tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29588888639143645972024-03-20T04:31:57.135-04:00Famous Steve Knitsconfessions of a fiber fanaticfamous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-48376287098549447772010-11-01T19:05:00.019-04:002010-11-03T21:42:40.846-04:00Works in progress<span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Almost too many to count, and probably some I've completely forgotten. Here are the ones I can remember.<br /><br />I have a beautiful charcoal gray scarf on needles. It's probably going to be a Christmas gift if I can bear to part with it. (and they move Christmas to June) I do lurve me some cashmere! It's a little pattern I made up. I won't claim it as my own, because I'm sure it's been done before. It's too simple NOT to have bee</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >n done before. If it is, I have no idea what it's called, and I've ne</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >ver seen it written down, but I haven't looked real hard either. Want the pattern? ..</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >........ OK<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuESxUDklhSZiRnD10C0fSFGxIDLR4rTkwv6sqBwr75jRyh2BAYgk0puKvgpDGQS2qo5WYuRm0CNGpSPjtyFVMSEK73yQ29OM5n74zZ_7vpoW3sN11wRZXLlKLfo7kNCSwNzYuc3zf6YX/s1600/blog+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuESxUDklhSZiRnD10C0fSFGxIDLR4rTkwv6sqBwr75jRyh2BAYgk0puKvgpDGQS2qo5WYuRm0CNGpSPjtyFVMSEK73yQ29OM5n74zZ_7vpoW3sN11wRZXLlKLfo7kNCSwNzYuc3zf6YX/s320/blog+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535500142903487042" border="0" /></a><br />I'll call it <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Steve's Completely Original, Never Been Done Before Scarf.<br /></span><br />Cast on 38 stitches.<br />Knit 7 rows<br />Begin 6 row pattern repeat<br />1. Knit<br />2. K4, (P4, K1) six times, K4<br />3. K4, (P2, K3) six times, K4<br />4. </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >K4, (P2, K3) six times, K4<br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >5. </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >K4, (P4, K1) six times, K4<br />6. Knit<br />Repeat rows 1 through 6 until scarf is as long as you like it.<br />Knit 7 rows<br />Bind off all stitches<br />simple, huh?<br /><br />It makes a nice cushy textured pattern. It sort of reminds me of waffles. </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >(mmmmmmmmmm, waaaaaaffles)<br /><br /><br />Let's see, what else am I knitting?<br />I have a super secret project for a very special knitting friend who gave me a TON of blue hand dyed wool yarn quite a while ago. She's getting some of it back after I get it knitted up. More info and photos to follow.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMGbt5U9RQeFHXcrnN-smJTdxYXSgserzRH9yx9qC_9R4SUZZMoRAgbSiJ9PQfizkfkFj99Baqh0BR1sXCYe8EWArMHw2cv7fYcvFUu03ahN3NeaUBCsQ3CpXman5DBk462xjF2LOf5pg/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMGbt5U9RQeFHXcrnN-smJTdxYXSgserzRH9yx9qC_9R4SUZZMoRAgbSiJ9PQfizkfkFj99Baqh0BR1sXCYe8EWArMHw2cv7fYcvFUu03ahN3NeaUBCsQ3CpXman5DBk462xjF2LOf5pg/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535501993087555042" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><br />I'm knitting a toe up sock. I haven't turned the heel yet. There are plans in the works to knit a second sock to match the first. I'm using white yarn because it's easier to see, and it was in my stash. I think I may dye them with walnut hulls <span style="font-style: italic;">after</span> I knit them. They may actually become kilt hose, as I have ordered myself a kilt from <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.altkilt.com/">Alt.Kilt.</a> Check it out. She's got a sweet little operation going, and a </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >touching story about how she got started.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeoSZvjmxAOoxng7vqDrwu6reTjHNZGkz6Z71mSbAZoMFb4FcORrJax4annK7UR0ULxEYGSmZ4AGhvmVUBE0XOKo1fU5bIt67y0ghuF0vzO9oKqzqhntGB2JRMgPMSjbIrRi5ZYgC4Sfd/s1600/blog+009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeoSZvjmxAOoxng7vqDrwu6reTjHNZGkz6Z71mSbAZoMFb4FcORrJax4annK7UR0ULxEYGSmZ4AGhvmVUBE0XOKo1fU5bIt67y0ghuF0vzO9oKqzqhntGB2JRMgPMSjbIrRi5ZYgC4Sfd/s320/blog+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535501406986200066" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><br />I'm knitting a top down, shawl collared cardigan for myself. It was going to be my 2010 SAFF Sweater, but that didn't happen. I'm using Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran, which pre-dates Rowan Scottish Tweed Aran, (for those of you keeping track), but it's pretty much the same thing. It's a beautiful shade of blue with purple, (that's right.... purple!) and turquoise slubs. One partial sleeve, One full sleeve, two button bands, and a collar, and I'm done. I'm teaching a top down sweater class this month, so chances are <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span> of it will get done.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnb0DFTNiFpJE5rfUU26YG06YO1-Seqoy2WqsFAjRJDlsFgQKKnnZaOtmAlvR9wQSuqI30VhtI1SWq1rfi48jMU2DC5oPqbkz-x3594lrBtYy9THfM4-lTHkQggVaaQTZcailtGgnmVkV/s1600/blog+013.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnb0DFTNiFpJE5rfUU26YG06YO1-Seqoy2WqsFAjRJDlsFgQKKnnZaOtmAlvR9wQSuqI30VhtI1SWq1rfi48jMU2DC5oPqbkz-x3594lrBtYy9THfM4-lTHkQggVaaQTZcailtGgnmVkV/s320/blog+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535501088718634946" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />I'm working on a beautiful, INCREDIBLY soft cashmere hat for <a href="http://knitwitatl.blogspot.com/">Miss Nancy</a>. She's having chemo, and will soon need something to keep that noggin of hers warm. I'm knitting love and healing thoughts, (and I think maybe some peanut butter cracker crumbs), into every single stitch I make. LOVE YA NANCY!<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEe6C3VxlMZj2Dxb7g5fc5vQWveWfbiqvuXtRFf3KtS-yBp0-UJyZMe0KSlKxXmydCdx7HGemeP9zjDHMj1bcYzyr5isl-zgDRaEXbF-Ks-Scre7Yl5eNHIoERcSavGlUStz-uTKlQGjQ/s1600/blog+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEe6C3VxlMZj2Dxb7g5fc5vQWveWfbiqvuXtRFf3KtS-yBp0-UJyZMe0KSlKxXmydCdx7HGemeP9zjDHMj1bcYzyr5isl-zgDRaEXbF-Ks-Scre7Yl5eNHIoERcSavGlUStz-uTKlQGjQ/s320/blog+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535500780529844482" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEe6C3VxlMZj2Dxb7g5fc5vQWveWfbiqvuXtRFf3KtS-yBp0-UJyZMe0KSlKxXmydCdx7HGemeP9zjDHMj1bcYzyr5isl-zgDRaEXbF-Ks-Scre7Yl5eNHIoERcSavGlUStz-uTKlQGjQ/s1600/blog+008.jpg"><br /></a></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">OK, now I'm tired, and I've thought of about 10 other projects I've started, but not finished, and what am I doing instead of knitting? Blogging! That's OK. If I wasn't doing this, I'd be screwing around on Facebook or Ravelry.</span><br /></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-72076846095330200512010-10-31T19:19:00.004-04:002010-10-31T20:33:39.191-04:00Time to blog again<span style="font-family:verdana;">Yes, it <span style="font-style: italic;">has</span> been a while. That's not an apology, just an observation. I think writing a blog should be fun. I started looking at mine like it was homework. I've never liked homework. Now I'm going to do my darndest to make it fun for me. Hopefully it will be fun for all who read it too.<br /><br />Lots of things have happened in my life since I last wrote. Probably the biggest thing that has happened is; I decided to come out to my family and friends, and live my life as the gay man that I am. (yes, I know you're all shocked) For too many years I have done what I thought my family, my church, (God), and society as a whole expected me to do. I thought if I acted straight, I would become straight. I thought if I prayed to God, he would make me straight. None of that happened. What I learned was; <span style="font-weight: bold;">there is nothing wrong with being who you are.</span> I also learned that living a lie, and trying to be something you're not, creates deep unhappiness. I wish I had come to this conclusion years ago, but I'm learning that all things happen when they should. I still have a lot of things to work through, but luckily I'm surrounded by many supportive and loving family members and friends. I love you all.<br /><br />I am still working at Cut Flower Wholesale. With the help of a therapist and prescription anti-depressants, I manage to show up to work on time every day and do what is expected of me without killing anyone. Luckily I still have my other job. Teaching at <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);" href="http://www.shopknitch.com/">Knitch</a> is my joy and my passion. If you had told me three years ago that I would be teaching people how to knit, I would have said you were crazy. Now I cannot imagine my life without it. I had no idea I would enjoy teaching as much as I do. Apparently I'm quite good at it, (that's what they tell me), and I plan on doing it as long as I can hold a pair of needles in my hands. <br /><br />Hope you like the new blog design. Think "chocolate covered cherries" - one of my favorite color combinations!<br /></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-18896253321590175012009-02-14T16:55:00.005-05:002009-02-14T18:04:28.051-05:00Happy VD!<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">As some of you know, my "real" job is in the wholesale floral industry. I've been doing it for 15 years, and have been over it for about the last 6. I just made it through Valentine's Day #15. I wasn't as busy as usual. Typically, when VD falls on a Saturday or Sunday, flower sales are down, and the restaurants seem to do better. I'm sure the present state of the economy didn't help things either. I've been wanting to do something else for several years, but I was making such good money, I really couldn't afford to go somewhere else and make less. Soon I may get my wish, and have to find work somewhere else. I work on commission, and I've had several big clients go out of business in the last few months. Like they say, be careful what you wish for.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />And now, on to the knitting!<br /><br />Socks, socks, socks! I can't get them out of my mind. Once I found a toe up cast on that I like, (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhBIS0A">Judy Becker's Magic Cast-on</a>), and a heel that I like, (<a href="http://fleeglesblog.blogspot.com/2006/11/leegles-toe-up-no-flap-no-hassle-sock.html">The Fleegle Heel</a>) it's the only thing I want to knit. My <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5382315">Numma Numma</a> Saucy - colorway Famous Chocolate Fondue was originally going to be a scarf. Now it's definitely going to be socks. I keep thinking I need to have <span style="font-weight: bold;">more</span> sock yarn in my stash. I mean I only have enough to knit 5 more pairs! My sock yarn sta</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">sh is totally out of proportion to my regular yarn stash! I just finished my first sock using <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/">Blue Moon Fiber's</a> Socks That Rock! LOVE IT! Can't wait to get some more! For those of you that don't know, you can buy it at <a href="http://www.shopknitch.com/">Knitch</a>. Apparently, we are one of only 11 places worldwide where you can buy it. I hope we're getting more soon. I'm putting my vote in for "Muddy Bottom Breakdown" and "Manly Yes, But I Like It Too". (who names this stuff - hilarious!)