Prize Winning Spinning

This is my first spring being exposed to the fiber festival season. I've been to 2 so far in central Indiana, and they were both so much fun. All the vendors and classes can be a little overwhelming at some, but it's totally worth visiting one (or two, or nine). The most recent one was The Fiber Event in Greencastle, IN. Its was much bigger than the first one I went to and had so many vendors that I actually didn't get to visit them all. The main reason I wanted to go to this one was that there was a skein contest. I figured there was no harm in entering a couple skeins right? So i picked 3 that met the requirements for the beginners' category and set off. I had no idea that this would be the outcome.

Whoa! The judges were so nice and gave me some comments about each. The funny thing is, the first place winner was plied the night before, so I didn't even have a chance to wash it.

The next one I'll be going to is Hoosier Hills in Franklin, IN in June. They also have a contest, so let's see if I get the courage up again!

I am a Horrible Blogger

Yes, "Horrible Blogger" is capitalized, as in a title. I just realized it's been about 3 weeks since I blogged, and that is inexcusable. Yes, it's been busy. No, I have not taken pictures of why it's been busy, though I should have.

First bit of news: I won First AND Second Place at The Fiber Event at Greencastle, IN in the skein competition!!!

I finished the First Place winner the night before, and the Second Place winner was just me playing around. Go figure.

2011 Goal update: I still haven't picked out my color work project, though I really need to add my books to my Ravelry Library so I can see what patterns I actually own. I have 2 pairs of socks finished for the quarter, so I only need to finish 2 more socks by the end of June. 

My April Lady Sweater is complete, save for buttons. It fits pretty well, but I just need to wash it to block it since it's acrylic. Yes, I was tempted to wear it today, but I know better. I will just end up pulling at it the whole time since it's not the dimensions I want. 

There. Was that so hard? 

Baby (Knitting) Fever

While I was visiting my parents last weekend, I made a slew of baby gifts for my friend's shower next month. I managed to finish the cardigan, a bib, and a dishcloth.

The bib is actually a little big since I completely neglected to look at the needle size or gauge on the pattern. It's the Penguin Bib, and is really big enough for a toddler. But I figured 1) a bib can never be too big, and 2) with this baby's genetics and growth rate, she'll be the size of a toddler shortly after birth anyway.

The cardigan is made from Bernat Baby Coordinates in pale yellow. I loved making the Garter Yoke Cardigan. It was so easy. And since the baby is due in June, I left the sleeves short. It's finished off with my first ever button band and awesome purple flower buttons.

This dishcloth was just to test out my brand new Knitpicks Harmony Interchangeables Set!!! I bought it last Friday at Stitches & Scones in Westfield (yes, they carry knitpicks in their store now. i'm pumped.) And to top it off, you get their tote bag discount also. These babies are everything I thought they'd be. Now I just need to get about a dozen more cables in different sizes.

The baby blanket is also made with Bernat Baby Coordinates, this time in lavender and cream. I wanted to use as much of the yarn as possible, so I made it a giant granny square.

So, technically, I have the shower gifts finished. However, I know I won't stop there. A burp cloth and face cloth set? Headbands? She needs a matching headband with that cardi. Any other thoughts?

Spring Lady Sweater

Before you ask, no, I did not block that other cardigan yet. I know I said I didn't want to start another sweater until that was done.

I also have no discipline.

And so my Spring Lady Sweater as begun! It's the ubiquitous February Lady Sweater. I'm using some Red Heart Designer Sport I picked up a couple years ago for $2 a ball. So this sweater will cost me about $10 to make. I worked a gauge swatch and after a few days of knitting, I'm ready to separate for the sleeves.

I've also been compulsively checking the fitting notes and other people's variations. How long do I want the garter section to be? How much do I want it to flair? I know I want it to be fuller than my last 2 sweaters. The sleeves in the pattern are wider and I KNOW that will not work for me. Oh pattern mods, how I love you.

In other knitting, sock 1 of 6 for Quarter 2 is finished. It's another pair of vanilla socks, so I will post the picture of that when the pair is done.

Irreconcilable Differences

They've tried working it out. They've talked. They've gone through counseling. They've even taken a break to give themselves some alone time. But nothing is going to fix this couple....

...Of socks.

I've given up on 2 at a time socks. The idea is nice, but to me they are so fiddly and I was getting so discouraged at knitting for so long and not even seeing a heel. I just don't think this technique is for me. The socks are now on separate needles, and will hopefully be able to get on with their separate lives.

Making a Dent

I've had 5 skeins of Mirasol Tika, a pima cotton, in my stash for...well...a while now. It was a find at Tuesday Morning, but I had absolutely no clue what to do with it. I finally found a shawl I liked, Not too lacy, not too dense. The Summer Flies shawl has different sections of lace and a ruffled picot edge. Knitting it was fast and easy, though my butterflies didn't exactly turn out the way I planned. Still, I love it, and can't wait to wear it!

I Tend to Go a Little Catwoman When I Craft

Lately, my knitting seems to be slowing down a bit. I'ma little socked out, and since I've reached my goal, I'm giving them a break. I finished the sleeves of my Striped Cardi, but haven't blocked it yet. So I haven't started my next sweater, the February Lady Sweater. but I still have the urge to make something, so I've started making jewelry again. A LOT OF JEWELRY. I talked about it with a friend who i found out also made a ton of jewelry and still has her supplies. I "shopped" her bead store and scored a ton of stuff. I've spend the past few weekends hunched over our ottoman in the living room with Netflix running in the background (Ghost Adventures and Paranormal State at the moment) surrounded by bags of beads. It always looks like I went crazy opening them. Here are a few of the things I've made. (apologies for the low quality pics. i promise they will be better for my etsy store)

This is black and red beads accented with silver chain. Matching set includes earrings and long necklace.

Stitch marker set includes 5 markers of blue stone framed in silver.

Brown and olive stones with gold chain. Set includes dangle earrings and long necklace.

Stitch marker set has 7 markers. Assorted beads.

Navy and gold beads on gold chain. Set includes earrings and necklace.

Pastel beads with silver flower beads. I'll admit, I've worn this and love it. Necklace and earring set.

Purple beads with gold rings and chain.