tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64842294907168313272012-01-31T22:05:38.031-06:00Great friends enjoying some knitting, some bitching, and an <em>occasional</em> cocktail to stay sane.Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.comBlogger2421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-61962269430418501172012-01-30T21:56:00.001-06:002012-01-30T21:56:05.991-06:00

How did that happen?! (This is a shot from the back.) I was knitting along, not paying much attention to actually how much I had left to do in anticipation of the color work section. The stranding came and went. Then, all of the sudden, I was binding off. Voila! The body is complete, along with a pair of sleeves. All that remains is to steek and pick up stitches for the

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-57576343749094847222012-01-25T07:52:00.000-06:002012-01-25T07:53:17.023-06:00

(click on image to enlarge) The Bohus project was cast on with a slight modification to the project.  Instead of 10 steeking stitches down the middle of the cardigan, I opted to cast on 9.  The first stitch I cast on was in the middle of the steek.  I made that stitch a purl, then knit 4 more steeking stitches, placed a marker to denote the beginning of the cardigan proper, then continued in

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-34635813698174778222012-01-21T21:18:00.000-06:002012-01-21T21:18:05.768-06:00

Wollmeise does not count as stash enhancement, does it? That moratorium thing and all...

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-61135623033092493602012-01-14T11:45:00.003-06:002012-01-15T09:08:21.890-06:00

Okay, I waited as long as I could stand it. I have been swatching for the Bohus.  Because this project is knit-in-the-round and my knitted stitches are usually tighter than my purl stitches, I decided to cast on using a 16" circular needle and swatch-in-the-round, too.   I also took the opportunity to test out how well the colors work together using one of the colorwork charts for the design.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-51180086839531147772012-01-11T12:27:00.000-06:002012-01-11T12:27:12.535-06:00

On Christmas Eve, I was feeling a little jolly and more than a little selfish, so, I cast on a sweater for me. By New Year's, I had the body of a sweater soaked, blocked, and seamed! Pattern:  Improvised Yarn:  Classic Elite Waterlily in Lily Pad Classic Elite's Waterlily yarn is a delight! The colors are gorgeous with a hand-dyed semi-solid effect. See: Left to right:  Blueberry

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-66285271524406115522012-01-06T12:54:00.000-06:002012-01-06T12:55:19.226-06:00

Eadon in this Cascade Eco Cloud is just flowing like thick luscious cream from my needles. Thirteen inches in length and counting!  But for that full-time-day-job-thing I might have had this done by now, it has only been two days. The yarn and ribbing are a nice distraction for some of life's difficulties. It is definitely going on the weekend's road trip!! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-65023703744238031232012-01-04T12:28:00.002-06:002012-01-04T13:24:53.686-06:00

The past several days have been devoted to pouring over my favorite patterns in the queue and matching them up with stash yarns.  Much swatching has been underway, too. Despite three or four (or more) sweaters in WIP (work in progress) status, I cast on for two more last night because there is a rather long road trip looming ahead of me that cropped up rather unexpectedly yesterday. Apparently,

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-1113267890415919662012-01-01T10:03:00.001-06:002012-01-01T10:03:28.406-06:00

While the Chinese New Year does not begin until January 23rd, and they are proclaiming it to be the Year of the Dragon, I am only a quarter Chinese, but all knitter, so, instead, the Feisty Knitter hereby proclaims 2012 is the Year of the Sweater! Profound and impressive, no? Okay, so I tried. 2012 may only be the Year of the Sweater for me, but I have high hopes! 2011 saw a multitude of

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-71392325026069832452011-12-23T11:42:00.003-06:002011-12-23T11:43:10.095-06:00

Done! More information in this post.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-4858850579997535092011-12-16T11:47:00.002-06:002011-12-16T11:47:37.554-06:00

Christmas Knitting... I told myself I was not going to pressure myself into knitting for Christmas. Seriously. I told myself I was not going to pressure myself into knitting for Christmas this year. I didn't. Well, not really. A friend of mine moved to Baltimore a month or so ago.  I hated to see her go, but it was a wonderful opportunity.  Baltimore is a lot colder than South Texas, even

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-80546043351549911312011-12-08T07:45:00.001-06:002011-12-08T08:43:31.430-06:00

It's a Wrap! is a versatile design I created using only one skein of Miss Bab's Yowza - a light worsted weight yarn that comes in 560 yard skeins.   The ever gracious and wonderfully creative Woolgirl is now offering a mini-kit featuring this pattern, 1 skein of Miss Babs Yowza in your choice of one of thirteen different colorways, and a Winter snowflake tape measure, as well as shipping

