top needle and pick up two side stitches. You should have four needles each with four stitches on them.

Knit 6 rounds. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Now, make a second one. :)

Stressless Mitts 2007 Ruinwen. All Rights Reserved, Knittin’ Chicks and vixenpath.blogspot.com

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Anyway, the whole mitt thing started when I was trying to make a pair for a guy I work with and I didn't like the way they fitted. So I added a rib to the body and now they fit him. These were for me but well...they are living at the shop and I will have to make myself another pair later.

As with any holiday season, things have been crazy. Last year my folks were in and out of hospitals and nursing homes and this year we are moving them into Assisted Living. I am trying to be the most loving, understanding, helpful being I can be. I can't even begin to understand how hard it is to pack up and leave the house you've called home for 40+ years and move into an apartment. But I'm doing everything I can to make things easier for them.

I really think as hard as this is that it for the best. And if there is a silver lining to all of this...they will only be five minutes away because they agreed to move to my town. So I can pop over after work and on weekends and it will be really nice.

I'm behind in most everything but that is okay because I always am. I believe in the message of the season and I'm taking time to let the light be reborn deep within me. All things considered, I am very blessed.

If I can't get back to posting before Yule/Soltice/Christmas/Kwanza...please have a wonderful, fun, safe, and happy season and a *big hug* from me.

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

Yule Sweater #1

This sweater is for my niece and it is a very enjoyable knit. The yarn is Patagonia Nature. I'm normally not a fan of fat/thin yarns but I love this one. And boy is it soft!

I was running out of pink and my LYS just happened to have two balls of purple (her second favorite color) in stock. So I thought the pink looks like stripes anyway why not add some purple? I think it is turning out great. If I have some time this weekend I hope to get a huge chunk of it done. It would be nice to finish before Thanksgiving so I can start on Yule sweater #2.

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Stupid is as Stupid Does

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm
not sure about the former." -Albert Einstein

Here is a picture of my shawl I made for fall and never got to wear. It lives at the shop where the owner was nice enough to block it and bring out the loveliness of the yarn. I really enjoyed this knit. It was made with Ironstone yarns and was an exercise in increasing and decreasing in a lace pattern.

So I get the stupid award today for booking a full day of work on a day we have off. Since I booked it then I needed to be here for dispatch...so I lost one of the eight days I get a year because I was neglectful of the schedule. :(

I wanted to thank everyone that sent good thoughts and prayers to my family. I wanted to also thank everyone who said they would come and knit, crochet or sew at Starbucks. I only wish we lived closer.

I'm working on a top-down sweater now and having a lot of fun with it. This is one of the three sweaters that I am making for Yule. I think I will be done with it at the end of the week since it has been such an easy, enjoyable knit. I will post it when I'm done.

Have a wonderful day!

Ruinwen
:)

Ear Flap Hat c'est Fini!

I just love this hat! It fits me perfectly...though it really is too big for my son. He wants one of his own now too. I really enjoyed this knit. His will make up even quicker than this one.

Now I know that my snowflakes came out a bit wonky...but it is the thought that counts right? And one goal down! ...now if I can just find someone to knit with me at Starbucks...

Mom says a big "thank you" to all those in blog land sending her good thoughts. Also, thank you for your words of encouragement, you all are the best. :)

Have a super weekend!

Ruinwen
:)

The Hat That Woke Me Up

A person asked Buddha:
“Are you a God?”
Buddha’s reply was
“No.”
“Are you an Angel?”
“No.”
“Then what are you?”
“I am Awake.”
-- Unknown Source

I try to be an aware person. I listen to my body and try to give it what it needs to keep going. My soul craves the simplest of things: family, friends (including furry ones), Pokemon or gaming in general, knitting and coffee.

Right now I’m a little addled by things beyond my control so I dug up my hat. I started a hat a while back and never really got very far. I made one ear flap and saw that I would have to join it in and freaked out. Why? I don’t know. But into the bag for later it went, and I’m just digging it out a year later.

Last night I made the other flap and joined the whole thing in the round. It was on the needle, flaps and all in less time then it took for my son to dawdle about getting into a bath. There was no fear it was all so simple and fun to do. I’m working in Knit Picks Swish Superwash which is 100% Superwash merino wool in dark navy and deep ocean and I’m loving every stitch of it.

