My, What a Big Stash You Have

Although my needles haven't exactly seen much action these days, I did make huge progress in organizing the yarn stash last weekend. 

For some time now, I've had visions of installing shelving in a ho-hum closet, and filling them with baskets of yarn and other knitterly accessories.  I didn't care what the shelves were made of or what they looked like, I just wanted the cheapest, easiest option.  After a quick trip to Home Depot, it was Martha Stewart Living to the rescue! 

I originally thought we were going to be buying those long metal bars and the "wire like" shelving pieces to install at varying heights.  That was until we happened upon these fabulous cubbies and my honey realized that two of the 9 unit pieces would fit perfectly side-by-side in the closet.  Sold!  But not before settling on the color. I wanted white, while he thought we should go with the brown in case we ever decided to use them elsewhere in the house. Um, use them elsewhere?  Could he already be thinking of replacing my yarn closet with a yarn room?  Okay... brown it was.

Awesome honey installed them on Sunday, and once the floor molding was removed from inside the closet, they really did fit perfectly.  Of course, once I started filling up baskets, we both quickly realized I needed more storage.  Well, wouldn't you know it, a 6 unit piece would fit perfectly on top of the left hand unit without having to remove the existing closet shelf or support.  He ran off to Home Depot while I continued to fill existing cubbies, as well as this nifty over-the-door shoe organizer I picked up at Kohls. It works great for most of my "regular" sock yarn stash (the hand dyed stuff is in baskets).

Once the cubbies were full (along with several ready-to-go projects in bags on the existing shelf, and a few piled up on the floor), that awesome honey of mine pointed out the wasted space above the unit on the right.  We didn't just grab another 6 cubbie unit because of that big 'ole shelf support you see in the above photo.  He said he could change it out to a different style if I wanted another unit. However I like having "shelf space" in there to lay out yarn and project ideas, as well as to store things like magazine holders, needles, etc. Since I was hoping to have room for some books, we talked about possibly installing the magazine holders on the wall, or adding a half shelf.  We'll see...

I love the way the baskets look, but I'll show you my dirty little secret... the cubbies all the way to the left are sans-basket.  They work just as well for storing bags of yarn though! 

I should have taken more photos of inside the baskets, but I did snap this one.  It's all yarn dyed by an amazingly talented friend of mine.  Jealous?  Don't be!  You can score some of her awesome yarn and fiber for yourself at Mad Color Fiber Arts.

So... tell me, how do you store your stash?

Fiber Arts Friday: Thank You

Happy Fiber Arts Friday.  It's been awhile since I've joined, but it's also been awhile since I've completed any projects. 

I had knit up a few chunky cowls for Christmas gifts, which were well received, and decided to make a couple more for special thank you gifts.  Not only are they a fun knit, but with bulky yarn, they are a quick knit.  Which translates into something I can knit with love and gratitude, and get them finished in time to reach their recipients while they could still use them this season.  With everything going on in our house, quick + knitting therapy has been a good thing. 

Teutul was the model for this blue number sent off to a dear friend from high school whom I've reconnected with thru the help of social media.  She's a animal lover, so I knew she wouldn't mind if a certain hound modeled her new cowl.

Pattern is the Snow Cowl, a freebie you can find thru that Ravelry link.  The stitch pattern is easy to remember, making it just interesting enough yet not too complicated, and I adore the warm, cozy fabric it creates. 

Tut was a little upset that I didn't let him model Sue's grey version before we sent it off to the Portie household.  But, then I told him this one went to a kitty household and I swear he had a bit of evil laughter thinking there were going to be pesky cats who were going to smell his houndy scent all over the cowl.  I didn't have the heart to tell him the kitties didn't seem to mind, and certainly weren't intimidated by King Tut.

Fiber Arts Friday: This & That

Happy Fiber Arts Friday!  While I have no right to be casting on new things (except Christmas gifts, of course), I seem to have raging startitis and severe knitting-add these days.  Maybe it's the cool fallish temps that have finally graced our presence here in New England, but I just want to sit and knit.  How about you?

