Spring Thaw

Busy weekend, what with not one but two knitting skills classes!! I'm NOT complaining---can't think of a better way to spend a late winter weekend in New England. We had some warm temperatures and rain which has caused some melting of the snow pack; some ice jamming on the rivers and some flooding. An ice storm earlier in the week made for some interesting travel to say the least. Not ready though, to knit cotton or linen---still likin' my wool!

Fiber Conquests

Knitting:
1) Double Knitting Class at the Elegant Ewe in Concord, NH. We're making the Sizzling Hot Hat by Lucy Neatby. The hat incorporates double knitting, a technique that makes a double-sided fabric. Yarns by Crystal Palace: Mini Mochi and Mini Solid. Yarn is 80% merino wool/20% nylon, machine washable, and k
nits to 7-8 sts/inch on size #1-2 needles. My swatch:

2) Shawl collar Vest class continues at WEBS (Class #3 was last week, Class #4 today). We crocheted the 3 steeks and cut them open last week. Today, we finished off the armholes with garter stitch and I-cord bind off.




3) Rockin' Sock Club---okay glacial progress here, but at least it's progress! I'm past the zip line heel and onto the foot. MUST GET SOCK DONE!! Next installment of the club is probably on its way to my door...........no pressure.





Crocheting!!
1) Frosted Windowpane Pullover from Interweave Crochet Winter 2010. Swatch--done. Started the foundation single crochet.

2) Seamen's Church Hat (check previous blogpost for link--free pattern) DONE!! Nice construction on this hat---made from my handspun.




3) Crochet Shirret: Cut up some strips from a new fabric---a white and pink checkered fabric. Will add this to the rug-in-progress (see last blog post for pic).

4) Want to participate in a really neat Crochet-along a.k.a. CAL? Check out Crochet Me--the e-newsletter (free!) put out by Interweave Crochet. The CAL (hosted by Sarah Read) is Sidney's Sideways Socks which you can find in Interweave Crochet Accessories 2010 (special edition) which came out last year. Find your edition at the Interweave website.


Spinning: Check out this BFL hand-dyed wool on my Mongold spindle.





What's happening on the farm?
No new redecorating, but now I have sheep walking on snow and jumping over the fence!
Shearing this week---YAY!

Sleeping on the job: The language we speak

Yammer: Fiber College update

Check out Robyn Chachula's blog and her website.

Episode 6: "Barn Fever"

Hello folks! Sorry for the delayed Show Notes----life and farm sometimes conspire to get in my way or, sometimes I just can't get out of my own way!

Thanks to lasknit2 & Byshyp for wonderful reviews on iTunes!! Yay! A big welcome to all the new folks who have joined us on the Counting Sheep group on Ravelry. Great pics of some great projects---check it out if you haven't gone over there in a while.

Fiber Conquests
Knitting: Shawl Collar Vest Class at WEBS with Annie Foley. We've had some time for homework (3 weeks) and I have knitted up to the shoulders after forming two armhole steeks. Along the way, we are decreasing at the neck to form a V in front where we will be knitting the shawl collar eventually. The picture will probably look a little wonky to you as the armholes have not been cut open yet. Next class, this Sunday, March 6th. Pattern can be found in Meg Swansen's Handknitting.








Rockin' Sock Club: Still on the leg but making progress.
Loving the colorwork!
















Crochet: Riverstone Cardigan is DONE!! Yay!! A fun crochet project done in Cascade 220--a great yarn. Had lots a good times with this one.













Now on to the Frosted Windowpane Pullover on page 48 in the Winter 2010 issue of Interweave Crochet. I'm swatching for that project right now.
Timely tip: Make copies of patterns you are using---less wear and tear on the magazine and/or book!










Crochet Shirret: a Uniquely American craft that combines shirring of fabric strips onto a special hook and crocheting the folds of fabric into an array of projects. Check out my rug in progress:

Spinning: Nothing new---2010 alpaca clip is spinning like a breeze thanks to the folks who professionally processed the fiber for me!!