<br /><br />My sweater class starts this week. I've contacted all of my students, and they sound just as excited as I am! We're doing a simple, knit-from-the-top-down raglan, but I'm going to suggest options to make their sweater </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">uniquely their own. I will finally be knitting a sweater for my son Andrew's. He requested it and picked out a pattern a couple of years ago, and I've had the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">black</span> yarn in my stash ever since. I thought it would be a good sweater for this class. He is so tall and thin, it should take no time at all.<br /><br />I need to get the baby blanket started for my niece's third baby. (her 3rd in three years!) She is due in March. We're doing lavender for this one, so I've purchased some lovely acrylic from Hobby Lobby. Can you tell how anxious I am to get it started? I think I'm going to do a round pinwheel blankie this time.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">That's all for now folks, but before I go, I just had to share this photo I found on the Internet. Doesn't this just make you want to learn how to crochet?!<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp25VkWWQY1EugDoE7Q6koITHtmLbyULlWsxTaAu3wHJerZG9hUnRcS-ANnbnLJgP8dPtjEANnkJizOkhMmo5r9Z_qEEAx7QnWuGlmm2HV6REpOFs1fFgTBfbZnxxRxT8_R9Mqpdy8sSU/s1600-h/crochet+guy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp25VkWWQY1EugDoE7Q6koITHtmLbyULlWsxTaAu3wHJerZG9hUnRcS-ANnbnLJgP8dPtjEANnkJizOkhMmo5r9Z_qEEAx7QnWuGlmm2HV6REpOFs1fFgTBfbZnxxRxT8_R9Mqpdy8sSU/s320/crochet+guy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302791233999930658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-6243065251829174422009-01-31T23:02:00.002-05:002009-01-31T23:24:26.310-05:00it's a beautiful day<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I woke up to blue skies and sunshine today. It was just one of those beautiful north Georgia winter days. There was no annoying alarm clock going off at 4 am. I actually slept 'til 9:00. Got up, had a leisurely shower. Went to Knitch to pick up my paycheck. Had a wonderful lunch with Doug at Everybody's Pizza. I've never been there before, and I'm definitely going back. Doug and I spent about 4 hours at the Peachtree Handspinners Guild meeting. Got to see some folks I haven't seen in a while, and had a great time. I meant to bring my camera, but forgot. (oh well) I came home to find Beth had cooked an extremely tasty chicken curry dish. I got all caught up on my TV shows I missed this past week, while at the same time executed a perfectly turned Fleegle Heel on my Socks that Rock sock. I would be hard pressed to imagine a more perfect day!<br /><br />I didn't get weighed today. The weight loss is not going so well, and I really just did not want to see any numbers this morning. On a brighter note, </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I think I've broken my own record for most blog posts in one month!</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-58655998384940703262009-01-24T18:15:00.004-05:002009-01-24T18:41:52.383-05:00finished socks<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well here they are. My second pair of socks. This pair didn't take nearly as long as the first. They're not very fancy, but I'm not a very fancy guy.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj468pGq0dL8e8YjfeDLvmZsGQl8FZtpvlbzyjlUZDLIK_X7wKAqTK1GwY5ePfR5mtbGuV_w32hLTzAetob0s3rtVC3GsX0MSLeuCadEClm6Y4ehv77ErEME6Ibxj28tP4qMjG5baIa4lKw/s1600-h/stuff+098.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj468pGq0dL8e8YjfeDLvmZsGQl8FZtpvlbzyjlUZDLIK_X7wKAqTK1GwY5ePfR5mtbGuV_w32hLTzAetob0s3rtVC3GsX0MSLeuCadEClm6Y4ehv77ErEME6Ibxj28tP4qMjG5baIa4lKw/s320/stuff+098.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295005323493737746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEzO0hh017ksUvgaBUDlZhthKpj6gTXyC68oP7EtYDNyElKyBymz2feFpQZI4Yc5fE78qQ1ViOraAHpZ557dMhMS6yqeKret5O4UH0Mu5V91WGLlbBXCWTCTtftyzuXmO27FlubaVpOHY/s1600-h/stuff+099.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEzO0hh017ksUvgaBUDlZhthKpj6gTXyC68oP7EtYDNyElKyBymz2feFpQZI4Yc5fE78qQ1ViOraAHpZ557dMhMS6yqeKret5O4UH0Mu5V91WGLlbBXCWTCTtftyzuXmO27FlubaVpOHY/s320/stuff+099.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295005455272677266" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I used Jarbo Garn's Raggi sock yarn, (100g, 150m, 70% superwash wool, and 30% nylon), knitted on US #6 needles, one ball per sock, (size 13 EEE), toe-up, Magic Loop, Judy Becker's Magic cast on, Encroachment Heel, and sewn bind-off.<br /><br />(wow, that's a mouthfull)<br /><br />I'm already planning my second pair. I'm using Socks That Rock medium weight, colorway Valkyrie. I'd like to try the "Fleagle Heel" on these, but can't find directions on line anywhere. (Hockeymom........ HELP!!!!!) I think I'll dress these up with some cables too.<br /><br />Now there seems to be a little problem developing. As you know, I have acquired a wee bit of a yarn stash. Within this stash, there is practically NO sock yarn. As you sock knitters know, you must use sock yarn to knit socks. (don't you?) I could knit other things, but right now, I want to knit socks. I'm <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">really</span></span> trying to refrain from buying more sock yarn. I do have enough to knit four more pairs, and that should be enough for now, ..............right?<br /><br />(heaven help me)<br /><br />And now for the weekly weigh in. I did practically NOTHING as far as diet and exercise go this past week. OK, I did try to get in a little more fiber in my diet, (oatmeal cookies), but that was about it. I now weigh 284.4, so I lost .4 lbs. I'm hoping for bigger numbers next week.<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-35253903758555292902009-01-22T14:30:00.003-05:002009-01-24T18:44:16.870-05:00a trip to the hospital<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Last night, about halfway through Lost, my wife started having severe chest pains. By 11 pm we were sitting in the hospital emergengy room. After checking her heart, lungs, gall bladder, and heart <span style="font-style: italic;">again</span>, all systems were clear. Fifteen hours in the emergency room, but it's nice to know she's in nearly perfect health. We still don't have any idea what caused the pains. I have to say that EVERY single person at the Gwinnett Med Center in Lawrenceville was wonderful. The ER seemed to be super busy, but they still took the time to explain everything, and Beth felt really well cared for. If you have to go, (and I hope you don't), I hope your experience is as good as the one we had. The patient is now resting comfortably, propped up in front of the TV, with remote control in hand, and I am attempting to finish a sewn bind off on a toe-up sock. (no, I didn't bring my knitting to the ER..... damn!) Tomorrow it's back to work, and hopefully I'll see some of you knitting at Knitch tomorrow night!<br /><br />.....and now for a little nap.<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-4362567889117618242009-01-17T10:22:00.006-05:002009-01-24T18:43:46.568-05:00there and back again<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well I'm back from my little business trip to Ft. Lauderdale. It was SO nice there! Daytime, 72 degrees, nights in the 50's. It was a a little cloudy and breezy, but no rain. Yesterday we ate breakfast outside under the palm trees in short sleeve shirts. Today I'm eating hot oatmeal, snuggled warmly inside flannel pj's. It was nice while it lasted.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The flight was OK. I'm actually looking forward to flying again in June. Some of you know I have not flown since 9/11, and swore I would never do it again. I think the only reason I was able to fly now is due in part to the anti-depression/anxiety meds I've been taking for the last year and a half. (ain't chemistry wonderful!) The take off was a little scary, and I have to admit, I was turning a short-row heel in my mind for about the first 10 minutes of the flight, but after that I was OK. It was a little crowded to knit, even though I brought a simple scarf to work on. I also think the boss is a little embarassed that I knit, so I tucked it away for two days, and didn't knit a stitch.<br /><br />The trade show was fun, and I made a lot of connections with some new tropical plant growers, and got to see some of the folks I'm already buying from. Two days of walking <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">really</span></span> did a number on my leg, and actually started in the other leg, and a couple of other places I haven't felt the pain before. I know this problem is completely weight related, and only <span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span> have the power to fix it. In an effort to be held accountable for this, I've decided to post my weight every week on my blog. I'd like to loose about 40 lbs. before I fly to Colorado in June. (I'd like to do a little hiking while I'm there.) Today I weighed in at a whopping 284.8! (OUCH! wish me luck)<br /><br />Beth and I are off the the Dekalb Farmer's Market for some fresh and healthy fruits and veggies. Come see me at Knitch tomorrow!<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-38975135794131513742009-01-06T19:20:00.005-05:002009-01-06T20:20:45.453-05:00knitting socks<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">That's right, my dear readers, I am knitting socks. I know I said I never would, but never is a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">really</span> long time.<br /><br />Those of you who know me, know I have completed one complete pair. The first sock was knit in the traditional way, from the cuff down. I did <span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</span> use double pointed needles. (hereafter referred to as "The Devil's Toothpicks") Why would I? I know how to Magic Loop! It was knit with the traditional heel flap and gusset, and the toe meticulously kitchenered. The second sock was knit in the same fashion, with the exception of the heel. I decided to try a garter stitch - short row heel. This left large gaping holes, and about halfway to the toe I crammed the whole mess in a bag and buried it deep beneath my stash and UFOs.<br /><br />After about a year and a half, I dug it out, ripped back the heel, re knit the damned thing, kitchenered it, and I was done. I used Brown Sheep Superwash Worsted. Did I mention I don't like knitting with really tiny needles? I have big hands, and big feet, and I like to use the bigger needles. Anyway, the yarn has no nylon in it, and I've been told that the heels will wear out more quickly. There really is no chance of that ever happening, as the stuff is so itchy, I can't stand to wear them for more than a few minutes. At this point, I was done with socks.<br /><br />Over the past year or so, I see everyone knitting socks! Dyeing their own sock yarn. Designing their own patterns! We're extremely lucky to have one of the most incredible yarn dyers right here in Atlanta, and she sells her yarn at Knitch. Her sock yarn is to dye for! (tee hee) She even named one of her colorways after me. I'm sure you all remember Famous Chocolate Fondue. Then Knitch gets Blue Moon Fibers Socks That Rock! (medium and heavy weight) Have you seen this stuff?! <span style="font-weight: bold;">BEAUTIFUL!