That colorful little number above is Painted and was actually cast on in June, but got tossed aside.  It's a fun knit and I'll probably end up working on it here and there all through winter, since I have some other projects that I'd like to get finished first. 

I Instagrammed the picture above with the caption "I like Big Balls and I can not lie..." And just to show you how big those balls of Brown Sheep Burly Spun really are, that's a yarn cake of Madelinetosh worsted sitting on top.  I bought the Burly Spun to make these leg warmers a few years ago.  I think it's time to cast on....

As for that yarn cake of Madelinetosh, I've cast on a Christmas gift for someone special... but that's all you're getting on that one.

I saved my current can.not.wait.to.wind.and.cast.on. for last.  The yarn is last month's Yarn Box shipment - 3 skeins of Erin from Imperial Yarn, a super squishy, 100% wool that looks and smells amazing!  Yarn Box included a pattern for a cowl & hat set, but I wasn't really loving it, so I started searching for what to make.  I knew I wanted to use at least 2 of the colors, but preferred to find something using all 3.  I found a scarf pattern that I was all set to make... until Challah popped up in my Facebook news feed and I knew it was the right pattern for this yarn!  I have to get this one started really soon... and yes, it's for me!

I could go on and on with other projects on the needles, but we'd be here all day... and well, I want to go knit!  Have a great weekend!

Fiber Arts Friday: Quinn's Hara Dress

Happy Fiber Arts Friday!  It's been awhile, but hey, would you look at this...

Why yes, that's a finished object! 

Pattern: Hara Dress by Johanna Marshall, a free download on Ravelry (here's a link to my project page).  I knit the largest size (18 months) for Quinn's first birthday.

Yarn: Louisa Harding Jasmine, color #17 peach.  I really enjoyed working with yarn, which is a cotton/bamboo/silk/polyester DK blend.  It has a string of metallic sheen running through it that gives a really nice shimmer, but isn't too "loud."

Nearly every project page I read on Ravelry made mention that the length was not long enough to be a dress, so I added a couple of extra inches to the body.  I'm still not sure it's sundress length, but that's okay.  I opted to knit this pattern for it's versatility and the fact that Quinn could get extended wear out of it as it would go from maybe dress length to a tunic to a top.  In fact, her Mom had plans for leggings and a long sleeve tee to take this summery frock all the way through fall and winter.  I can't wait to see it on her!

For those of you who don't know, Miss Quinn is part of our amazing racing family (she just happens to be the little sister to one of Matt's younger competitors).  So it would seem appropriate that I not only knit on the dress at several races this summer, but I actually wove in the ends and sewed the buttons on at last Saturday's race.

Which also explains the finished object photos - hanging in our trailer and on the roof of the race car - and the fact that I did not have a chance to give it a SOAK wash or block it before Miss Quinn proudly claimed it (she was hugging it in her car seat as they left to head home).

This was a fun knit and I would knit it again.  Actually, I bought 6 skeins of Jasmine and only used 2.5, so...

Sophie Wants to Know: What's On Your Needles?

TGIF and happy Fiber Arts Friday!  While I have zero right to be casting on anything new right now, my startitis is flaring up again....

I'm about to cast on a Christmas gift with my Sophie needles and some lovely Plymouth Gina (I had actually planned to do so at the race track last night, but sometimes my best laid knitting plans go arise). 

How about you?  What's on - or about to go on - your needles?  Sophie wants needs to know...

FO Friday - Modeled By a Happy Old Man

TGIF!  Is everyone else as ready for the weekend as I am?  What are my fellow crafters working on?

Even though I've been knitting away on 101 projects lately, I haven't actually gotten much off the needles (damn my startitis).  Which also means I haven't done a Fiber Arts Friday post in awhile.  But, hey, look at this...

Why yes, that is a finished object, and yes, that is my rock star model Zeus (isn't he just the most handsome boy you've seen in an infinity scarf?)!  

I finally bound off my Airy Summer Infinity Scarf and I absolutely love it!  

Pattern - It's a freebie on Ravelry (click through my project link to find it).  I honestly don't remember how I came across it, but find it hard to believe there are so little projects in Ravelry.  This is a fun, easy pattern, and not only does it make a great summery scarf as the name would imply, it's great for gift knitting as well.