This hat is just the thing I needed to get me back on track while everything around me goes out of my control. I don’t even care that I’m going to have to go back and mend a hole at the join. It is all part of the process. And it shows that I’ve grown as a knitter…I hope as a person. I believe that the two are intertwined…like each stitch of this hat.

I think I’ll decorate it with some contrasting embroidered snowflakes for Bridget my Patron Goddess. Something simplistic…like a cup of miso soup on a cold day. A little bit of whimsy that lets my child-within out to play…with no rules in sight. A simple balm for my soul…

If I could beg a favor of you, please keep my family in your thoughts…they all are going through a rough time right now and this is really all I can do to help them. Thank you.

Have a lovely weekend,

Ruinwen, who hopes to have a finished hat by the end of the weekend...
:)

Always at the Very Last Minute

“It is while trying to get everything straight in my head that I get confused.”

-- Mary Virginia Micka

I love my little squat white pumpkin. I thought it very ghost-like for All Hallow's Eve.

I took Samhain off this year to get my life in order and feel like I have a little bit of control again. And it worked. I have found my center even if I am still a day late and a dollar short with everything it doesn't change who I am...and I will always be a gal who does everything important last minute and by the seat of her pants... it's in my genes...imbedded in the very fabric of my DNA.

Speaking of fabric...I just finished a shawl that I really enjoyed making and totally never got a shot of before it went to live at the LYS. So I have been knitting. This month I am not starting any new projects. I need to complete a few of these WIP's...like the hat I was designing in the spring. It has gotten cold enough here that I wish I had a hat. And I could wax forever about why I waited until the last minute to work on it...but you see its who I am.

Ah well, I hope to have something nice to show you after I finish the blanket from hell. I hate that some designers don't check their work...it drives me from here to next Tuesday when a pattern is wrong. So DH and I sat at Mc Donalds and charted this blanket after I ripped it out. Mc Donalds is one of my favorite places to figure out patterns 'cuz my son can happily play while DH helps me from going insane.

So said blanket has been ripped, recast and two repeats have been successfully done from my new chart. The LYS owner is happy with my results thus far but truly I'm just not feeling it.

So since I don't do so well with goals that are high in number I will pick three:
1. Finish this blanket so I can work on another WIP
2. Go to Starbucks and knit by their roaring fire while drinking something yummy
3. At least find my hat and pattern and see where the heck I am

So, until next time...happy crafting!

Ruinwen
:)

Fun on the Hay Slide

October really was fun even though it went so quickly and DH was sick for most of it. My sweet son was supposed to go to the pumpkin patch with his daycare but it was rained out...twice! So we took him and he had a blast. The corn maze was enough to do me in...next time I'm bringing some food, a compass, and a map. lol We got an awesome pumpkin pie fresh out of the oven...oh it was so good! And we bought some yummy pumpkin bread too. All in all, it was a nice day, the rain held out and my son had a lovely trip. Later on, they tried for a third trip at daycare and he did go again...bringing me a lovely pumpkin...

I've made pumpkin pasta which was really good and heated up really nicely with a bit of cream to reliquify everything. We made pumpkin bread that really is more like bread pudding or pumpkin pie without a crust. I had so much pumpkin left over I put it all in there...but it came out delish. I still have to make an actual pumpkin pie. I need to find some new things to do with pumpkin. lol :)

Fair Socks & Scrubbies

Here are my socks in all their glory. One nice lady told me if it was October she would have bought some socks. "Hello" it is October...oh well. My sister's wonderful scrubbies that play on our family heirloom pattern are the best. I love, love, love mine! :)

Our Booth For Fall Fest

So catching up on October...here is our booth at Fall Fest. There was no one behind us which allowed for a wonderful breeze. Unfortunately, the day was in the high 90's. I got heatstroke and was absolutely miserable. On the upside, we had fun and sold enough to make back the tent, food and a little profit. :)

MEME meme MEME

Okay I've been totally AWOL and you would laugh if I told you why...but in any case I've been having a lot of fun.

So since I have three people that I promised to do their Memes...here they are for your enjoyment. :)

First from the sweet Bianca...7 funny/different truths about me.

1. Coffee is my elixir of sanity...I worship at Starbucks as often as I can.
2. I raise Pokemon on my DS and happily trade them all over the world for fun.
3. I love merino...just holding it will make me smile.
4. I am addicted to Christine Feehan books.
5. I love Halloween...and wish I could dress up every day.
6. I have spent many hours trying to find the perfect pangalastic gargle blaster.
7. One day I want to be the fastest crocheter in the world.

