August 5 (happy birthday to my sister Wendy yesterday!!!)
Greetings!
It's been so hot here today, my least favorite weather for sure. Generally it's a bit cooler up where we are but in my studio, even though I have windows, between the lighting and the iron, it's pretty darn hot. So when we woke up this morning to no water, we weren't pleased! Living in the country, in the summer time, with a well.... the water supply is always on our minds, but it turned out to be just some wiring with the pump and all has been fixed. Whew....
Yoga has been hot but in a way it's great as my body is so warm that Lee likes to take me into some second series postures. Winter time is a whole different ball game so now is the time of year to nudge things along. I picked up more of the salve, five bars... two (I think) are spoken for so just drop me a line if you're interested.
I worked more on my Noro 'join as you go' afghan. My rule is to have all ends woven in before the next strip is started... a good rule for sure. I really don't mind weaving in ends, but not so much when it's all at once. A daunting task! No thanks....
I was thinking this week of the interesting process we often go through with our knitting..... for example, I'm in a group over on Ravelry for fans of the Outlander book series and a KAL is being organized to knit a plaid scarf. One of the members does some dying and has put together kits with your color (clan) choice. The kit came and I like some things... and didn't like others. I wasn't thrilled with the colors (harsh green, white and road cone orange) but was fascinated with the idea of creating a plaid with this variegated yarn. I learned a new method of creating a fringed edge (that I liked) but couldn't get the plaid to form with the gauge it called for. The weight is fingering and the required gauge is 5.5 to the inch.... way too loose in my opinion and well.... after trying and not getting it, and trying again.... and again.... and again, I put it down. Then I remembered a Ravelry friend of mine had sent me a link to view a woman's work. This woman works with hand dyed sock yarns and is coming up with a program where you can determine the outcome of the design according to how many stitches you get with each color, the gauge and how many stitches you have on the needle. I contacted her and asked for any information she might have and she was nice enough (after I sent her all my info) to send me all kinds of design options.... amazing! A smart cookie she is ;) and it's opened up the door to all new possibilities with these yummy hand dyed sock yarns we all have. Of course you have to keep your gauge spot on (you'd be amazed at the little differences you have) but wow.... what fun! So, I ordered some yarn from one of my favorite Etsy sellers and plain to use it for a wide wrap with plaid being the goal. Stay tuned..... Interested how it started with one thing and progresses into a whole other great thing (!) with nice new contacts along the way...
Look at my new mug!!! Thanks... I DO Knit Happy! Love the back & red :) I have a Demi Willa coming up tonight that has less height and more width... and wanted to show just how wide it opens, and how roomy the base is... pretty bag.
Off to type up the bags... stay well, eat well (SO much wonderful local produce) and knit on good women!
Till next week...
Martha.