Yarn - Cascade Ultra Pima Paints in Desert Sage.  Originally I was leaning toward one of the blue colorways, but stepped away from my usual comfort zone a bit and am so glad I did.  The colors are a little neutral and somewhat perfect!  The pattern calls for 1.5 skeins, however I would estimate it was more like 1.25 skeins.  I'm thinking about picking up another skein to make a second one for a gift.

Needles - Knitter's Pride Dreamz interchangeable circulars (which, btw, I was never interested in interchangeable needles until I started working at my LYS... now I'm hooked) in sizes 8 and 15, as the pattern calls for.  I love the effect you get from switching to the larger needle for a couple of rows.  It just adds that extra little something-something to the pattern.

As I said, this was a fun knit and I will make it again.  I enjoyed working with the Cascade Ultra Pima cotton as well.  It's not harsh on your hands at all, and knits up like a dream (especially on those smooth Dreamz needle tips).  My "Happy Old Man" approves... 

For the Birds and Bunnies

Happy Fiber Arts Friday!  Despite a couple of really windy days and a few cooler evenings this week, I think spring has finally sprung!  I see some green poking out from our muddy yard, the birds are singing sweet melodies and the sun is shining today.  

Those birds having been singing so much, they reminded me to finally do this.

I stuffed one of my suet holders full of yarn scraps in hopes they will weave together some very colorful nests this year.  

I'm not sure if I'm too late with my offerings or if the colors are too loud (hello birdies, I even shared some Madelinetosh with you... do you know what that costs?!), but it doesn't appear as though they've taken much yet.  Although the wind sure has, so I guess we'll wait and see.

As for where those scraps came from, well I've been working hard to make a conscious effort at finding more and more time with my needles.... and, uh-hum, actually getting projects off  my needles.  I still have flare-ups of startitis, but I'm working on that.  The latest to come off my needles was this sweet Bunny Blankie Buddy.

Pattern is from the 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders book.  Yarn is Heaven from Plymouth, with a tiny bit of Noro for the eyes.  It used up just under 2 skeins of the Heaven, including what I used to stuff the head (this yarn is so soft it made perfect sense).  The results were a super squishy, fleece-like bunny blankie that made the perfect gift for a special little lady's first Easter.

I think it's safe to say she loves her new buddy... which makes me smile just as much as she does!

While I do have many projects on the needles, my current concentration is on the Airy Summer Infinity Scarf.  I thought it would make a great warmer weather accessory.  I'm using Cascade Ultra Pima Paints in the Desert Sage colorway (and, yes, my favorite project bag).

I actually stepped away from my usual color comfort with this one.  While the picture doesn't really show it well, it's a beautiful mix of sage green, cream, and taupe.  I tend to lean towards the purples, blues and reds, but thought this would be more summery for sure.  I just started the second welt last night and am already loving how it's knitting up.

Back to that startitis thing... I received my April Yarn Box and Loopy Ewe April Spring Giftables boxes this week.

Now, what to make, what to make.... Although I still haven't cast on anything with my previous Yarn Box yarn yet, so I'm not sure how quickly I'll get to these.  I did try to cast on Painted with last month's Loopy Ewe spring kit the other night, only to realize I bought two of the same size needle tips (this pattern is knit with two size needles at the same time).  Ooops.  I'll have to exchange those at the shop on Tuesday.  At least it kept me working on the infinity scarf in the meantime.  

How about you?  What's on your needles or soon to be off?  Are you driving anyone crazy with decisions? My poor baby Zeus is exhausted just listening to me mumble about all this fibery goodness...  Enjoy your Friday!

Knitting, Knitting, Knitting!

TGIF!  I'm not sure if I'm more excited about having some time to knit this weekend, or that we're supposed t0 hit 50 degrees tomorrow.  Although it looks like a rainy weekend... which brings me back to the knitting.  Speaking of which, it's been awhile since I've done a Fiber Arts Friday post, so let's get to it.  My needles have been clicking a lot lately, and I've even gotten some projects off those needles! 