From the wonderful Kimberly I have 8 random things. Of course the above stuff was pretty random but I'll try to think up some more since I've been so remiss.

1. I like petting baby sharks.
2. My favorite Pokemon is a tie between pikachu and bulbasaur.
3. I need to hear the ocean once a year or I go insane. *too late you say?*
4. I will knit anywhere.
5. While orchids are my favorite flower I adore purple pansies.
6. I take spiders and small critters outside instead of killing them.
7. I adore pumpkin spice in almost anything. *mmm coffee*
8. I believe in ghosts.

And I know that you are sick of me by now but I promised the delightful designer Edna so here are another 8 things.

1. My favorite mixed drink is a lava flow.
2. My favorite place is Hawaii.
3. I love luna moths.
4. I adore those little pill bugs that plauge everyone's garden.
5. The hardest thing I ever knit was a penguin...the easiest a blanket for a power ranger.
6. I think the Wii is the neatest game system ever.
7. My house is on a ley line.
8. I could get lost in a paper bag.

So there a bunch of facts that maybe you didn't know...maybe you didn't want to know. ;) But at least I kept my promises to 3 wonderful crafty mavens!

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Soft's Sweater

Soft is my son's stuffed dog. He wanted me to make him a sweater. So here is the Fair Isle on the back.

It was a fun little knit.

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

Ruinwen
:)

Bridget's Clapotis C'est Fini

Isn't she beautiful?

allthingsheather has the most beautiful color sense. She dyed this just for me. Don't you think she really expresses the sky during a snowstorm perfectly? I am so in love with this yarn! I have enough to make something else...maybe a pair of cabled socks?

I love this pattern so much I'll probably make a few more next year. Right now it is back to socks since Fair is next weekend and I have two pairs left to make.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

I'm So Blessed!

Christine sent me an amazing package!

Wow, I'm dazzled by all the goodies! First off there is the cute mailing label which states, "Chicks with sticks rule!" It is decorated with adorable little stickers.

Inside is such wondrous stuff that I just want to go and play with it all. There is roving in purple and green which, I just love together! It is so yummy I can't wait to spin it! *although I'm not as talented as Christine* This is plain to see by her lovely green handspun she sent! *I think I recognize Tonks!* You're plying is so beautiful I can't wait to knit with it.

Then she made me a rejuva-skin body mist which contains; glycerin, witch hazel, lavender, and peppermint and smells divine! You know me so well!

Another great gift; a double point needle caddy. How did you know? :)

There is a book Knitticisms...And Other Purls of Wisdom which I just can't wait to read.

And Finally the sweetest card...thanks Christine you really made my day.

I've been a little bummed since they stole my credit card number...but this really turned my whole week around...thank you! Oh, and my son said, "Tell the nice lady I love her stickers! Is it okay if I share them?"

Oh, Christine thank you for such a lovely package...you are such a wonderful friend and I hope one day we can meet in person!

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

My 200th Post

I know I’ve been quiet. I hope to have some pictures later on in the week because I have been working on a few things and even finished a few.

I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of good thoughts, vibes, and prayers for my DH. His operation was a success and they removed a quarter-size piece of bone that was floating about two inches above his knee. Even the Doctor was quite surprised by the magnitude of it. Even though he had bigger incisions this time we believe the previous PT let him heal faster and he is already driving short distances.

I’ve been plugging away on my socks and ripped out the blanket that was hurting my hands and restarted it with single strands. I think it looks fine and less like a mat now.

The last two weekends I had all-day sock seminars and we really had a lot of fun. Except that it is hard to enjoy yourself when your town is hurting the way ours is. There was a fire that wiped out seven businesses and five families on September 4th. No one was hurt but everything was destroyed. Main Street has been closed due to the fact that the one standing building that they are taking down today, might fall at any minute.

I’ve been trying to help where I can and most of the time that is just to listen to people who need to grieve…I’ve gotten involved in fundraisers…and counted all my blessings over and over. Our little community has banded behind the businesses and families and the love and compassion, not to mention the donations have been so heartwarming.

I love my little town. I love that walking down Main Street I see a dozen people that I know. That I know the shop owners by name and if they see me they wave or stop to talk to me. My heart hurts for the people who lost everything. I ache for the shop owners who walk around just lost and the families grieve over simple things like lost baby pictures.

