Bubbles is fat!

I haven't been doing a good job of photographing Ms. Bubbles lately and I really need to. For some reason I can see how fat she is in photos but not in person! Perhaps she is like me and far lazier in the warmer months. DH says I spoil her rotten but he's the one always giving her extra treats. She's actually more active than many of my previous rabbits zooming from room to room, ripping up her beloved phone books and tossing hay around so I get to vacuum constantly.

Quiet

I have had no time to write in the last few days. Little Miss SockPixie became very ill. I am so grateful for the wonderful doctors at Children's Hospital in Boston. Little Miss SockPixie is recovering and doing a little better everyday.
I hope to have a little more time to write soon, as I miss it a lot.

Fall Roving and Yarn Sale

It is Fall and before I bring in a lot of new fibers, and create new colorways, I am having a Fall sale in my Etsy store!
All yarns and rovings are from 25 to 35% off!

Have fun!

Chullo and Pillow

I quickly ordered the Knit Picks Chullo Kit because their web site says it is the last chance to do so. I think I can actually get three hats out of the amount of yarn; more probably because I won't be able to resist adding at least one bright color into the mix.

Here is my completed Pomegranate Pillow. The embroidery kit came with the backing and the cording and I like the way the cording looks. All in all I only completed 3 pillows for my summer of pillows but I was surprised to be swamped with so much work.

Next up I'm doing a colorwork hat for Knit Picks IDP and a pair of gloves using 4 colors of Sunday Knits yarn.

Mr SockPixie's Socks

A few days ago, I believe it was Monika who asked me if I was still a single project girl. My answer would be most of the time yes. I did make an exception lately when I knitted the Citron shawl. I had been working on Mr SockPixie's socks, and was procrastinating on the second sock. We will blame this sudden bout of SSS on the length of Mr SockPixie's feet, which makes knitting socks for him a very long long project, though still a lovely one as it makes him so happy.

When I was done with the Citron, I started dreaming of a February Lady Sweater but this time knew I could not give in to the temptation. So I grabbed my sock yarn and needles and got to work on the second sock. I finished the leg last night, and I am now on to the heel flap.

I am once again a single project girl!

Wheat Fields

The other day I told you I had been dying some worsted weight yarns in golden tones. The yarns are dry and they are so beautiful. What makes them special is their tonal quality. It is a 3 ply merino, with 1 ply being a superwash resulting in the dyes being absorbed at a different rate. This creates an almost barberpole effect very similar to the appearance of a handspun with incredible tonal subtlety and harmony.

I could not help but see glorious wheat fields at harvest time in these skeins. I dyed 5 skeins in this dye lot, because I was thinking of the perfect yarn for the February Lady Sweater.

I have just added them to my Etsy Store. I am off to dye some more but this time for me!

A Little Creativity

After a long day last night, I allowed myself the pleasure to create a little. The results were 2 beautiful 4 oz rovings, one inspired by Scottish tartans in tones of blues and greens. Such boldness always makes me smile.

The other, was at the opposite end of the spectrum.It is as subtle as the first roving was bold. It is inspired by the paintings of Chagall. Soft corals, aquas, almond greens and plum greys seem to echo the love in Chagall's paintings.

I just added these rovings to my Etsy Store. I am dyeing some glorious Worsted Merino in ochres today. I have been thinking of perfect yarns for the February Lady Sweater. (After I finish Mr SockPixie's socks, I will knit a February Lady Sweater.) I will show you tomorrow.

Welcoming the New Year

The last couple days were busy with holiday preparations for Rosh Hashanah . The children and I cleaned the house, preparing it for our New Year celebration with my parents.

I started Citron last year, and finished it today in the new year. I like the metaphorical bridge it represents tying one year to the other, bringing the promise of continuity, and at same time new beginnings.

I know this is ascribing a lot of meaning to a little shawl, but to me knitting is magical, kind of like life, a succession of individual knots which after hard work, and a lot of enjoyment become a whole.

The shawl turned out beautifully. I am so fond of its ruffled edge.

I love its simple yet striking geometry.

Thank you Hilary Smith Callis for your wonderful Citron Shawl pattern!

Innocence of Morning Lights

I love the light in the early morning. It seems to me that everything looks innocent in the morning. The colors are clear, yet muted, as if they were just waking up, and had not put on their full coat of intensity yet. Colors in the morning feel fresh and optimistic, full of the promise of a great day to come. I guess after the colorless darkness of the night, I find great joy in seeing colors again as I open my eyes.
I wanted to capture this feeling of fresh, optimistic innocence in a colorway. I worked on it yesterday afternoon. I dyed a single skein of Merino sock yarn in light, muted lavender, pink, sky blue and soft buttery yellow. The skein seems to glow... I called it Innocence.

I cannot tell you how much of a joy it has been for me to dye these unique skeins. I  am so fortunate that I can work with colors everyday, and that I can just let my imagination lead me to create these unique colorways for myself, and for you through Etsy.

Citrons Grow Fast

The Citron Shawl is growing fast. I worked on it last night while at the bookstore with the children. I really like the pattern, it is so simple, yet not boring at all. I find myself entertained by the play of textures and colors.

It is going to take me a little more work to be done with it. But the good news is we are starting homeschool again tomorrow, which means that I will be sitting down for many hours, and will need somthing for my hands to do while multiplication tables are being memorized, while essays are being written...

Knitting My Own Citron

Ever since I saw Citron, in the Winter 2009 issu of Knitty, I have wanted to knit it. What a lovely shawl! I just had not found the yarn I wanted to knit it with, that is until I created wonderful overdyes on Bamboo!

The pattern is wonderful, and the yarn is so soft, has such wonderful drape, and the slightest sheen. I chose to knit my citron using the colorway I called Peaceful. The color variations only add dimension to the rushed effects of the shawl.
I find knitting this shawl so relaxing.

I added 3 skeins of Bamboo to my Etsy store. I will leave you with Rhapsody...