I purchased two skeins of Puppy Love yarn from Still River Mill a few years back at Stitches East.  It's 30% Samoyed, 20% Milk, 50% Merino and just luscious!  The Samoyed hair comes from a sled dog team out of Vermont.  My own puppy love did a great job modeling it...

Seriously, do I not have the biggest ham most handsome hat model around?

Pattern was my own (80 stitches, K2P2 rib for 1.25").  I didn't have enough of the Puppy Love for an adult size hat and had to rip it back some to put in a stripe of all natural baby alpaca which I had leftover from these fingerless mitts.  I should have ripped back a bit more to place the stripe further down, but ah well.  I just wish I had knit it earlier this winter because it is seriously the softest hat ever!  I think it's going to be super warm too.

Hat #2.  As you may recall, I signed up for a couple of traveling scarves for cancer patients through ConnieCaps.org.  I also decided to knit a couple of hats to donate as well using Cascade Cherub Aran, which knits up oh-so-soft and comes in some very beautiful colors.  I was thinking spring when I put this one together.

I just started a second one using the pink as the main color, with purple and green in the brim.  I hope the colors will bring a little cheer to someone soon.

I finally got my Mom's fingerless mitts finished a couple weeks ago.  Pattern is Malabrigo Hand Thingies (a freebie on Ravelry) and yarn is Berroco Vintage Colors.  My Mom wanted "something brown" and this self stripping worked up nicely.  They are a quick knit in worsted weight yarn, however I had to tweak the pattern a few times and rip back one mitt (I still have a third mitt completed that's a bit on the small size - will have to decide whether to knit the mate or just frog it).  My notes are my Ravelry project page if interested.

The Snow Cowl was a birthday gift for a dear friend a few weeks ago.  It's a very quick knit using super bulky yarn and makes a great accessory! I'll definitely knit more (great Christmas gift idea)!

I've done a little stash enhancement lately thanks to my YarnBox March installment (that was a fabulous birthday/Christmas gift combo)...

The Loopy Ewe Spring Giftables Club box #1...

And, last but not least, the current Jimmy Beans Wool limited edition Madelinetosh colorway...

Whew, that's a lot of fibery goodness today.  I hope you all have a great, crafty weekend!  Our former foster baby Dustee (our first real foster... or at least the first dog we fostered and sent along to a forever home... and yes, I cried for days) had surgery yesterday to remove 3 teeth.  He's at home and recovering comfortably, albeit not very happily from what I understand.  Poor baby... please join me in wishing Dustee man well!

A Scarf... That Travels for a Good Cause

TGIF!  Is everyone ready for Superbowl weekend?  With my Pats not in it this year, things aren't quite as exciting in our household.  We'll still be watching, of course, and checking out all of the commercials as usual.  Hopefully I can get some good knitting time in!

Last Sunday I worked on my section of a Traveling Scarf for cancer patients through ConnieCaps. The traveling scarves were started over on Instagram, but you don't need an Instagram account to participate, so check them out if you're interested!  

I was third on this particular scarf.  When I went stash diving to find yarn to use, I actually found a pretty darn perfect skein of Berroco Softwist that I didn't even remember having (I'm sure I'm not the only person who can't remember buying half of what's in her stash now, am I?).

I worked my section in a honeycomb/hive stitch pattern and although it resulted in less than perfect edges, I think it looks pretty cool.  And I love the texture of it!

The fourth person on the list for this scarf is a friend of mine who is local, so I handed it off on Tuesday after helping her to choose a super pretty green yarn at the shop where I work part time.  I can't wait to see what she does... and then after her section, it's going to another mutual friend in Maine.  After that, it's off to Canada, Singapore, Germany, and several parts of the good 'ole USA.  I love this idea and plan to hop aboard another one soon!

I haven't made much progress on my first Honey Cowl, but here's what 220 stitches after just a few rows looks like.  I am absolutely loving working with the Cascade EcoDuo!

I've got a little Flickering Thistle scarf on the needles in Cascade Souk.  Here it is 2 repeats in.

I think I'll get back to my Mom's fingerless gloves this weekend and hopefully get more rounds worked on my Honey Cowl.  What's on your Superbowl knitting agenda?