The whole town is grieving; each in their own way. But through it all life goes on. My son is in 1st grade and I joined the PTA. I think I agreed to a bunch of things that I don’t remember, but that is okay. My sweet sister got a new job and I’m so happy for her!

And wow, it is my 200th post. Thank you all who lurk or read this blog. This last week the importance of community really hit home for me. All of you out there in cyberspace are special and important to me and I am thankful for each and every one of you. Bright blessings to you and yours.

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Coming Up For Air

Sorry, it has been so long since my last post...life and all you know. :)

I crocheted this granny square blanket for mindless crafting. I like the way it came out. I mixed the glittery yarn in for a festive touch.

Here is a slip stitch baby blanket I am making. It called for two strands and it really hurts my hands. I tried a single strand version and it still looks as nice. So next time I won't use two strands. It is a fun pattern in which you carry the yarn in the back when you are on the front and in the front when you are on the back. This way the front stays all pretty.

The amazing John was having a sale and I scored some luscious Malabrigo. The pic does it no justice and you can't feel how soft it is either. But it is the most amazing merino I have ever touched and I just can't wait to find something worthy of its amazing texture.

And...of course, there are socks. I want 10 pair for the Fall Fest and here are 3 done and one on the needles. And I started them last week on Monday...so I feel that this is a possible goal.

Well, that's it. DH has to go back in for knee surgery 'cuz they missed something so keep him in your thoughts, please.

Happy crafting everyone,

Ruinwen
:)

More Socks...

Some random silliness. Here are the Snowcat socks with the black light.

So true to my word I made four socks this week. These are made with Sheep Shop Wool and I am in love with them.

I've gotten really fast at making these socks. And I really enjoy the ease of them.

Sheep Shop has some awesome colors. They really know how to dye with really rich hues.

I hope you have a nice weekend!

Ruinwen
:)

Princess of the Sea

Here is Sea Witch modeled by the one it was intended for. It was a perfect fit and the little princess loves it. I'm hoping to write up this pattern sometime soon.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Just Because...

I love thistles...even though they have some rough edges they are so beautiful! A thistle is the symbol I use for my healing center. :)

Fox...Socks...

Sorry, the pic is so dark...but they are cammo of the ice and snow variety. I’ve been working on finalizing this scaredy sock class and I’m finally done. I made two socks in two days and I think that I could make these with my eyes closed now.

We are selling socks for Fall Fest to go with our save the Earth theme. ‘Cuz putting on a pair of socks can save a lot of energy instead of raising your thermostat. I’m making myself a pair in Sheep Shop wool and should be done on Thursday night.

I’m hoping this class will encourage some people who are currently intimidated by double points.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Oh and the title...a Vixen is a female fox...get it... :)

Mama's Got a Brand New Bag!

I first saw this Market Bag here at knitorious and fell in love.

I started one the next day and by Friday night it was done. This bag can really hold a lot more then I imagined!

It didn't even take two balls of Sierra Quatro so I have enough to make another one. My DH wants me to come up with a pattern of my own that we can sell after reading this news article . I'm going to keep on in each of our cars so that when the need arises we have a bag and don't have to use plastic ones from the store.



As you can see I, like so many others, have my Harry Potter book. I will not be saying a word...I hate people who spoil it for others...but I did want you to see how big this bag really is. And it is strong too 'cuz this tome is mighty heavy!

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Miss Ewe so Far

Here is her entire upper side. I am working on her face now and hope to have it done by the weekend...but I fear that my late-night Harry Potter viewing will prevent much more work getting done...

I'm so excited. The tickets are in my purse...the book is coming to me on the 21st...I wanted to go in costume...but I never got my scarf done *surprise...surprise*

So...if you get a chance give knitnana a shout 'cuz her birthday is tomorrow...she makes the most awesome knitting bags you have ever seen. I love mine...all four of them! :)

Happy crafting!

Ruinwen
:)

And the Winner is....

I can't pull the wool over your eyes...it is the fabulous Miss Ewe!

Thanks for your support. I know everyone says it all the time, but you guys are the best. I can always count on you to cheer me up and to stop me when I'm being too hard on myself. Some days I don't know what I'd do without you....really. :)

So the camera died or I would show you the top of Miss Ewe which, is complete. This is a pattern from the same book as the Pablo the Penguin and I'm having just as much trouble...but I will persevere because EWE have spoken!

