Not So You Would Notice

Not that anyone would actually notice since I have been so bad about updating, but I will be off-line until after the first of the year. We are off to PA to vist Arlis' family for the holidays. It has been several years since we have been out -- so it will be good to see everyone!

Happy Holidays!

Read More

Leather & Lace

So quite some time ago a promised a picture of Leather & Lace (the leather shawl) I knit to prove, not only to my students but to myself as well, that you can make cool (somewhat practical) stuff with alternative fibers. Knitting with Alternative Fibers, has been a popular class and students either LOVE IT or HATE IT. Very little middle ground!

So the specs are as follows:

I used 1 mm leather cord. I can't find the details of my purchase, so the amounts may not be correct, but I think there are between 1000 - 1200 yds of material used. The fringe took three of us (thanks Sammi and Paul), 3 hours to cut string and add to the shawl.

Amazingly enough, it actually keeps my shoulders warm and it wearable at a real function. Its debut was the Student Banquet at Stitches East. I was able to walk around, sit, eat and knit -- all without any problem. This is truly amazing since often these activities don't go off that well when I am in a sweatshirt and jeans!!!

So with out further ado -- the leather shawl:

Read More

A Wonderful Surprise

So it has been forever since I have posted, but I just had to post to thank my secret pal for one more gift!!! It was such a surprise! Secret Pal #2 has been over for a couple of months and she had already been SO GENEROUS, that I wasn't expecting anything else. And then this showed up in my mailbox:



She commented that the yarn is similar to Noro, but much softer and I would have to sincerely agree. She seems to tend to pinks, reds and oranges and after visiting her blog and seeing a picture of her -- it is obvious why!!! Both my secret pal and the gal I was the secret pal for have this great "alternative" look, I feel SO frumpy!!

I can't wait until I get past the craziness of the end of the year so I can really enjoy all the treasures that Jenn has sent the past few months. Although I must confess that the chocolate from the previous package is gone (although I held out for several weeks). I am afraid the chocolate included in this package may not last near as long!!

Thanks Jenn, you were a GREAT secret pal!

Read More