</span> I wanted it ALL, but restrained myself, and bought only two skeins.<br /><br />I knew I wanted my next pair to be knit from the toe up. My first pair, I barely had enough yarn to kitchener the toe, and really don't want to run out when I've almost finished. Haley showed me two different toe-up cast ons, which I promptly forgot as soon as I got home. (Hey Haley, I'm old, gimme a break!) I decided to check out You Tube, and discovered <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhBIS0AhhQY">Cat Bordhi demonstrating Judy Becker's Magic Cast-on</a>. This is a most miraculous thing. How someone comes up with something like this, I'll never know. So now I'm knitting socks, and loving it! (photos to follow) I haven't gotten to the heel yet. Does anyone know if Judy has a Magic Short-row Heel?<br /><br /><br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-38092436850578696252009-01-03T19:18:00.005-05:002009-01-03T19:55:40.175-05:00foggy day<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">WOW! It was really foggy all day long, but sort of nice for a change. I mean I wouldn't want it to be like this every day, but every now and then.....</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWTqZqJ1aYL9DUiTBRt057BAuscGYtWJ-mH3F4NEp9UYeoZKlSGwyb7GP_X6ThvragOIVHcG0OqLTNSfFpB1cypMXI2Cb5-iIzuKM2saOKBGFJtTqAa25Lh6H1uMjrjs21xeiuyNYc594/s1600-h/foggy-morn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWTqZqJ1aYL9DUiTBRt057BAuscGYtWJ-mH3F4NEp9UYeoZKlSGwyb7GP_X6ThvragOIVHcG0OqLTNSfFpB1cypMXI2Cb5-iIzuKM2saOKBGFJtTqAa25Lh6H1uMjrjs21xeiuyNYc594/s320/foggy-morn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287235630952746962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We got up early and caught a matinee of Bedtime Stories. Beth <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> likes Adam Sandler, so Andrew and I went with her. It was a cute movie, but not the usual type of movie I go see.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We got back home, and I headed into work for a couple of hours. I've been off for a week, and I didn't want there to be any surprises when I walk in at 5 am on Monday. (no, I didn't win the lottery........ this time) I also know I wouldn't have been able to sleep Sunday night just thinking about it, so I cleaned up and organized a bit. It really wasn't that bad.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">There was a package waiting for me there, and I couldn't wait to open it. I discovered, via Ravelry, a couple of knitters here in the Atlanta area (Norcross), that also make the most wonderful scented soy candles! I ordered Tangerine Lemongrass, and just plain Lemongrass. (I lean toward the more citrusy scents) The Tangerine Lemongrass is burning right now, and it is so fresh and bright and clean and tart. LOVE IT! Check their website out <a href="http://www.soycandlesbyphebes.com/Fragrances-2007.html">here</a>. It was hard to pick out</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> two from the many scents they offer. The candles are $12.50 each (they're a nice size) and you get free shipping!<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRfeMRvcn8ees6FmTjttAE_wneyBFQQxcFb8PCwnGO5nrEATZYYYJpvZNKTcF99e9zfV8bxyTBTQs-oaDHKdsdBrea-dN83SvQVO2HtsTIGf-r7SPT6NoWHIKssYhg0nMineDsZT1_F-H/s1600-h/stuff+096.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRfeMRvcn8ees6FmTjttAE_wneyBFQQxcFb8PCwnGO5nrEATZYYYJpvZNKTcF99e9zfV8bxyTBTQs-oaDHKdsdBrea-dN83SvQVO2HtsTIGf-r7SPT6NoWHIKssYhg0nMineDsZT1_F-H/s320/stuff+096.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287234759553964594" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Next it was off to the airport to pick up Claudia. It's so nice to have her back! We had a nice drive from the airport to her house, so I got to hear all about her trip. Hermine and Noah sure were glad to see her.<br /><br />Now I'm home, and in my PJ's. Can't decide if I want to knit or spin. I am sort of getting the urge to cable, I just need to find a project.<br /><br />I'm off to work at Knitch tomorrow. If you're looking for something to do, come knit with us for a while.<br /><br />See you there!<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-59095403911869337512009-01-02T21:17:00.005-05:002009-01-02T21:57:49.219-05:00a little spinning........<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well I did get to do a little spinning yesterday. First I had to ply the last bit of Shetland I had already spun. That freed up an extra bobbin.<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0OCrnGma47oDJtTxxuzrt_6y3E2EgEEd7I5DYMLnuHUsm1W5HKbaGw1FX-mZ5RXgXElPBEj6kZbbbpq6esnEI1ehekEEC5BBW9EZ4HbNU5QxqjbgdKaqd2rEH_Fmn4wZfwKDEF4C0Z9E/s1600-h/stuff+091.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0OCrnGma47oDJtTxxuzrt_6y3E2EgEEd7I5DYMLnuHUsm1W5HKbaGw1FX-mZ5RXgXElPBEj6kZbbbpq6esnEI1ehekEEC5BBW9EZ4HbNU5QxqjbgdKaqd2rEH_Fmn4wZfwKDEF4C0Z9E/s320/stuff+091.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286895268405743090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I already had a whole bobbin of light blue BFL spun up.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMBqPtHJXKKzFMh9HmCby6qLubaTOgvJMi06XBn-kVpBHqsG1SWOOIam-E2OMm3HmDtbFEAKJLbMVoBIsEx2yRqLHZ5xNBrshM6_hhGlqdVKm0-B1CAZgwPtSsVaQJzLu82CMsMOonY34/s1600-h/stuff+089.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMBqPtHJXKKzFMh9HmCby6qLubaTOgvJMi06XBn-kVpBHqsG1SWOOIam-E2OMm3HmDtbFEAKJLbMVoBIsEx2yRqLHZ5xNBrshM6_hhGlqdVKm0-B1CAZgwPtSsVaQJzLu82CMsMOonY34/s320/stuff+089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286894895195781602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I purchased some dark blue BFL at SAFF to ply with it.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0B5KjnYzqY7OSYEb5ABJDuwO8Xbg41PLhRIxznX8rgu555l8jTJF9AScLV36T3kLzEQcyMcK0GbewaOzOpz9AwuJidOHeoIWwZxVfvv_ge5wTEyEwppNBauC_OiTQFG4k2NQb5qe4cmU/s1600-h/stuff+090.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0B5KjnYzqY7OSYEb5ABJDuwO8Xbg41PLhRIxznX8rgu555l8jTJF9AScLV36T3kLzEQcyMcK0GbewaOzOpz9AwuJidOHeoIWwZxVfvv_ge5wTEyEwppNBauC_OiTQFG4k2NQb5qe4cmU/s320/stuff+090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286894910006896162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It seems the more I spin, the thinner it gets! I'm wondering now if I can even spin a thicker yarn! Anyway, the blue yarns are so thin I'm thinking I may add another color, (white or tan), and do a three ply yarn. Otherwise it will be so thin that I probably won't knit anything with it. I'm gonna have to get out some more roving and seriously try to spin some thicker yarn.<br /><br />Got to spend the day with two of my best buds; <a href="http://knitwitatl.blogspot.com/">Nancy</a> and <a href="http://knits4bears.blogspot.com/">Doug</a>! We hit the sushi buffet at Rusan's, and then tried to decide on a movie. There was nothing really exciting to see, so we went to Ikea to people watch. Nancy bought a lid rack for her pot and pan lids, and Doug bought a nice halogen desk lamp to use while knitting. I know it's nice, 'cause I have one just like it! Oh, and I bought a half dozen warm cinnamon rolls which we proceeded to sit right down and snarf.<br />($4 for a HALF DOZEN!!!!! That's like what you would pay for ONE at the Cinnabun place at the mall!) We finished off the evening where we finish off almost every Friday evening....... at <a href="http://www.knitchknitting.com/">Knitch</a>. My wife Beth joined us, and we picked out some yarn so she could knit her dad a new scarf. He lost the one she knit for him when she was 17, and he was SO upset. He loved that scarf, but she told him he would love this one even more. We picked out a lovely steel grey-blue shade of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky. (the original scarf was acrylic Wintuk yarn from Sears) This one's gonna keep him nice and warm.<br /><br />That's it for now. Beth and I are going to see the Adam Sandler movie tomorrow morning, and then I'm going to pick-up <a href="http://bavgirl.com/">Claudia</a> from the airport! It will be so good to see her again. (10 days is WAY too long for you to be gone! We miss you too much!) Only two more days off, and then Monday at 5 am it's back to the daily grind. (yuck!)<br /><br />Unless, of course, I win the lottery tonight.<br /><br />I can dream, can't I?<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-46479112471888219102009-01-01T10:57:00.002-05:002009-01-01T11:57:41.367-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well here we are, a brand new year staring us in the face. Resolutions? Nope, I haven't made any. I should probably go on a yarn diet, (and a food diet, as far as that goes), but I'm not in the mood to start today. I've been off work all week, and just enjoying sleeping late, watching movies, and knitting. I'm going to pull the wheel out today and do a little spinning. I received my NEW Knit Picks needles yesterday, and pulled them out and got them all organized. It's nice to have them back. I missed them.<br /><br />I do have some things to look forward to in the upcoming year. In a couple of weeks I'm going to fly again. I haven't flown since the spring of 2001, (didn't enjoy it then), and said I would never fly again after 9/11. I'm also planning a trip out to Colorado in June to visit a good friend, and possibly hit the Estes Park Wool Market. I guess it's not so much a fear of flying, but more a fear of hitting the ground really hard that has kept me from flying. I've come to the conclusion that we really have no say when it comes to our time to leave this plane of consciousness. While plummeting to the ground in a blazing fireball is not the way I would choose to go, I realized that we don't really <span style="font-style: italic;">get</span> to choose. After all, there are many things that are much more dangerous than flying, like driving home on 85 in rush hour traffic. Life is a journey, and I've decided it's time to kick back and enjoy the ride!<br /><br />I'm teaching more classes at Knitch this year. I'm really excited about it! I have a Learn to Knit class in January, and I'm teaching my first sweater class in February and March. It's a simple knit-from-the-top-down raglan for folks who already know how to knit, but are just <span style="font-style: italic;">sure</span> they could never knit a sweater. I'm here to tell them they can! Now I just need to come up with some more classes for spring. (ideas?)<br /><br />I have my 30 year high school reunion coming up this year. Not sure if I'm going or not. I really haven't kept up with anyone I went to high school with. It seems like I knew everybody back then, and now I look through the yearbook and wonder, "who are these people?", and "what's with the hair!?". I may go anyway. It would be a good way to visit with my parents too. They're not getting any younger. (as my mother keeps reminding me)<br /><br />I have another milestone coming up this year. My 20th wedding anniversary is on September 30th. WOW, 20 years! It hasn't always been easy, but then nothing worthwhile rarely is. I just hope the next 20 are as good as the first. (or possibly better)<br /><br />So that's it for now. If I were going to make a resolution today, it would be to blog more regularly. For those of you who do not blog, it's really a lot of work. I always feel like there should be lots of pictures, and it should be very entertaining, and sometimes I'm just not in the mood. Then I realized this blog is for ME. So you may see me blogging more in the upcoming year. There may be fewer pictures, and it may not always be entertaining, but I hope you'll come back and read it anyway.