All puns aside...you guys really do rock!

Hopefully, I'll have some pics tomorrow...

Stay cool and craft happy,

Ruinwen
:)

WIP (Why I Procrastinate)

“Don't water your weeds.”

-- Harvey Mackay

Although I believe a weed is a plant who is a victim of prejudice, I also see the folly of giving all your nourishment to life’s weeds and not watering the metaphorical plants that have sprouted from my Ostra seeds.

It is hard not to look at one’s to-do list without shuddering over all the things still left undone. Yet it is the moving forward in goals and such that allow us to grow as a person.

Finding the balance between making time for the things that need to be done and not fainting from my own expectations seems to plague me lately. I feel tired before I begin and yet I keep trying to get it all done.

But what else can one do? I guess after looking at my life I’ve realized that I tend to “water my weeds” way too much. When I originally posted the goals that I wanted to meet it was so I could be accountable but I’ve realized that it only drives me slowly insane not meeting them all.

It is not due to laziness that I don’t meet my goals it is due to the very nature of life itself. Suddenly a baby blankets needs to be completed for a new member of the family or a terrible tragedy brings about the need for charity items. A turn of events at the LYS makes way for having to get in projects before a deadline that previously did not exist on my list of goals.

I find my self pulled suddenly in so many directions and my list suffers. So what can I do? I feel without goals my life will be void of direction and I will find my projects languishing somewhere between a WIP and an FO for so much longer than necessary.

Is choosing one goal a way to cop out of my responsibilities? Because to me, it seems the safe option. Pick a WIP to work on for the month and let it be the filler project that I work on instead of starting something new when one of my “other” projects are completed. And it will remain my goal until it is complete.

So this is where I ask your help Dear Readers to decide what WIP I should focus on. Please and thank you. :)



I will leave this poll up until Sunday and whatever WIP has the most votes will not leave my side for the duration of the month.

I hope you all have a safe and Happy 4th of July.

Ruinwen
:)

Sea Witch is Complete

Cross-posted to Create Along

Once I got going with this knit I couldn't stop. Making the pieces in the round left nothing to seam and it seemed to knit up really quick. Both pieces are made pretty much the same except for the casing. I used yarn overs to allow for an I-cord waist tie on the skirt. I only used one yarn over on the inside of the top casing which I pulled elastic through. Not trusting that elastic could keep up with the bonny lass I sewed in some I-cord shoulder ties for good measure.

I definitely will use the Cotton Classic again and I have enough to make something else. Maybe a top for me?

Happy crafting!

Ruinwen
)

Sea Witch

Cross-posted to Create Along

Sorry I couldn't get this any clearer.


So I joined this fun KAL weeks ago and I just really got a block of time where I could swatch over and over until I found something that I liked this weekend.

Here is a scribble of my idea. This is an outfit for my niece consisting of a drawstring skirt with a ruffle edging and a matching top with elastic to hold it up and shoulder ties. I found a stitch pattern that was simple but eye-catching. All you do is P3, K3, P3 into the same stitch every 10 stitches and switch the orientation of the clusters every 5 rows. Kind of a super trinity stitch.

I am using the Cotton Classic in the purple and pink. The skirt will be made with purple and accented in pink and the top will be in pink and accented in purple. These happen to be the color choices of my niece and I actually think they complement each other nicely.

I really like this yarn. The pattern has little eyelets and makes a kind of mock lace. The cotton has good stitch definition and will be cool for summer.

I’ve named this outfit Sea Witch because it is the translation of my niece’s name and she loves the water.

I’m starting each piece with a simple casing. The skirt will have eyelets on it for pulling the I-cording through. The top will have one hole hidden in the back for the elastic cord to go through but it will be hidden on the wrong side and sewn up after the lace is inserted.

The goal here is no seams. I hate seams and having to match up sides and stuff. So there will be no seams on either piece. At the end of both the top and bottom I’m going to increase with yarn overs to make a place where another cord can go through and then knit for an inch or so to allow a nice ruffle to form. Finally, I will knit off in picot edging to make a cute curly ruffle. My goal here is princess feminine.

So that is where I am. Sorry, it took me so long to get going but hopefully I will have this finished by 4th of July…since I just missed my nieces’ B-Day. :(

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

On the Day I Was Born…

I've been tagged again by Kimberly and this is one I hadn't done yet!