What's happening on the farm?
Fergus redecorates......much to my chagrin. Bentley is hoping the snow NEVER melts.













Buddy had his thyroid hormone levels rechecked this past week and we found out that we're over-medicating him..........so I went back to the vet to get a proper dosage of medication---he'll need a recheck in a couple of weeks. Good news is that he gained over a pound in the last month---which I'm happy about----he was getting to be quite skeletal in nature.













Sleeping on the Job: Do YOU believe in a full moon?








Yammer:
Check out the latest edition of Knitting Traditions from the folks at Piecework Magazine. You can find it at the Interweave website.

I've submitted an application to be an instructor at Fiber College which is held in Maine in September. Hoping to teach Crochet Shirret there. Also hoping to be a vendor there.

Until next time!

Winter Quiet: Reflect in the Stillness

HEY!! GO PLAY IN THE SNOW!
Clear your head, problem-solve, gain perspective, or just groove on the season!

Fiber Conquests

Knitting!!
Mayflower Vest---on hiatus (as well as EZ's rib warmer) due to the start of the Shawl Collar Vest Class @ www.yarn.com
Instructor Annie Foley is excellent---learned several tips/tricks already. Vest's cables start in the ribbing (I haven't done THAT before). Need to knit up to the armholes by next Sunday's class! Time to get cracking!







SOCKS!! Check it out:
Rockin' Sock Club by Bluemoon Fiber Arts!! Yay! How did I miss THIS for 6 years?!? Please let me NOT have Second Sock Syndrome during this!!! Sorry, can't post pictures of yarn as some participants may not have received their shipment yet---I promised not to be a "spoiler."

Crocheting!!
Riverstone Cardigan by Mandy Moore
Up to the armholes on the body--this part is 'resting' whilst I work on the arms which will be joined eventually with the body. Stay tuned!

Still working on the Pinebark Hood!

Started a crocheted hat from my handspun ragwool from my sheep. Pattern: Crocheted Seamen's Cap by Beth Hall. Download the pattern free at www.seamenschurch.org. The Seamen's Church Institute cares for the personal, professional, and spiritual needs of mariners around the world. Founded: 1834.



Spinning!!
Alpaca!! 2009 clip is done and delivered!! John, owner of the alpacas, surprised me this week by showing me a hat he had knitted (on a round peg loom) from the yarn I had spun. 'Back to the land' at its best!

Felting!!
Northeast Fiber Arts Center
Felt Boot Kit......





and Fitzwolle Slippers Kit

What's happening on the farm?

Sheep are getting grain on the frigid days (when there's a minus sign in front of the number). Grain is crack cocaine to sheep---get out of the way when administering.....






Mr. Squirrel @ the bird feeder.








Buddy survives a trip to the vet and is surviving his medication regimen! Thanks to all the vets and vet techs of the world and all the good that they do! :-)

Sleeping on the Job

Anesthetizing children can be a challenge.........to say the least.

Yammer

Marrying knitting with papercraft----creating a container for your knitting needles. Brought to you by Knitting Daily.


My blog: www.countingsheepblog.blogspot.com
My e-mail: countingsheepblog@gmail.com
Find me on Ravelry: I'm rabbitlady
Join our Ravelry group: Counting Sheep Podcast
Find the podcast on iTunes by searching for 'Counting Sheep'
If you like what you're hearing, leave a review on iTunes; helps me and it will help others find the podcast.
You can also find the podcast on Libsyn: www.countingsheep.libsyn.com

Until next time.........stay warm, go play in the snow if you have some, and be kind to other folks.

Warm Woolie Weather!!

Episode #3 is Live!
Getting out during the winter---to stave off Cabin Fever, I'll be taking the Shawl Collar Vest class at WEBS in Northampton MA starting this Sunday, January 23rd. Looking forward to knitting up this Meg Swansen design from her book, Handknitting. Check out other WEBS classes: www.yarn.com

Camp KIP: Check it out----a knitting retreat sponsored by Jackie at KIPing it real Podcast. Day passes still available. I'll be donating a sweater's worth of yarn from my own flock of sheep as a a door prize. Find Camp KIP at:
www.campkip.com

FIBER CONQUESTS!!!!
Knitting: Work continues on the Mayflower Vest despite a disconcerting needle faux pas!