<br /><br />Take care,<br />Steve<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-65314310142634597532008-08-25T11:26:00.011-04:002008-08-25T17:38:59.725-04:00OMG! I have a blog?<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I completely forgot about this thing! I even missed my own blogiversary! (August 12th). I'm off work this week, so I hope to get caught up on a few thing around here, including reading everyone else's blogs!<br /><br />Let's see..... what have I been doing?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I haven't knit another stitch on Cobblestone since I last blogged. I am off this week, so I hope to get some knitting done on that. Of course, now I'm just itching to knit the latest sweater I saw on Jared's blog; the <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2008/07/spiral-yoke-pullover.html">Spiral Yoke Pullover</a>. (too many projects started - not enough finished!) It would be SO comfy knit in Shepherd's Wool!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I've been working on the entrelac sweater I designed, and I just can't seem to put it down. I find entrelac so fun and easy and satisfying to knit. If you haven't heard, I'm teaching an <a href="http://www.shopknitch.com/product_info.php?products_id=2063&osCsid=ruf4nk50dm684hlpibrdo9ovl5">entrelac class at Knitch</a> in September. My first teaching gig, so I'm a little nervous, but it should be lots of fun. I think there are still some spaces open, <span style="font-weight: bold;">so what are you waiting for?!<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgFjDXkxieYHMLY3dkTuDxXWjvXKMyou30r2QAoz5zlIK9b_bI7WPrYPnDaBzPSdi14eTR6WQRqFFBp0UF2mtEH0KArGjy_YCscAvH5ap8pheAvn0jpFKFDcpET5_XWo8zGYqm4MHNRyj/s1600-h/stuff+037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgFjDXkxieYHMLY3dkTuDxXWjvXKMyou30r2QAoz5zlIK9b_bI7WPrYPnDaBzPSdi14eTR6WQRqFFBp0UF2mtEH0KArGjy_YCscAvH5ap8pheAvn0jpFKFDcpET5_XWo8zGYqm4MHNRyj/s320/stuff+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238568931576208130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I finished a beautiful scarf for the <a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/">Men Who Knit</a> scarf exchange. I used one strand of Shepherd's Wool, (Stonehenge Fiber Mill's super soft 100% merino available at <a href="http://www.knitchknitting.com/">Knitch</a>) and one strand of Knit Picks Andean Silk (alpaca, silk, merino). It's a nice, soft, comfy, heavy scarf for my exchange pal that lives MUCH further north than I do. It has a wonderfully textured pattern. I sure hope he will enjoy it. I've got to get it in the mail this week.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJac1BrBcDgprW24Jto6wT2X4npQ9NR6jxcf0dEH8E7FcQHK5RrUllbyLAMbZqAaC5qKvQXnGYWwg8XGR_uvpOwPkcqF_OnA7Blni7SgseojKeDBr2oIOcXmBgv9lcqsK6PxiP15vzZEos/s1600-h/stuff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJac1BrBcDgprW24Jto6wT2X4npQ9NR6jxcf0dEH8E7FcQHK5RrUllbyLAMbZqAaC5qKvQXnGYWwg8XGR_uvpOwPkcqF_OnA7Blni7SgseojKeDBr2oIOcXmBgv9lcqsK6PxiP15vzZEos/s320/stuff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238572584321748978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Chuck has mostly been sitting idle in the corner, as I have not been spinning as much as I would like. I know I need to get in more practice if I want to be as good as <a href="http://knits4bears.blogspot.com/2008/07/tour-de-fleece-2008-results.html">Doug</a>! I need to make the time for it, as I find it very peaceful and relaxing to spin. I still have another Mach 1 available, if you know anyone who's interested........ (more shameless self-promotion)<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXOa6YCaGTTet63aW2XqFRHW5Qtgy8rALVoxq0_XPzqzpZ5odcG3lih42Zywmi8x4Ke-9ejG_cLIsvh9w8wqgaHZDr5Yw3QO5e-I3EBeCTh3yWKyrwn6vBvvGQ16s9e3C5vznM_yfpnyn/s1600-h/stuff+025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXOa6YCaGTTet63aW2XqFRHW5Qtgy8rALVoxq0_XPzqzpZ5odcG3lih42Zywmi8x4Ke-9ejG_cLIsvh9w8wqgaHZDr5Yw3QO5e-I3EBeCTh3yWKyrwn6vBvvGQ16s9e3C5vznM_yfpnyn/s320/stuff+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238488611714997234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I'm leaving on Thursday for my annual family reunion in Parkersburg, WV, so I'll see you in September!<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-32665918813717725692008-06-21T13:02:00.005-04:002008-12-10T16:09:31.441-05:00Measure twice, knit once<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">As I sit here re-knitting the yoke of my Cobblestone sweater, it finally dawned on me what I did wrong. In the pattern, the sleeve measurement didn't seem long enough. This is usually a common thing for me because I have long arms, and when buying long sleeved shirts or sweaters, I usually have to go to a big & tall men's store. After measuring 3 long sleeved shirts, I came to the conclusion that the sleeves needed to be 3 inches longer. I know! That's quite a bit, but hey, I measured! So of course I knitted the extra long sleeves, attached them to the body, and started knitting the yoke. I was a little more than 3/4 of the way</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> finished with the yoke when I decided to try it on. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sleev</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">es are way too long! How can this be?! Rip, rip, rip the yoke, rip the sleeves back 2 1/2 inches, reattach to body, begin knitting yoke again. Which brings me to today.<br /><br />And then it dawns on me......<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When I measured my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span> existing sweaters, I laid them out flat and measured</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> them from the underarm to the cuff. As I was knitting my sleeves, I measured across the top of the sleeve for length. Now anyone who's ever knit a sleeve knows that you decrease along the underarm toward the cuff, or increase if you're knitting from the cuff up. When you lay the finished sleeve out flat you've created somewhat of a triangle. (it would be a triangle if you continued decreasing the cuff til you had only one stitch, but it would be kind of hard to get your hand through...... anyway, you know what I mean) </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Now my mind wanders back to my 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> grade geometry class when I say "Why do I have to learn this crap?! I'm never going to use it again!"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WRONG!</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />The underarm side of the sleeve would be the hypotenuse side of the triangle, and we all know that side is longer. I think there was some sort of formula to figure it out, but I'm sure I'll never have to use that again. (hey, that's what the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">internet</span> is for, right?)<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So I'm sitting here re-knitting the yoke of Cobblestone, and the only thing I can think about is the fact that It probably won't even fit me come winter, because I'm losing so much weight with Weight Watcher's . (16.2 lbs. in 5 weeks) I'm going to have to start something new and thinner, or I'll have nothing to wear to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SAFF</span>! (maybe it won't take me as long, since it will be a few sizes smaller)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mach 1 update</span><br />According to UPS tracking numbers, the wheels will arrive next Tuesday. Can I tell you how excited I am? I will have my wheel for spinning guild next Saturday! Hey, do you spinners name your wheels? I was sure I heard some of you calling them by name. I have a couple picked out.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />How about <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ernst</span>?<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ03Wf4fql1jyHVypRgWS1wDGUruuQAyu6mLk7K5PF6Rb1m07He9uAcKLXcxgVisOREP_azLU11F9gc4omQw1_Wjnaj-h_MFC_BySqV1MHL8sfy4D6my74EnbUbcawQTs_3WwSZ_XOuJX/s1600-h/545px-Ernst-Mach-1900.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ03Wf4fql1jyHVypRgWS1wDGUruuQAyu6mLk7K5PF6Rb1m07He9uAcKLXcxgVisOREP_azLU11F9gc4omQw1_Wjnaj-h_MFC_BySqV1MHL8sfy4D6my74EnbUbcawQTs_3WwSZ_XOuJX/s320/545px-Ernst-Mach-1900.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214393673488596034" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">You know! After Ernst Mach, Austrian philosopher and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">physicist</span> who came up with the concept of faster than sound travel.<br />I don't know. Even though he looks like there might have been a spinning wheel in the house, not such a pleasant or easy name to pronounce.<br />(Ernst, Ernst, Ernst.......)<br /><br />My other choice, and so far my favorite is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chuck</span>.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vccJ3WJFEAcag2z18tn5_83Maf_GMQVotVt-cNmU6UZn8rdS3S6e9GMRtXAxTLVe3k56EOogtiBIS1i2q90rvupeC4jIyXIxExmUMDV9d-hVgkBvtWRsJ6Rm_P4dl56nDELZghiTMg7Y/s1600-h/800px-Chuck_Yeager.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vccJ3WJFEAcag2z18tn5_83Maf_GMQVotVt-cNmU6UZn8rdS3S6e9GMRtXAxTLVe3k56EOogtiBIS1i2q90rvupeC4jIyXIxExmUMDV9d-hVgkBvtWRsJ6Rm_P4dl56nDELZghiTMg7Y/s320/800px-Chuck_Yeager.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214393680036638770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />After Chuck Yeager, the first man to travel at Mach 1, and a fellow West Virginian, I might add. Of course I could also go with Glamorous Glennis, the name of the Bell X-1 plane that actually broke Mach 1. Chuck named the plane after his wife. Maybe I'll just go with Chuck. I kind of like it.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />OH, OH, OH,</span> Before I forget. I was gifted by my wonderful friend Shirley Robb with a HUGE bag of the most beautiful dark chocolate brown ALPACA fleece I have ever seen! This stuff is right of the animal, so I'm going to have to figure out how to process it, and comb or card it, but I am up for the task. (I've actually been looking at drum carders too!) Thank you SO much Shirley!<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-51523206489711039292008-06-19T17:25:00.003-04:002008-06-19T18:34:50.398-04:00I've been tagged for a meme<div id="yiv115711207"> <div><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >I always thought it was pronounced ME ME, (you know, like Mimi Rogers), because hey, it's all about ME! Found out today it actually rhymes with seam. Anyway, I thought this would be a fun diversion while <strike>patiently</strike> waiting for my new spinning wheel to arrive. <span class="773314018-19062008">The Great and Powerful Chickengoddess has tagged me, (thanks Alma)</span> so here goes!<br /><br /><u><strong>The Rules:</strong></u><span class="773314018-19062008"> R</span>ules are posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player tags <span class="773314018-19062008">5</span> people and posts their names. Then the player goes to each of the “named” people’s blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. If you’ve been tagged, you do the same, letting the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer. Your answer, of course, is the answer to the following questions. Here we go!