The rules are to go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday month and day only. Then post 3 events, 2 births and one holiday that occurred on your birthday, then tag 5 friends.

Events

1865 - American Civil War: A day after his surrender to Union forces, Confederate General Robert E. Lee addresses his troops for the last time.

1865 - The last photograph of Abraham Lincoln alive was taken.

1912 - The RMS Titanic leaves port in Southampton, England for her first and only voyage

Seems like a bad day for a bunch of folks.

Births
1932 - Omar Sharif, Egyptian actor
1941 - Paul Theroux, American author

Love both of them

Holiday

Feast for Three Days - Third Day (Thelema)

I looked this up. It is a feast for three days celebrating the transcribing of The Book of the Law.

If you want to know more go here.

So there you go. I’m not tagging anyone. If you want to do it, then be my guest.

Have a great weekend!

Ruinwen
:)

Catching Up

With Mercury in Retrograde my life has been crazy. But here is a little update.

WARNING PARTIAL NUDITY......



…I tried to blur it as much as possible. This is a bikini top I made and I loved every minute of it. You can find the pattern on Knitty Gritty . I love the Cascade fixation and I love the way this looks. A very fun knit which could be easily accomplished in a day.







My little boy has been away and I miss him so much! My car is in the shop for a very expensive overhaul...both oil and steering fluid are leaking. DH just had an operation on his knee. He fared much better than my car (thank the Goddess!) The cats just take it all in stride. They have been sleeping more than usual. Here is a rare shot of them together.

Here is a moth that graced our window. She was so lovely. Nature is just amazing.

I love the way this ponchette came out. I used a wool/hemp blend that was wonderful to work with and I really like the way it worked up. This is my 2nd ponchette and I think the lattice of the lace is really pretty…I had to make a second one!

I have to be brutally honest, I hate to seam. I avoid it at all costs and redesign projects so I don’t have to pick up a needle. So since there is so much seaming at the end of this I kept the stitches on the needle and picked up a stitch at a time from the other side of the seam and did a three-needle bind off. I can’t tell you the joy that I experienced as a lovely little seam was created that was so beautiful I wept tears of joy at the simplicity of it.

So as much as I loved this simple pattern before…I adore it now! I look at my other one and want to rip it out and re-seam it with another 3-needle bind off…but I will resist. It was good enough for me once and I don’t want to be totally fickle about it.

I’ve been trying to find ways to stop having to weave in ends by spit joining or Russian joining. My philosophy is having a beginning and ending yarn end to weave in is more than enough. LOL

I spent the weekend at the frog pond and I could photograph a BIG ball of yarn that is really two hanks spit joined but it really would do nothing but depress me. I’ve swatched and ripped this project more than any other and it should be stuck on stupid easy but alas it is not.

Yarn - 6 : Ruinwen – 0

I have a few more things to try, one of which is a provisional cast-on in huge bulky yarn…it is like Manos on steroids. And my DH suggested going up to a 17…which will mean more swatching and pulling of the hair as totals need to be recalculated.

But I’m a stubborn Aries and I’m not down for the count yet. My niece will have a nice little dress if I have to spend every free moment conquering this yarn!

If you happen by the frog pond look me up I’ve got a little lean-to down on the East end…rip it, rip it….

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Spinning For the First Time

See I'm spinning! My amazing friend who can spin, weave, knit and do almost anything was so kind and patient with me! She rocks!

She worked with me until I could do each of the steps and I'm so thankful! :)

She gave me tons of this white fluff to practice on. I really am addicted!

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

My First Handspun

Tada! I actually spun...okay I know it looks like a mess...but it's my first and I did it and I'm proud!

The tension was all kind of wonky for the 2nd bobbin and it took three of us to get it back. But we finally did and now I can't wait to spin with correct tension!

Happy everything,

Ruinwen
:)

Meet the New Addition to our Family! :)

Despite my poor camera skills, you can still see how sleek and beautiful Serenity is. I haven't spun anything yet...but I have worked the wheel to get the feel of spinning like the book recommends.

On Monday I hope to get together with the only spinner I know within a 50-mile radius and actually spin some yarn! :) I'm so excited! :)

A big shout of thanks goes out to the wonderful Kim who helped me with my newbie questions. :)

Happy crafting!

Ruinwen
:)

Picot edge shawl

I finally finished this little shawl. It actually is much bigger then I thought it would be. It is from Victorian Lace Today. I really love this little picot beaded edging. It is a nice mindless project and I was very happy with the results.

