Bigger Than a Bread Box...

My new toy is bigger than a bread box. In fact, it might be bigger than eight bread boxes.


I used to keep my yarn stash in two Sterilite multi-drawer bins stacked in tower fashion in a closet, but since the move that monstrosity had to be out in full view of the downstairs living room. While the bins were functional, they were also a little slim on the pretty.


Hubby and I had seen a wood and glass cabinet at World's Market that we thought might work, but I kept protesting that I did not want to spend the money. Then, luckily enough, it went on sale and I got to use one of the Entertainment book coupons as well for a grand total of $150 off the total amount.



My entire stash fits in the cabinet with room to spare! While I was putting my fiber away, possibly a mistake to do this in front of hubby, he mentioned that the collection behind glass looks like a "little tiny yarn store." Mike collects movies, so he understands the concept as it relates to collections that I may have more than I need, but less than I want...


Now keep in mind that my photography skills are lacking, but here is a pic of what hubby has loving termed "the yarn vault".


Both of the glass doors slide open, and there is a shelf below that holds me entire knitting library, such as it is. The "vault" also lives upstairs instead of downstairs for better access to light.

I am still in the process of moving things around, so the errant cords you see around the vault will not be there for long. However, Mike attached the cabinet to the wall so it would not topple over, and this is where it will stay permanently.

I did finish the Alan Dart bat in time for Halloween, although just barely, and here is a better late than never picture of Prince Vladamir.

I am working on the Drifted Pearls scarf which is too involved to be called just a scarf, but it is really going to be beautiful when finished. Have I mentioned that there are four types of cables, baubles, and applied I-cord??? I am using the Rowan Lima, and it is wonderful to knit with. I had read that it was splitty, but it really isn't even with blunt-tipped needles. To me, splitty just means you have to pay attention, and then it's fine. The Lima is a chainette yarn, which I have never worked with before, but even with the Russian join it did fine.

Off to knit!

Mitten Smitten? Uh, no.

I have finished both pairs of Peekaboo Mittens. They were both knit in Encore worsted weight by Plymouth. They came out as per the pattern, but they just really lack any pizazz.

This project will not likely start the beginning of a mitten knittin' craze. Admittedly, they do not take long and the pattern is not tough, but they just don't do much for me. Paired with the Twisted Vine Scarves in the matching color the mittens will make a nice gift, but this pattern will not be one that I plan to repeat.

Maybe I will like the mittens better tomorrow. Unfortunately, I am THE Grinch today. I am agitated with everything and everyone. In fact, I could hunt bear with a switch. Let's hope that tomorrow is a better day...

p.s. Notice the "embiggen" feature now works with my pics.

The Great Scarf Project of 2009 is Complete!

As my previous posts have told you, I had taken on a mammoth project of knitting ten scarves, or more precisely ten Twisted Vine Neck Warmers for some friends and the ladies in my office for Christmas gifts. All of the scarves were knit with Plymouth Encore as not all of the gift recipients are fiber folks, and I feared what they might do to them in my absence...

I made two in ivory, which I did not think I would like at all because I thought they would be boring to knit, as well as to wear; however, I stand corrected, and boredom gave way to simplicity which really accented the details of the lace and cables.

Here is the group of ten, yep TEN, in all their multicolored glory.

In truth, I would really like one for myself, but not today.

I am now working on some (don't ask my how many) bookmarks, and I hope to be finished with them by mid-week. According to my knitting progress calendar, I am supposed to knit two pairs of mittens, and then Christmas will be done. Also, I am going to try to incorporate the same large center cable that is in the neck warmers into the mittens.

I will admit, a certain vampire bat has capured my attention as of late...

MUST STAY ON TRACK, MUST STAY ON TRACK!

However, a certain sweater (Scoop Neck Cardigan) is shouting, "ME NEXT, ME NEXT!"

Still Plugging Away

Secret Christmas projects are still underway and coming along nicely.

Hubby saw the stack and asked if I needed a tax number to open a shop.

It's Not That I'm Not Knitting...

I have steadily been working on Christmas, as well as other gifts, and there is nothing postable at this time because the intended gift targets may look at my blog now and again.

TTFN!

Here Comes the Stole, All Knit in White...

The following is the wedding song for the Scotch Thistle Lace Stole that I knit with the Lanett by Sandnes Garn.

Here comes the stole,
All knit in white,
Sweetly, serenely in soft glowing light.
Lovely to see, this was knit by me
Sweet little stitches for all eternity.

New knitting rule: Whoever knits the

bridal stole gets to pick the

music for the ceremony!

I was worried that the fingering weight might make the stole a bit too heavy, but in looking at the pics I think it came out just fine. The Lanett is a very soft, washable wool that comes in wide variety of color choices, and lent itself well to lace. I would not hesitate to make another lace project with it. In fact, there may be a little Lanett in my stash right now just waiting its turn in the gift queue...

You can see the thistle leaves and buds in this pic, and the color went well with her dress.

Congratulations to Mellissa and Mike. I wish you much happiness. Be good to each other, and that stole!

I am still plugging away on the Twinings Lace stole for DMS, and I have only had to lay on the floor and kick my legs once in the past week.

I may have to work on a something a little less intense than lace, yes concurrently, and that might be the Twisted Vine Neck Warmer as it appears to be short and sweet. I have not decided on a fiber for this yet, but I am considering the Malabrigo worsted.

We Have A Graduate And A Mouse!!!

Thanks to everyone for the gifts, cards, and phone calls when Mike graduated from hair school this week. Mike was really touched and pleased that you guys thought of him. Also, thank you to everyone who let Mike do their hair while he was in school, and especially the Great Enabler who went above and beyond and allowed herself to be a model at his new shop, as well as one of his school clients.

Here is the proud graduate with diploma and congratulatory balloon.

This was one tough year, and Mike and both appreciate everything you guys did. Once again, thank you from us both.

On the knitting front, I have finished the Scotch Thistle Lace Stole, and it will be blocking today, and photos will follow. In a break from lace, I knit a toy from one Debi Birkin's patterns, and it is Margot the Mouse Ballerina. I made her from stash yarns, and they were likely Encore or Vanna's Choice, but unsure.

Margot is very cute, and I will bring her to knitting on Wednesday evening.

TTFN!