<br /><br /><u><strong>1. What was I doing 10 years ago?</strong></u><br /><span class="773314018-19062008">1998? Working at the same place I am working now</span>.<span class="773314018-19062008"> I had not discovered knitting yet, so I guess I wasn't doing anything important.</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><strong><u>2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?<br /></u></strong><span class="773314018-19062008">1. Find that ball of Kauni yarn I couldn't find last night and stayed up 'til 11:00 looking for.</span></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="773314018-19062008"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2. Order orchid plants for work next week.</span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="773314018-19062008"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3. Post this meme on my blog.</span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="773314018-19062008"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">4. Fertilize my Plumerias.</span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="773314018-19062008"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">5. Fix my breakfast and lunch for tomorrow.</span></span></span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span class="773314018-19062008"> </span><br /><strong><u>3. Snacks I enjoy:</u></strong> <span class="773314018-19062008">Anything with chocolate. Anything with caramel. Anything with nuts, especially pecans</span></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span class="773314018-19062008">. (why do I find I am now craving turtle brownies? Thanks Alma!)</span><br /><br /><strong><u>4. Places I’ve lived:</u></strong> <span class="773314018-19062008">Parkersburg, WV (born and raised), Morgantown, WV (college), then, the Washington, DC metropolitan area including, but not limited to; Springfield, Annandale, Fairfax, Burke, and <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1213910778_0">Falls Church, VA</span> also College Park, MD. Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, CA, Chattanooga, TN, and now Atlanta for the last 14 years, (actually Lawrenceville, but I usually just say Atlanta), pretty much in that order.</span><br /><br /><strong><u>5. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:</u></strong><span class="773314018-19062008"> Quit my job. Buy a <a href="http://www.teslamotors.com/">Tesla</a>. Build a beautiful, stone, earth-friendly, solar powered, wind powered, home in the mountains of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1213910778_1">North Carolina</span> with lots of cabins around for all my friends to come and stay as long as they like for free. Build another one in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1213910778_2">Dingle, Ireland</span> just because I like to say "Dingle" and I love Ireland, and raise Shetland sheep and dingleberries there, (hire a shepherd), donate to The John C. Campbell Folk School, build a fiber arts center in Atlanta so the weaving guild, spinning guild, and knitting guild would all have a permanent home under one roof, hire a personal trainer, eat macadamia nuts whenever I feel like it, (don't tell my personal trainer) Take care of my parents, immediate family, and close friends.<br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div> <div><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />The rules say I have to tag 5 people now. How about<span class="773314018-19062008"> <a href="http://knits4bears.blogspot.com/">Doug</a>, <a href="http://www.yarndoc.blogspot.com/">Brett</a>, <a href="http://knitlanta.blogspot.com/">Stuart</a>, <a href="http://www.bavgirl.com/">Claudia</a>,</span> and <a href="http://quiddity.typepad.com/">Jane</a>? And if you're feeling left out because I didn't tag you, feel free to swipe the meme and post answers on your blog, then let me know in the comments.</span></div></div>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-81105404598008012382008-06-17T20:35:00.019-04:002008-12-10T16:09:32.348-05:00Got fiber?<span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span class="437545317-17062008">I received a nice big box today from our UPS man. NO, it was NOT my wheel! (I can not wait for it to get here!) I received my first shipment of fiber!</span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >I got three nice big one pound bags of Bluefaced Leicester, (I think most spinners just call it BFL). One is a creamy white color, one is sort of an oatmeal color, and one is a nice medium brown. I also got a one pound bag of brown Shetland roving, just for a comparison. They're all undyed, natural colors, and SO soft! Look how pretty!<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tuBMyrmP7NT_PzOFtqf80ipw4WpgsXQGXsZlNutHJAu6bmLpUtpz3un0Nu8pVkerjvg7mErflNxxBVbwvngLesGmJyePsLVTjo4uuEwQC1RVphNEOWsH6jv5mhaFlIyoaoOtABby7Bss/s1600-h/stuff+017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tuBMyrmP7NT_PzOFtqf80ipw4WpgsXQGXsZlNutHJAu6bmLpUtpz3un0Nu8pVkerjvg7mErflNxxBVbwvngLesGmJyePsLVTjo4uuEwQC1RVphNEOWsH6jv5mhaFlIyoaoOtABby7Bss/s320/stuff+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213019559716246818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4QnKf6oS_wIEeUFNXVTDAl1hGPPkmPjZRwqAc2o_RUluGBKDui3HU7pSIFfF8YZCJMxhpYvVni_sTV2iSw4X9WIKSjx1PJ22t9jePYjsKrVtKlC6JJXsGV_SBRKbzWMfOtSTwDFXftdR/s1600-h/stuff+019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4QnKf6oS_wIEeUFNXVTDAl1hGPPkmPjZRwqAc2o_RUluGBKDui3HU7pSIFfF8YZCJMxhpYvVni_sTV2iSw4X9WIKSjx1PJ22t9jePYjsKrVtKlC6JJXsGV_SBRKbzWMfOtSTwDFXftdR/s320/stuff+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213019533293967154" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span class="437545317-17062008"><span style=""><br />I can't wait to spin some of this, but alas, no wheel yet. I guess that is the downside of buying a wheel from someone who assembles each one by hand, and does not have a whole warehouse of them sitting around just waiting to be shipped. I spoke with a spinner from Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday, and she has actually spun on a Mach 1. She went to <a href="http://harveyvilleproject.com/index.html">Yarn School</a> in Harveyville, Kansas, and got to try one out. LOVED IT! Also, doesn't that yarn school sound like a </span></span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span class="437545317-17062008"><span style="">fun time? I might have to check it out next spring. I also think I may be going to John C. Campbell this fall for a spinning class. (anyone want to come with me?) I've heard that Martha Owen is a great teacher. I am dying to spin! I'm also dying to dye, and she teaches that in <a href="http://www.folkschool.org/index.php?section=class_detail&class_id=2292">this class</a> too. I've ordered some custom dyed BFL roving from a hand dyer on Etsy. I'm hoping it's going to look something like</span></span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span class="437545317-17062008"><span style=""> this;<br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSHr7D8lQ35GxUFnA1AKQT7-AkSM41N3XL9fvHK-5UnIzyRQCVC_FUgrmsu1HgSirB_6NxgQpfPX7lg8LQOqwQARSR4GYmCxHKGRgMwcWJgw53JqjZnEV4Lr27Km7ARxRM4vxqwUezVS0/s1600-h/Pebble+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSHr7D8lQ35GxUFnA1AKQT7-AkSM41N3XL9fvHK-5UnIzyRQCVC_FUgrmsu1HgSirB_6NxgQpfPX7lg8LQOqwQARSR4GYmCxHKGRgMwcWJgw53JqjZnEV4Lr27Km7ARxRM4vxqwUezVS0/s320/Pebble+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213021156913594818" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >Or this;<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSqfeqru-zhvns4vKgQHnc5282N8UOg47l4MeDcaR0VWpTiuEe09ltD-_DnYgXKSa68J2s9BWzzh-enaa8LEey7Xby5dP8uyWmtWTV6-U8IIvGmb15EtfWWee82XCCUiAg-L3funhnswl/s1600-h/Pebble.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSqfeqru-zhvns4vKgQHnc5282N8UOg47l4MeDcaR0VWpTiuEe09ltD-_DnYgXKSa68J2s9BWzzh-enaa8LEey7Xby5dP8uyWmtWTV6-U8IIvGmb15EtfWWee82XCCUiAg-L3funhnswl/s320/Pebble.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213021153727126274" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span class="437545317-17062008"><span style=""><br />I'm basically ready to go, just need my wheel. I think I may give the folks at SpinOlution a call and see what the ETA is.<br />(UPDATE, Wednesday, June 18th..... the wheels have been shipped!) </span><br /></span></span><div id="yiv2040478885"> <div style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div> </div>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-48399845646860951992008-06-10T20:20:00.005-04:002008-06-10T21:26:08.963-04:00My new wheel, and MORE!<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well, I've just sent off for my very first spinning wheel. For those of you who haven't seen <a href="http://www.spinolution.com/Page_2.html">this</a>, check it out. It's a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SpinOlution</span> Mach 1! (looks like a real <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">guy's</span></span> wheel, doesn't it?) I am so impressed by this wheel, and I haven't even sat down behind one yet. <span style="font-weight: bold;">SO </span>impressed that I have signed on to be their sales rep for the state of Georgia! Yep, that's right. I now have my own little, home-based business. I'm going to open an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy</span> shop when my first wheels arrive, and sell them through there too. I'm very excited about this, and have already sold 3 wheels, not counting my own! I do, however, have very realistic expectations, and do not plan on quitting my day job anytime soon, (<span style="font-weight: bold;">DAMN!</span>) I'm just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hoping</span> it will give me a little extra spending money to support my new <strike>addiction</strike> <strike>habit</strike> hobby. I have already purchased some very inexpensive natural colored Blue Faced Leicester and Shetland roving from a great place called <a href="http://www.paradisefibers.net/">Paradise Fibers</a>, and ordered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alden-Amos-Big-Book-Handspinning/dp/1883010888/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213146952&sr=1-6">this book</a> from Amazon. Even though I know I will learn much more by spinning instead of reading, I'm sure this book will be full of great helpful hints. Oh yeah, check out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ravelry</span>, they already have a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SpinOlution</span> group, with some nice photos, and some great things to say about this wheel.<br /><br />I'll let you know when it gets here, and you can come over and take it for a spin!<br /><br /><br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-2038913080963933532008-06-02T17:56:00.015-04:002008-12-10T16:09:33.008-05:00Stash reduction SALE!<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">OK, here we go. It's time for the big stash reduction/wheel acquisition sale! I spent a long tearful evening with my stash last nig</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">ht. I told them that some of them just had to go. They took it better than I thought they would. They were like, "Dude, we're yarn. Our only purpose in life is to be knitted, and you're using us as closet insulation. Frankly, we're getting a little tired of waiting! We're outta here!" Like I said, they took it better than I thought they would.