I'm baaaaaack.............celebrating Bi-craftism

Hello everyone..........been a looooong time! So sorry, as I've said, sometimes I can't get out of my own way!

This episode dedicated to Buddy, our cat, may he rest in peace! Thanks for the good times old friend! And thanks for sharing........


Bi-craftism...........a new term for me which refers to those of us who both knit and crochet..............so I suppose Tri-craftism includes those of us who spin?!?

Fiber Conquests!!

Sizzling Hot Hat!! Done! Done! Done! I've worn it twice since completion----once at the NH Sheep & Wool Festival and then again last night when I couldn't shake a chill! Your mom was right---if you're cold, put a hat on----you lose a lot of heat through your head!





In celebrating BI-CRAFTISM, I am going to swatch and start the Kristy Cardigan designed by Maureen Clark of Green Mountain Spinnery. This cardigan utilizes BOTH knitting and crocheting---fun! fun! fun! I've gone stash-diving again and have come up with a pretty red (my favorite color!) yarn for this sweater: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light which is a 50% Super Fine Alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool blend. Yay! Can't wait to get started!!!







Iris Crocheted Shawl----made from 100% cashmere---I just have a photo of it as a work in progress as it was no sooner done, then out of my hands to a worthy recepient--my mom! Pattern available from WEBS (America's Yarn Store).

Frosted Windowpane Pullover is on hold as I am making a baby blanket for a co-worker. I'm sewing the squares together now----another work in progress!!

Still in pieces, but essentially done is the I'm a Convert Sweater from Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution. I crocheted mine in Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton DK (I misspoke on the podcast and said it was a worsted weight---ooops!)





Crochet Shirret--------remember I'm teaching this at Fiber College this September (8-11) in Searsport, ME. This the "Mexicali Tote" that I'm making as a sample of what you can do with this technique.








What's happening in the barn? and around the farm?

Muckin' is done finally after figuring out why the John Deere wouldn't start---misplacement of the battery!

Harvey came down with a serious case of bloat after gorging himself on grain------a very worry-filled time on the farm, but we got through it and learned from it!!

The damaged boards from Fergus' 'renovation' have been removed and now the sheep have an even bigger window to look out. The damaged boards were re-purposed into laying boxes for-----you guessed it---CHICKENS!!! Waaaaaa-hoooooo------the farm-fresh egg is on the way! We're looking at a delivery of 5 or 6 pullets in July or August. The chickens will make their home in part of the rabbit annex of the barn----we have two rabbits left---Hershey and Midnight---thanks to a referral from the Green Mountain Spinnery folks and the NH Sheep & Wool Festival. Hopefully, Midnight will give us one more litter (with hopefully a female in there!) and then I will retire her to a leisurely life on the farm.

Our gardens are planted. The vegetable garden is featuring Brussels sprouts, Mesclun lettuce, carrots, bush beans, two kinds of tomatoes, a pepper plant, zucchini, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and two kinds of pumpkins this year. I've done my usual flower planting as well since I'm in need of a color besides green---- of which the summer gives us plenty. My irises are blooming and my peonies are just on the verge of blooming------GREAT time of year when everything is waking up!

May I introduce you to Ray and Doora, our newest editions to the household. Since a house is not a home unless you have a cat (it's true), I went to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society to see if I could offer two of their cats a "forever home." Ray and Doora came to the shelter after a barn rescue of quite of few of their kind. They were the last two left of the barn group to be adopted and had been living at Lucy Mac for almost two years----so they got pretty used to shelter life. Since coming home, they've been a bit put out by Bentley's effusive hospitality, but they are slowing adjusting, and I'm happy to say that both of them have been out today spending some quality time with me and Bentley. These photos were taken at the shelter (they are the two on the right)----I don't have any of my own photos of Ray and Doora yet---I didn't want to spook them with the flash of the camera----so we'll all have to wait for that opportunity!

Sleeping on the Job

Just long HAVE you been doing this...............? And what does having "experience" mean anyway?!?


Yammer


Events past and present!

New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Festival was a blast (May 14 & 15) as was the Jamaica Fiber Festival on May 21st----thanks to Margie Miller-Silva who organized the Jamaica event!!


Upcoming: World Wide Knit in Public Day this Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the Hartland Public Library in Hartland, Vermont. 10 am - 2pm. Bring a drink and your knitting and let's show the world what we've been up to!!

Fiber College: September 8-11 in Searsport, ME
Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival: October 1-2 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge, VT
Stitches EAST: October 20-23 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT
New England Fiber Festival: November 5-6 at the BIG E in Springfield, MA

Hope to see ya there!!

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!