Yes, after almost 3 weeks----episode 2 is live.....thanks for your patience. Life events conspired against me in the process of getting the episode out sooner, but better LATE than never. The good news is, I'm going to try to get a pre-New Year episode out by December 31st (Episode 2.5 hopefully! Stay tuned my fellow listeners.)
With a layer of natural snow on the ground, temperatures hovering in the teens-twenties, and the ski areas humming away, winter is here and the "Hill" is no exception.
Let's start with the CORRECT contact information for me and my podcast endeavors!
The podcast can be found on iTunes----just type "Counting Sheep" into the search box; look under the podcast heading, then you can go ahead and subscribe. The podcast can also be found at: www.countingsheep.libsyn.com
My blog, well, you've found my blog, but here it is: www.countingsheepblog.blogspot.com
You can drop me an e-mail at: countingsheepblog@gmail.com
The Ravelry group is Counting Sheep and my "ravetar" is Rabbitlady
Fiber Conquests:
Knitting!!!!!!
Mayflower Vest by Donna Kay (e-mail: treeoflife@metrocast.net)
Progress is slow but steady---2 repeats of the pattern are done (which doesn't sound like much in writing---but quite the accomplishment on the needles)
Gadget of note: the Knitting Chart Keeper by Knitpicks: www.knitpicks.com
a knitter's "easel" of sorts; it allows you to view your pattern chart easily & keeps it in place with magnets. The magnets mark the row you are working on & you can move them as you go. The unit folds up & snaps closed for storage. WELL worth the price!
Another Vest: EZ's rib warmer; pattern can be found on Ravelry: Ribwarmer Revisited WG58 SO42 for $1.00. Also, if you keep back issues of Knitter's Magazine, it's in the Fall 1997 (No. 48) issue, pp. 80-82. All garter stitch with short rows (don't let that scare you---the pattern spells it out for you and it's easy) fast, fun. I'm knitting mine in my handspun yarn from my sheep Maple and Sugar.
Crochet Crazy!!!!!!
The Fiber Trends Crochet Felt Boot Slippers are done and have been gifted!! YAY!!
This project included my only foray into needlefelting for this episode!
Amazing Amigurumi: Lion Brand free patterns
1. The Weiner Dog (#70579AD)
2. The Penguin (#81012AD)---too cute for words
3. The Turtle (#81009AD)---an Christmas gift for a friend (and you know who you are!)
4. The Reindeer (#80971AD)---didn't get to this one, ran out of time, maybe next year.
These items almost crochet themselves. Check out other amigurumi patterns as well as load of other free patterns at Lion Brand's Website
Christmas Trees: featured in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of Crochet Today, pp.67-68. Done in Red Heart Heart & Sole sock yarn. One ball color #3973 "Christmas" and one ball color #3931 "Berry Bliss" with a size D-3 hook. I used these as package toppers, but you can use as garland, or ornaments. Very quick and very easy.
Interweave Crochet Magazine Issue Winter 2010
Riverstone Cardigan by Mandy Moore on p. 14. My yarn of choice is the one used in the pattern, but I couldn't find the tweed so I made a substitution:
#4010 (straw)
#8509 (light grey)
#7822 (Vandyke brown) as a substitution for #7617 charcoal tweed
I purchased the yarn at one of my favorite LYSs: Baker's Yarns
This project is started and I have about 4 inches done already---and I'm in LOVE---more comments on this project in the future as it progresses......
The Frosted Window-Pane Pullover by Kimberly K. McAlindin is in my future as well. I strayed from the pattern and bought Knit Picks Gloss DK in color Doe for this project. I love the texture work of the bodice and the high empire-style of this sweater.
I'm also in love with Lily Chin's Mesa Pullover as well which is featured on pp. 18-19 and Robyn Chachula's Belcarra Cardigan on pp. 51-53. If I wasn't completing a cardigan very similar to this one, I'd be all over this project as well.
Bravo Interweave for putting out a fabulous issue of Interweave Crochet!
Spinning!
Alpaca, alpaca, and more alpaca.............ho hum.
Needlefelting:
No progress (okay, I haven't even started!) on the Ski Sheep by Woolpets----but I did needlefelt two sheep already (one the crochet boot slippers) so that counts, doesn't it?!? What's happening on the farm?
Larry, Moe, and Curly are growing like weeds and eating like piggies! They will be going to their own hutches soon as mama Midnight needs a BREAK!Sheep introductions
Feeding the birds can be hazardous to your health---when you don't wear the proper shoe attire! :-)
Sleeping on the Job: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, wake up!!!!!!
Information for this segment is taken from: Watchful Care: A History of America's Nurse Anesthetists by Marianne Bankert and also from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Questions are gladly encouraged to be answered in future podcast episodes!!
Yammer!
WEBS Annual Year End Blow-Out Sale (on-line sale has already begun as of 12/22). Take advantage and stock-up for the NEW year!! www.yarn.com
Group Knitting & Knitting Groups: try it, you'll like it! E-mail me for tips on how to start your own group in your vicinity!!
Okay everyone, e-mail YOUR new year resolutions or goals! Episode 2.5 will cover this old tradition of making resolutions.