EZ's rib warmer knitting up in handspun:


Crocheting: Riverstone Cardigan by Mandy Moore featured in Interweave Crochet Magazine Winter 2010 issue. Loving it!










Also: check out Pinebark Hood by Shannon
Mullet-Bowlsby. I'm making mine in KnitPicks
Gloss, color: Fedora.

















Finally, made two of the Blooming Hat by Robyn
Chachula from the Mission Falls goes Crochet
booklet. Stunning little hat done up in 7 different
colors with texture.








Spinning: Alpaca clip from 2009 almost done---yay! Onto 2010 clip which was processed by Zeilinger's Wool Mill.

















Also spun up some ragwool from Robyn and
Dugel's fleeces.








Felting: not much done on this front. New kits in the future.

What's happening on the farm?
Robyn's epiphany----Robyn learns how to eat in a flock of sheep who are not fond of him!
Feeding frenzy----watch your knees while feeding these ovines!
Rabbits----more protein needed for a small-ish babe
Bentley the SNOW dog!!
Birds: welcoming the sighting of a male cardinal!

Sleeping on the Job: Do you talk in your sleep?

Yammer: Sunflower Yarns
Fiber arts by Amanda Dahl
check out the DK, fingering/sock, sport, and worsted weight dyed yarns (formerly NH Knitting Mama) She's on Facebook and Twitter too!

In the news this week: Tuscon, AZ shooting rampage. Thank goodness for the miracle of modern medicine, but REALLY, should it be THIS necessary?

"It's important to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking to each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds." -President Obama

Contact info: countingsheepblog@gmail.com
I'm Rabbitlady on Ravelry and our new podcast group is "Counting Sheep" on Ravelry.
Find the podcast at iTunes by searching for Counting Sheep or at Libsyn: www.countingsheep.libsyn.com

So until next time, keep your needles, hooks, and wheels humming; be kind to other folks and I'll talk to you soon!
Ruth

Christmas on the Hill

Episode 2 is up!
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.
 

Podcast Promo & Episode 1 now on iTunes!

Hello one & all!
'Tis the season to start something new! As promised, I have begun podcasting! I managed to navigate quite a few unexpected bumps in that road (because I'm basically a computer cretin)---but I'm happy to say that I've learned quite a bit from both the Libsyn & iTunes support people. Hope you enjoy listening!

Show notes: These will be rudimentary for this first go-around since I expended most of my time and energy into recording, uploading, etc. of the podcast.

Knitting: Mayflower Vest by Donna Kay
This is a fair isle vest done in two colors with an all-over pattern. The yarn is Rauma Finullgarn in off-white and maroon. I'm knitting it in the round with one steek up the center. Donna Kay's designs are fabulous and she spends a great deal of time getting the pattern right! I love her designs which can be found at Harrisville Designs right here in Northern New England:

www.harrisville.com

Donna's contact information: treeoflife@metrocast.net and she is treeoflife on Ravelry.

No pictures on this one yet---perhaps next week!

Crocheting: Crocheted Felt Boot Slippers by Fiber Trends
These are a Christmas gift for my sister (who wore out her last pair). Crocheted huge on a big hook (size N) and then thrown to the washer on hot cycle. They shrink down to the appropriate size. The yarn is Araucania distributed by KFI in color #416. (www.knittingfever.com) Can be done with double soles that you crochet and attach with a row of single crochet OR you can crochet one sole and attach a suede sole after the machine felting---this version tends to last a lot longer! Added bonus with this pattern: you can needle felt a sheep or other such item of your choice to the side after the boots have dried. My sister will probably be sporting the sheep. Fiber trends patterns & kits can be found at: www.fibertrends.com
Suede slipper soles can be found at Patternworks: www.patternworks.com

Needlefelting: Ski Sheep from Woolpets
This little guy is soooo cute as are the other animals in this line. The kit comes complete with the wool, directions, and needle to make this adorable little sheep on skis! All the materials are packed within a clear acrylic Chinese-food-style package including the metal handle. To see this and others log onto the WEBS website: www.yarn.com

Spinning: Alpaca, alpaca, alpaca
I'm spinning a friend's alpaca----trying to finish up last year's clip so that I may go onto THIS year's clip-------how did I get myself into this? Still wondering........as I need and want to do my own spinning!