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">OK, here's the deal.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SHIPPING:</span><br />All prices <span style="font-weight: bold;">include</span> shipping to anywhere in the continental USA. (basically, I'm just too lazy to figure them out, so I'm including it in.) If you're local, and I know you, I can deliver it myself. If you live in, let's say, Canada, or perhaps</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Patagonia, and you just <span style="font-weight: bold;">have</span> to have something in this sale, email me, and we'll talk about shipping charges, but I would prefer to ship within the continental USA only. </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yarn will be shipped immediately after payment is received. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PAYMENT:</span><br />I prefer Paypal. That's how I plan on paying for my wheel, so if the money is</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> already in my Paypal account, all the better. Once again, if you're local, and I</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> know you, I will accept cash, or possibly a check, but I <span style="font-weight: bold;">REALLY</span> prefer Paypal. If you see something you want to purchase, let </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">me know in the comments section at the end of this blog post. I will strike it out, put <span style="font-weight: bold;">your</span> name there, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">then</span> you can Paypal me. In the comment section of Paypal, maybe put what the yarn</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> is, and your blog name, whatever. I just want to make sure the right yarn g</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">oes to the right person.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My Paypal account is <span style="font-weight: bold;">beanpotguy@yahoo.com</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />It's a long story. I'll tell you about it someday.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The yarn has been stored in a smoke-free home. We <span style="font-weight: bold;">do</span> have two cats, but they are <span style="font-weight: bold;">never</span> allowed in the guest room, let alone the walk in closet in the guest room where my yarn is stashed. Most of the yarns are still in the sealed plastic bags I received them in. If you're freaky about a possible stray cat hair, I'd say don't buy this yarn, but the chances of finding one are zero to none.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">and now......</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE YARNS</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rowan Polar</span>: This yarn has been discontinued, so this may be your last chance to get some of this soft beautiful stuff. <a href="http://www.knittersreview.com/article_yarn.asp?article=/review/product/010823_a.asp">Here</a>'s what they had to say about it on Knitter's Review. It is 60% wool, 30% alpaca, and 10% acrylic. It knits up at 3 stitches per inch on US 11 needles. It has 109 yards in each 100g ball, and</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> retailed for $11.95 per ball, or $119.50 per bag of 10. I'm selling it for $60 per bag. (full bags only, unless otherwise no</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">ted) All colors are th</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">e same dyelot. Here are the colors and quantities I have;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuRd5V6wpnlMCeauKH91be__m71vbrPiZoGUqFO85FtEiXZDzvE2YRlUjKZz61mILE4cb6jJZJ3HMQ5jFay3er9xMK6f99Evhwq4RfdaHHJ_hEYLaZvPABKEAo2hdKIRcmbIJrrWd-Vay/s1600-h/Picture+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuRd5V6wpnlMCeauKH91be__m71vbrPiZoGUqFO85FtEiXZDzvE2YRlUjKZz61mILE4cb6jJZJ3HMQ5jFay3er9xMK6f99Evhwq4RfdaHHJ_hEYLaZvPABKEAo2hdKIRcmbIJrrWd-Vay/s320/Picture+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207423018771749090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Color #645, Winter White (the name says it all)<br />One partial bag (8 balls) $50<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34jyg4RtZoFI1obMwp3N8vVgCoE-pj5dRaU0aqzRbelc7_eYhYHJnXkNsXqcNzBMeAxBfxItojyazQZRkID874ITOStPkCaFeynrOL0VjN3OI-fbpbtzVBIs_x9jSUkPUaEChTSCF34d3/s1600-h/Picture+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34jyg4RtZoFI1obMwp3N8vVgCoE-pj5dRaU0aqzRbelc7_eYhYHJnXkNsXqcNzBMeAxBfxItojyazQZRkID874ITOStPkCaFeynrOL0VjN3OI-fbpbtzVBIs_x9jSUkPUaEChTSCF34d3/s320/Picture+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207423005886847138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Color #649 Jaffa (a spicy reddish orange)<br />One full bag $60<br />Two full bags $110</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWVpGy5YYLbNYNsrpP2uvVDJec6kNmiPnTjLAPUHOEUDXWQonueSAuKBavhzkyvFcgfTpZwJb4Xwys4H68WDom9N6zRg6VUoSV1Jiu9qjkmyD86Z0vZXE3hP1W_lCAxwnSfPny2-Jhggt/s1600-h/Picture+013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWVpGy5YYLbNYNsrpP2uvVDJec6kNmiPnTjLAPUHOEUDXWQonueSAuKBavhzkyvFcgfTpZwJb4Xwys4H68WDom9N6zRg6VUoSV1Jiu9qjkmyD86Z0vZXE3hP1W_lCAxwnSfPny2-Jhggt/s320/Picture+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207423010181814450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">#653 Dark Truffle (a yummy dark chocolate brown)<br />One full bag $60<br />Two full bags $110</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY9vAQS_HN3C3vl4pBSTOO_-nnR1S2tWZZ4ymZV9MvfPq8CX-DQGrB4wIUG6jgvdGpPxteh1v4NoZbTc8jXztl40yL3RCLU-NmY01047ghzaeTfvAtoMe2UOugkcX5sw1iZLydQAgbV7A/s1600-h/Picture+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY9vAQS_HN3C3vl4pBSTOO_-nnR1S2tWZZ4ymZV9MvfPq8CX-DQGrB4wIUG6jgvdGpPxteh1v4NoZbTc8jXztl40yL3RCLU-NmY01047ghzaeTfvAtoMe2UOugkcX5sw1iZLydQAgbV7A/s320/Picture+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207423014476781762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Color # 654 Blast (a dark flame red)<br />One full bag $60<br />Two full bags $110</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZONBNuZUMFtwTHbq4N4L8aaBuv0MCziL4Y9n4QTaD6JFRMvMHmR8ufb4pyQ4ZBdMj_De7T9ogOAQhk6BwNV8rLPT-XunQlDr6vHrBnSSvNiA3RygVygmfpy0nLM1CZzJCxMWY_dZBg8xy/s1600-h/Picture+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZONBNuZUMFtwTHbq4N4L8aaBuv0MCziL4Y9n4QTaD6JFRMvMHmR8ufb4pyQ4ZBdMj_De7T9ogOAQhk6BwNV8rLPT-XunQlDr6vHrBnSSvNiA3RygVygmfpy0nLM1CZzJCxMWY_dZBg8xy/s320/Picture+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207423018771749074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Color # 655 Combat (a military greenish gray)<br />One full bag $60<br />One partial bag (9 balls) $55<br />Both bags $105<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla66HRljS7h2f80ZS9QbEoTqvMoSDpfbu25ODvjHifVP7B-K6FI1sNhx6R2N-g-U2m3-REqeJXXrWvMUGsaHCPx8OZzlrmqW-2wulUSt2gkK7YDR-sFKZPRouhWbduA1tA-NiokvPMosN/s1600-h/Picture+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla66HRljS7h2f80ZS9QbEoTqvMoSDpfbu25ODvjHifVP7B-K6FI1sNhx6R2N-g-U2m3-REqeJXXrWvMUGsaHCPx8OZzlrmqW-2wulUSt2gkK7YDR-sFKZPRouhWbduA1tA-NiokvPMosN/s320/Picture+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207428417545640178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Color #647 Stormy (a beautiful charcoal gray)<br />One full bag $60<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">OK That's about all I can handle tonight. If I don't make enough for my wheel, there may be another sale, so get it while you can. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">I have also listed all of the above yarns for sale on Ravely, and a</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">t these prices, I don't expect it to last long!<br /></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-56567558026510325502008-06-01T19:58:00.004-04:002008-06-01T21:07:44.818-04:00Adventures in handspinning, Part 2<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So I went to my first <a href="http://www.peachtreehandspinnersguild.org/">handspinners guild</a> meeting yesterday. What a wonderful group of folks. It was a very large and informal meeting. Everyone was sitting around in this great big circle with their wheels. There were a few announcements, and a raffle, but other than that, it was just sit and spin and mingle. There was also beautiful hand dyed roving, and natural colored alpaca to purchase. (I did resist. You would have been proud.)<br /><br />I did get to try a few wheels. First I tried Katey's new Schacht Ladybug. If you can get past the cutesy name, it's a really nice wheel. It doesn't fold, but it has three handles, located at different points, to pick it up. It was very lightweight, and the treadling was SO smooth. The treadles were well spaced, so it was fairly comfortable to use. The wheel is actually a child's bicycle wheel. (really, it even has the hole where the air valve would come through!) I liked all the extra added attachments you can buy for it too.<br /><br />Then I tried <a href="http://quiddity.typepad.com/">Jane's</a> Ashford Joy. I found it not as easy to treadle, but I'm thinking it may have been the fact that it was a single treadle, and I had just been spinning on a double. I clumped up a couple of yards of beautiful pencil roving that she had been spinning beautifully, and passed the wheel back.<br /><br />There was a single treadle Lendrum that a couple of the first time spinners were using, but I did not get a chance to try it. I noticed a double treadle Lendrum across the room, and Katey "suggested" I go over and ask the owner if I could try it. She was very nice, and let me sit and treadle it for a few minutes. What a great wheel! I was very impressed. I did not think I would like the way it was angled, but I think it's tall enough that it shouldn't matter.<br /><br />All in all, it was a great time, and I will be joining next month. I left the meeting thinking LENDRUM. It's a really nice wheel. It folds. It's solid MAPLE for cryin' out loud. It has some weight to it, which is a plus in my book. It has lots of accessories INCLUDED. I think the price is VERY reasonable for what you get.<br />So I'm thinking, "Lendrum, yes, Lendrum, that's it."<br /><br />But <a href="http://www.spinolution.com/Page_2.html">THIS</a> keeps popping into my head.<br /><br />It won't leave me alone.<br /><br />Call me crazy, but I really want this wheel, and I haven't even seen one in person yet. I haven't touched it, treadled it, or SPUN on it, and yet I must have it! To me it looks like a real "guy's wheel". Nothing ornate or frilly here, just 22 lbs of solid, spinnin', madness!<br /><br />And the name?<br />Is it a Ladybug? ....no.<br />A Babe? ....no.<br />A Little Gem? ....no.<br />A Julia, Victoria, Millie, Suzie, or Rose? ....no.<br />It's a freakin' <span style="font-weight: bold;">MACH 1 !