Ruinwen
:)

The Empress

I did this for Sallee but I found it quite appropriate. :)

You are The Empress

Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.

The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents,
beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful.

The Empress is a creator, be it the creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, the goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Spring Fling

Here is the booth all set up.



Here is my meager display of knitted and crocheted items. But you know what I was happy to have that much done. DH made some lovely new chain mail pieces and combined metals too. I finally finished the drop stitch shawl and it turned out really nice...so all in all, I was very happy.

It was a s-l-o-w Fair. No one was buying. But as always we made back the fees and the food which makes us happy. My sister crocheted with us and she made some lovely pot scrubbies that have a sponge in them. My son and his cousins came to visit with Nana. Bless the Goddess for Nana who took care of the kids this weekend for all of us adults! She is a saint! :)

The tent behind us blew over and folded in half. The poor thing's legs were straight up in the air and it took quite a few of us to help get it down again. There was a lot of wind and we need to rethink some weight strategies since the wind moved our 25-pound ones!

But all in all, it was oodles of fun. And...I completed my goals for this month. I survived both Fairs! Yeah me! :)

Hope you all have an awesome day!

Ruinwen
:)

Oh, thank you so much for your support in the last post. You all are the best and the sweetest people on Earth! :)

You can't choose your battle grounds, the Gods do that for you. But you can plant a standard where a standard never flew.

Hi. Sorry I’ve been so silent. I started freaking out about Fair and lost a bunch of eye-lash in the process. The stuff didn’t frog it rather created the biggest knot you have ever seen. But I’m over it now. I always wait until the very last minute to really get organized. I wish I could stop being a procrastinator…maybe I’ll work on that next year? LOL

So I’ve got slim pickings this year and it will just have to be okay. I haven’t had a quiet time when I could work on the Masters. I haven’t designed stuff for a CAL. I haven’t designed a dog sweater for the LYS. I never even finished my dear Mother’s shawl. *big long sigh*

Something has to change. But the problem is I serve too many masters and I am adding another hobby as soon as the pieces come for my wheel...long story. I can manage to make sure our family gets everything that is necessary done. Why can’t I do it for myself?

I try to be healthy and work out and then it cuts into my knitting time. What is more important my health or fibery goodness? I’ve been cutting up fresh veggies and fruits in the morning and losing blogging and RSS time. But again what is more important?

Me. If I don’t take care of myself then my family will suffer. So for the last two weeks, I’ve been taking care of me. I’ve improved my diet, made time to work out, made time to meditate and breathe. I’ve been sleeping better and I have more energy then I’ve had in a while. But like any good relationship; it takes time and effort to maintain good health.

Next, I made a crafting schedule and if I follow it I should get a lot done. I decided on one night a week when I will shut myself away and knit for the Masters. Another night I will spin. Another I will work on a spiritual project I’ve wanted to do. Other projects will be worked on the weekends, downtime and at the LYS.

I took all those goals I planted at Ostra and found a time of day for them. All of them. I left Friday night, Saturday and Sunday free except for working out in the a.m. and spiritual time on Sunday in the a.m.

I really looked at what was important to me and found a place for it. I’ve tried to take baby steps and not take on too much. I always make these tight schedules with no free time. But I’ve even included our family night and no electronic devices night (that one kills the DH).

I’ve realized that blogging every day might be really pushing myself too hard. By making a time to blog once a week, then I know I have time to take the pictures, write something witty and get it up on the web before bed.

I’m trying to be realistic this time which is hard for a girl with her head in the clouds. I’m trying to balance my health, family, craft, and spirituality and I think if I can just get in a routine it just might be simpatico for once.

Thanks for listening to me babble.

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Feeling a Bit Square

Everyone seems to be crocheting squares and I couldn't help myself. I was having vertigo pretty bad today so I could not knit. But these squares (this one is about 3'x3' right now) are easy for me to make up with my eyes closed. I can create them just by feel and it was nice to be able to do something today when the world just kept spinning on without me.

Speaking of spinning...my wheel has shipped and should be here soon! Yeah! :)

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

My New Yarn

This is the yarn I bought with my prize winnings. It is a rayon metallic that is as soft as butter. I don't know if you can see them, but there are sparkles all though it too. I'm in love with this yarn but I won't touch it until after Fair next week.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)