What's happening in the barn?
New bunnies!! Pictures to follow

Sleeping on the Job: Some background on the profession of nurse anesthesia.

Yammer: Those podcasts that inspire me!
Cast On by Brenda Dayne
CogKnitive Podcast by Dr. Gemma
KIPing it Real by Jacky
The Knit Wits by Carin & Rick
KnitCents by Rachel
Knitmore Girls by Jasmin & Gigi
Knitting Pipeline by Paula
Spin Control by Shilo
Ready, Set, Knit by Kathy & Steve Elkins at Webs Yarn Store
Yarn Craft from Lion Brand Yarns
Yarns from the Plain by Nik

Thanks to all of these talented folks who have entertained and inspired me for quite some time now!

Amsterdam-bound

Hello all!
Whew! It's been a LONG time---sorry for such a delay in posting. I've been busy with lots of stuff and now that I have the Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival behind me, I can try to settle into what is ahead. We are T-minus less than two weeks till the hubby and I fly off to Amsterdam (with a side trip to Germany to see the relatives) so that I may present my poster of my doctoral research at the Second International Conference on Violence in the Health Sector (October 26-29).

Just some background information; I graduated April 2009 with my Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. It was a 'mostly on-line' program with some in-person intensive weekends in Michigan. To complete the course of study, one must do a 'capstone' project which usually entails some kind of research. My research study focused upon looking into the extent and impact of horizontal violence within the work environment of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists of which I happen to be one. Yes, there is horizontal violence within the operating rooms of this great country of ours---sad to say. Anyway, to make a long story even longer........my research abstract was accepted for poster presentation at the Sigma Theta Tau (Honor Society for us nursing-types) International Convention last autumn in Indianapolis, IN which lead to my abstract being accepted at the International Conference in Amsterdam at the end of this month------WAY too exciting!!! I can hardly contain myself! But, mostly, I'm excited to attend the conference to see what else is going on related to this topic---which is soooo HUGE right now (i.e.: bullying in schools, workplace bullying/violence).

So, anyhoo, we fly off to Amsterdam at the end of the month with a side trip to Germany as I said. My parents are accompanying us for part of the trip (the Germany part). I have two uncles and two aunts (my mom's siblings) in southern Germany whom I haven't seen for 18 years!!

Other items on my plate: Midnight, one of my French Angora rabbit does gave birth to a litter of baby bunnies on October 2nd. They are doing well and we already have people interested in purchasing. The autumn color here in Vermont is glorious and we are enjoying it! Sayda, our newest sheep (I believe I introduced you to her in a prior posting) has been busting out to browse under one of the apple trees. The hubby has since tweeked the electric fence to the proper voltage and fixed some areas of it where she was sneaking out underneath---but it will require a trip to our favorite fence company Wellscroft in Harrisville, NH this week. I see a side trip to Harrisville Designs in my future........

I have been duly inspired as of late to initiate my own podcast under the Counting Sheep name---I have been brainstorming about segments for the podcast and I think I have enough stuff for the rudimentary beginnings of a podcast!! I'm kind of excited about this new venture, but I probably won't tackle it until after we get back from Amsterdam---too much going on.

My knitting group survived a change in venue----we named the group as well. We are now called the Mt. Ascutney Fiber Arts group (MAFA for short) and we meet at the Hartland Public Library on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 6:30pm-8:00pm. We're welcoming ALL fibery arts including knitting, crocheting, spinning, rug-hooking, and beyond.

Okay, I think that's all for now---stay tuned for the podcast update....now that I've typed it, I HAVE to do it, right?