</span><br />I mean hell, it may as well be a car, or a jet! It costs a little more than the Lendrum, but not much. It doesn't have a WooLee Winder that fits it. (yet) It's 22 lbs, but I'm a big guy. I can lift 22 lbs. The Dyson vacuum cleaner at Knitch weighs 18! (yes, I weighed it today)<br />I'm not ordering it tonight, and probably not tomorrow. I'm still doing my homework, and I'd like to talk to a few folks that actually have one, and see what they think. I'd also like to come up with the bucks before I buy it, rather than tacking it onto my already overused credit card. Keep an eye on my blog. In the next few days I'm planning a stash reduction/wheel acquisition sale. I promise there's going to be some really good deals.<br /><br />It's gonna be hard to let some of it go, but I'm gonna need lots of room for all that roving I'll have to buy.<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-45485255568200082822008-05-30T21:59:00.003-04:002008-12-10T16:09:33.425-05:00Adventures in handspinning<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I couldn't wait 'til the clock hit 4:00 today so I could zoom over to Knitch. Melissa brought her Kromski Sonata for me to to play with. This wheel is very easy to set up, and I was spinning in no time at all. (not well, but spinning none the less) I can see that this is going to be much like knitting in the fact that the more you practice, the better you get, and if I'm going to practice, I need a wheel. I think I'm going to have to have someone hold my credit cards for me because I'm pretty much sold on the Sonata. It's taking every ounce of self-control I have, (which ain't much), not to just go ahead and order one tonight. The only thing keeping me from it is the anticipation of going to my first <a href="http://www.peachtreehandspinnersguild.org/">handspinners guild</a> meeting tomorrow! (I'm so excited! I hope I'm not too big a pest! I'll try to behave.)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />In the mean time, to satisfy my lust for handspun yarn, I ordered two skeins from<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5666659"> baba black sheep yarns</a> on Etsy. Here's a photo of it next to the yarn I spun tonight. See if you can guess which is which.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkKQyJfJtbypmWiUbB-1PRMUk3_Rp0cp-6DmsPRSe2WYlfasr4NR2TBjwV2B7oXlZBQqUzm_xF6eYZRj_-F3qjFm49gs0xL-SCWiyfyLgYTCWsziyBQsYQuwMz-_xtllQBe0m9TnseXPa/s1600-h/stuff+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkKQyJfJtbypmWiUbB-1PRMUk3_Rp0cp-6DmsPRSe2WYlfasr4NR2TBjwV2B7oXlZBQqUzm_xF6eYZRj_-F3qjFm49gs0xL-SCWiyfyLgYTCWsziyBQsYQuwMz-_xtllQBe0m9TnseXPa/s320/stuff+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206361942806304898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOXAQAVD6pCUte5_fQswKCumxt_gpH9LQgtjwpJBLKTRgTnPCTtlYN3QluF1mTHems4I6oTBfClL2HR_MLAmmxYREM2A4OyMHsHYWPHQrJA03eCmw3Iiv8anIlmDomJ_GwVeOCJPPk-j0/s1600-h/stuff+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOXAQAVD6pCUte5_fQswKCumxt_gpH9LQgtjwpJBLKTRgTnPCTtlYN3QluF1mTHems4I6oTBfClL2HR_MLAmmxYREM2A4OyMHsHYWPHQrJA03eCmw3Iiv8anIlmDomJ_GwVeOCJPPk-j0/s320/stuff+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206361951396239506" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">(I know it's hard to tell, but the ones on the left are mine.)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />I want to spin yarn like the skeins on the right!!!!!</span><br /><br />It is so soft and luscious and plump and EVEN and (did I say soft?), and beautiful! I am determined that some day, in the not too distant future, I too will be spinning yarn like baba black sheep!<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-79862596883882783782008-05-27T18:32:00.004-04:002008-12-10T16:09:33.598-05:00Which wheel?<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I had no idea there would be so many choices in spinning wheels! I've been doing a lot of reading, and I've pretty much decided I want a folding wheel. It would be fun to be able to take it with me when I want spin, and the compact size would be convenient for storage. I found a great <a href="http://www.woolery.com/Pages/foldingwheels.html">side by side comparison</a> on four different models at The Woolery. I've seen the Ashford Joy, and Melissa's Kromski Sonata in action, and I think I've narrowed it down to these two. They both weigh about the same, despite the taller height of the Kromski. (which I find attractive, since I'm a tall guy) Aesthetically, I like the look of the Kromski. I noticed the Kromski has bigger bobbins. I'm assuming this means you can spin more yarn before you have to change bobbins? </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">(in this case, does size matter?) I also like the fact that it is made of real wood, and not plywood and laminated MDF.<br /><br />Sounds like I've made up my mind, doesn't it? OK, here's the one thing I think I don't like. I really think I want a single treadle wheel. I took a day long spinning class once a couple of years ago, and I couldn't tell you now if the wheel I used was a single or double treadle. At the risk of sounding vulgar, I can't imagine myself sitting for any length of time with my legs that close together. (oh dear, have I said too much..... again) I'm sorry, but I just don't sit that way. (at least not comfortably for any length of time)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I guess it all boils down to a test drive. I'm sure Melissa would let me take her wheel out for a spin, and we have a single treadle Joy at Knitch that I can try. Also, if I do buy the Joy, I can buy it at Knitch. If I buy a Sonata, I'll have to send away for it. Decisions, decisions. At this point I would welcome any feedback at all.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Despite all the spinning wheel shopping, I have been doing some knitting. I finally frogged back the sleeves of my Cobblestone sweater, (I made them too long), and reattached them to the body. see......<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7c-wB5XmjrvSXmxGg97bLlMKIx7CeruWRQ8bngkkP8lucRcU4UhB9A52mFSM_k8K3Fnr74kvfK6BV5rDAtz9_w7PpZlf_Mda80q5svmD86OUjhW18qmLPdfC7VQsBO_r-Ao5WB7OEaQs/s1600-h/stuff+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7c-wB5XmjrvSXmxGg97bLlMKIx7CeruWRQ8bngkkP8lucRcU4UhB9A52mFSM_k8K3Fnr74kvfK6BV5rDAtz9_w7PpZlf_Mda80q5svmD86OUjhW18qmLPdfC7VQsBO_r-Ao5WB7OEaQs/s320/stuff+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205204732587874418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">So it's back to knitting garter stitch in the round. And what's more fun than holding two pounds of wool in your lap when the temperature is 80-something outside. Now I understand why y'all knit socks!<br /></span></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-20915378179715353662008-05-25T19:39:00.006-04:002008-05-25T21:46:00.678-04:00To spin or not to spin?<span style="font-family:verdana;">Yes, I have gone completely mad, but y'all drove me to it. How can I sit idly by and watch you spin such incredible colors and fibers, and then ply them together into something altogether different. I saw the beautiful <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/search?q=regimen">yarns</a> that Jared spun and must admit I lusted after them. I watch the spinners the second Sunday of each month at <a href="http://www.knitchknitting.com/">Knitch</a> and think, "I wish I could do that." I've started putting color combinations together in my head, and thinking about different ways of blending fibers to create the exact yarns I want. I actually registered at Etsy just so I could buy a couple of skeins of handspun.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">OK, here's the really crazy part;</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Do I know how to spin?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">NO</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Do I have a wheel?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">NO</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Do I have time to spin?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">NO</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Do I NEED MORE YARN?!</strong></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;" ><strong>NO!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Am I gonna do it anyway?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(yeah, I think so)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I figure I can learn how to spin. I've managed to learn everything I know how to do now. I know plenty of spinners who could offer helpful hints. I'm <strong>SURE</strong> I can find <em>someplace</em> to buy a wheel. I don't really have time to knit either, but you make time to do the things you love. And I figure Andrew will be turning 18 next year and moving out, so what am I gonna do with all that extra space?<br /><br /><br />P.S. Y'all did pretty good on the movie quote meme. The only one I was able to stump you on was #8. It's Billy Crystal as Mitch in City Slickers. Not exactly my most favorite movie, but a damn funny line.<br /></span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-46448042710409522052008-05-07T19:11:00.003-04:002008-05-07T19:41:35.421-04:00Movie quote meme hints<span style="font-family:verdana;">OK, there are four movie quotes that no one seems to know, so I'll give you a hint. I'll tell you the name of the actor or actress that said them. You still have to guess the movie. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">#4 Tim Robbins</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">#8 Billy Crystal</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">#9 Ruth Gordon</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">#10 Steve Martin</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sorry, no knitting content today. Working crazy hours for the upcoming Mother's Day holiday. I need to change the title of my blog to "Famous Steve wishes he had time to knit!" I <em>am</em> knitting the scarf from the cover of Knitting New Scarves, by Lynne Barr. (the book ia a lovely birthday gift from my friend Nell) I'm using the Manos Silk Blend. What a wonderful yarn to work with! Come to Knitch and get you some! The scarf will be a shop sample, so come by and see it when I'm done. I have SO MANY things I want to knit! Especially some new sweaters for moi, but next Wednesday, I will be attending my first, (in many, many years), Weight Watcher's meeting! And, of all the places this meeting could be taking place, it will be in one of my favorite places of all! Knitch! So I really dont want to start knitting XXL sweaters, since I plan on being more of an XL next winter. Of course, I do have many other things to work on.... finish the lace shawl for Nancy, start the lace shawl for Beth, start that second pair of socks, start some baby stuff for Shirley to take to Berea, knit some scarves for John to sell in his shop this winter, not to mention the pile of stuff that has fallen into the dreaded pit of UFOs, that I have almost completely forgotten about! (almost....) </span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-29925002009104342972008-04-19T22:03:00.025-04:002008-05-22T18:31:38.521-04:00Movie quote meme<p><span style="font-family:verdana;">OK, all my blogging friends are doing the movie quote meme, and it looked like fun. I don't know how difficult mine are, but here goes.........</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">The rules:</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">1. Pick 10 of your favorite movies.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">2. Go to IMDb and find a quote from each movie. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">3. Post them on your blog for everyone to guess. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">4. Strike it out when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed it and the movie. <strike>(someone is going to have to show me how to strike it out)</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanks Doug!</span></span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">5. Looking them up is cheating, please don’t.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Ready?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">1. <strike>"My job consists of basically masking my contempt for the assholes in charge, and, at least once a day, retiring to the men's room so I can jerk off while I fantasize about a life that doesn't so closely resemble Hell."</strike><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"> Identified by katey on April 20th, 11:26 am as American Beauty</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">2.<strike>"I like to watch." </strike><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Identified by Mydadknits on April 22, 6:14 pm as Being There</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">3.<strike>"I think you are just an evil, bitter OLD, alcoholic sex FIEND who needs therapy yourself!"</strike><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Identified by knits4bears on April 20, 8:29 pm as Sordid Lives</span></strong></span></p><span style="font-family:verdana;">4. <strike>"Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."</strike> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><strong>Identified by katey on May 7, 8:37 pm as The Shawshank Redemption</strong></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">5. <strike>"What do you mean he don't eat no meat? Oh, that's okay. I make lamb."</strike><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Identified by oliviaknits on April 19th, 11:51 pm as My Big Fat Greek Wedding</span></strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">6.<strike>"Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries."</strike><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Identified by oliviaknits on April 19th, 11:52 pm as Mony Python and The Holy Grail</span></strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">7. <strike>"The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life."</strike></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-family:verdana;" ><strong>Identified by the chickengoddess on April 24, 8:13 am as The Last Samurai<br /></strong></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">8. "Women need a reason for having sex, men just need a place."</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">9. <strike>"Vice, Virtue. It's best not to be too moral. You cheat yourself out of too much life. Aim above morality. If you apply that to life, then you're bound to live life fully."</strike> <strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Identified by jane on May 7, 10:24 pm as Harold and Maude</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">10. <strike>"My plan was to kiss her with every lip on my face."</strike> <strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Identified by Stuart on May 14, 12:52 pm as Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Good luck!</span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-38498212725276191982008-03-20T17:48:00.022-04:002008-12-10T16:09:34.202-05:00In like a lion brand, out like a lamb's wool.<span style="font-family:verdana;">Oh look, it's March, and I haven't blogged in nearly a month! </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">So what has been going on you ask? (yeah, I heard you)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Well, let's see.....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I've started and nearly finished Cobblestone from the Fall 2007 Interweave Knits. (pretty much the ONLY thing I've been knitting) I promise I'll post a pic as soon as it's finished. I'm just being lazy today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I had some BEAUTIFUL sock yarn named after me in a colorway I inspired! You can read all about it, and buy it <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10118742">here</a> on Etsy. It's called <strong>FAMOUS Chocolate Fondue</strong>. OMG!!! Ain't it purdy!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179956159542871506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7rwWKOdcJOaww7aIsO2pXF4S8O4Dqkva5lOs2XKjmZAA91173qAvllaeeDCfa7E3pUBaPbYeFFn1VOhvptlkFqeC39GaWM5AjWc9iEeEsc1kllkoX6gT0URCGf_1RzInPa8W-36ahVcd/s320/il_430xN_21359287.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I wanted something that was the color of chocolate covered cherries, but this line of yarn is called "Saucy", so we had to come up with something that could be considered a sauce. I think fondue works quite well, and you can dip cherries in it, or strawberries, or chunks of bananas, or chunks of pound cake, or....... (I wonder what we have in the kitchen?) </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I sold some of my yarn stash, (and bought even more)</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">SOLD:</span><br /><br /></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;">One bag of orange Rowan Cork to a nice lady in Ireland. She discovered my stash on Ravelry.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;">One 1 lb skein of cotton that was dyed by the lovely folks at Prism, because I was going to use it for a sweater, but decided it had too much pink in it for me.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">BOUGHT:</span><br /></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Three 1 lb skeins of cotton that was dyed by the lovely folks at Prism. (yeah, I still have 2 lbs left. probably will become a baby blanket.)</span></li><br /><br /><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3 bags of natural cream colored, worsted weight Alpaca from a new find of mine. They have insanely cheap yarn <a href="http://www.lavishfibres.com/">here</a>, and SO wonderful. I may try my hand at dyeing this stuff.</span></li><br /><br /><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2 bags of a 100% Tweedy Silk from elann.com. You know how I am about tweed, and I think I've found a great pattern in the new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Guy-Knits-Sweaters-Knitters-Magazine/dp/1933064099/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206053470&sr=1-1">Guy Knits</a> book. Won't this be nice?</span></li></ul><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179960467395069410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-nz39ohOzl-Dt0L-TG_un_kHiPQm3z4rkPmxINA8wx2CS1Vn9u54ma4CVTmleR_8eNf8jTmUlC5Y7k7aZ8sEn7e4nx5WRjAXar-ANh9k2t5Azb-XyTKTheMvoMJX5R1vr_Zev8zsejBF/s320/y5231420.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I got to meet Janet Szabo at the March guild meeting, and she signed my Aran Sweater Design book. What a super interesting person. I wish I had <strong>not</strong> been working so I could have taken some of her classes.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Well, that's all for now, but since Easter is just a few days away, I wondered, what's your <strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">favorite</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color:#ffff00;">least favorite</span></strong> Easter candy?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">My favorite would have to be Cadbury Caramel Eggs.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">And my least.... Marshmallow Peeps. They're fun to put in the microwave though.</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179961931978917362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHniiqR4bwu_2zPiY7btkVhVSoF0NBSclIvc_bm_Vl5iC-b-q9l2oYCM3k04e2S23h1wTG0xbpizBWUP3RCJj0Z6wPb7RlUULwc-EzJ7rzr8U2sF7mpXdawXgc6DzKU8WmtikP9TmRPWB/s320/peeps--large-msg-1110602667-2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">And now ...... some interesting facts about Easter. The earliest possible date that Easter can fall on is March 22nd. The last time Easter fell on this date was in </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">1818, and it won't happen again until 2285. The</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> latest possible date Easter can be is my birthday! (April 25th) The last time it fell on this date was</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> in 1943 (I wasn't born yet) and will next fall on this date in 2038. (I will be 77 years old!)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The cycle of Easter dates repeats after exactly 5,700,000 years, with April 19th being the most common date, happening 220,400 times, or 3.9% compared to a mean for all dates of 162,857 times, or 2.9%. (what did we do before Wikipedia?)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Now then, wasn't that interesting?</span>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958888863914364597.post-43094784578850023012008-02-22T08:23:00.011-05:002008-12-10T16:09:34.822-05:00AND THE WINNER IS.............<span style="font-family:verdana;">I spent several hours rearranging and reorganizing the yarn closet yesterday. I pulled everything out, and put it all back with the exception of the Rowan and RYC yarns. This is what I was left with;</span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169795737398692530" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7PfIIbkYL-TVPqYOCdIzu4PWvwpcVJ3UFuVP0oQq9EZdDUWLusn3rvIlKNVzYIqABeq4Tv4k_F0JEbUrPejIAyJVHeQF9FXC5WJChPZ2UFJmAFkcFYPNiTHV9gWSRkIrvPKFep6I5Ett/s320/Picture+008.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">(does anyone think there may be a problem here?)</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I counted and photographed it all, added the photos to Flickr, and entered it into the Ravelry data base this morning. I have to admit, I made a guess before counting, and I ended up with TWICE as much as I thought I had. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">So without further adieu, and much fanfare, the grand total in yards is 57,041, which converts to 52,158.29 meters, making the winner;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;" ><strong>Diana T, with her guess of 46,000 meters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">I will give Diana her choice of Rowan Summer Tweed in either Morning Glory or Gold.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169801668748528338" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JB2jrRFrD_gAFF70EMb_fAtkx9Q0BACfU7xDJnh5NyP9fAL6wgmSnbzmLSuq2rZBt7PW7VHqc7Yj56w25_ExsHZbBgaQMDNTbS6KX2elmR35DxMvNlQrgpfeaGIVV1Wxr0sb4hlcSkJT/s320/Picture+018.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169801569964280514" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0f68TdbnXEqtMUnjxxC67I___z1sQKOcPni6tgxkUt_e9kJYrWBVBuXFoyVMF2GcPIMUdPJFbenKNxb2g25uzBmnC8ooylnOJeIUY35yHcFUKh7s5Ed1MNpAa6KUEKowVOn-0ArVOEMZ/s320/Picture+017.jpg" border="0" /></span></p></div><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">I just want to thank everyone who played. I had no idea that SO many people read my blog. Sort of makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Now I need to knit some sweaters so I'll be warm and fuzzy on the outside too!</span></p>famous stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13259553860223692084noreply@blogger.com6