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-30809882411272703992011-12-06T11:24:00.001-06:002011-12-06T11:34:24.259-06:00

This Bountiful Bohus pattern has been in my queue for a long while. This one is knit from the bottom up, in the round.  It has a little bit of stranded knitting (Fair Isle) at the yoke collar.  Once the body is done, the front is steeked (as in cut open with scissors), and the button bands are added.  It looks far more complicated than it is.  It only calls for three different colors of

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-18366504696165989642011-11-23T16:01:00.001-06:002011-11-23T16:05:32.548-06:00

Destiny finally arrived! Yum!! The Star Sapphire arrived, too! Almost, but not quite a perfect match to the skein from last year. The new skeins are flanking the old skein in the middle.  I can still make it work! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-11180491852093182112011-11-20T15:53:00.001-06:002011-11-20T15:57:18.805-06:00

In the last month, I have finished three sweaters, one for the husband and one for each of my girls. A few years ago, I made this same hoodie for the younger daughter.  I called it the Wee Hoodie.  Something strange happened, and it no longer fits.  The hoodie is still wee, but the daughter isn't. So, here is the Not So Wee Hoodie for the almost eleven year old: Pattern:  Under the Hoodie

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-15463491174666943502011-11-19T08:52:00.000-06:002011-11-20T16:13:26.821-06:00

The husband and I are LSU alumni, so there is much purple and gold enthusiasm at Casa del Feisty.  He is particularly pleased with his vest: Pattern:  Nathan by Jones & Vandermeer Yarn:  Morehouse Farm Merino 3-strand in Boysenberry This was my second go at this pattern in as many months.  This is a great, easy pattern that knits up quickly! Geaux Tigers!!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-1761791993262179062011-11-11T10:40:00.001-06:002011-11-12T08:52:08.363-06:00

Another one off the needles! The daughter is now a student at UT at Austin.  This, of course, makes her a Longhorn Girl: Pattern:  I Heart Aran by Tanis Yarn:  Malabrigo Merino in Cinnabar The sweater was a good knit, until the collar.  Up to that point, I thought the pattern was well written; however, I had a big issue with the number of stitches to pick up for the shawl collar.  

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-7119267931698203002011-11-09T14:19:00.000-06:002011-11-09T14:19:05.612-06:00

With a digital subscription to Creative Knitting Magazine, I receive a number of emails with previews of their patterns and other knitterly things. This morning's email alerted me the January 2012 issue is now available. A couple of clicks later, this appeared: Pattern:  Shades of Gray by Jill Wright. A few more clicks through the stash, as uploaded to Ravelry, and I discovered I had

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-70489434373551571222011-11-02T12:01:00.000-05:002011-11-02T12:01:43.153-05:00

One of my favorite yarns is an aran weight from Blue Moon Fiber Arts called Twisted.  According to its product description, it is a 4-ply with 3 strands of regular merino and 1 strand of superwash.  The superwash tends to take the dye more intensely, giving it a little candy cane stripe effect.  It is really not noticeable when knitted, though. My first experience with it was in the Valkyrie

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-80542095102832077662011-10-30T15:08:00.000-05:002011-10-31T09:10:14.082-05:00

Early in the month Woolgirl delivered Trick or Treat Kits, and I was fortunate to have two of my patterns featured in it! Both of these patterns will be made available to the general public on April 1, 2012. Rav link here.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-65260769052090379242011-10-21T10:04:00.004-05:002011-10-21T10:04:39.012-05:00

Pleated wristlet bags:   Here is a shot for size perspective: The Sweater-sized Feisty Bags: The new Dumpling Bag: The Purse Bag: Although this one was extra specially made for a birthday girl this weekend,  I love the little pocket with Bambi fabric on the inside! Both the inside and outside prints are made from delightful Japanese fabric!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-34618275149583135212011-10-19T11:01:00.001-05:002011-10-19T11:01:23.522-05:00

That is certainly sweater weather, right? At least parts of several sweaters! A complete pair of sleeves for a Cassidy cardigan (Curious Creek Wasonga fingering in Old Head of Kinsale, held double): A finished back and another pair of sleeves for Stibnite (Lobster Pot Whale of a Skein in Hyacinth): A finished back and a front three-quarters of the way complete, but no sleeves for I

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-22927815638090027542011-10-16T19:19:00.001-05:002011-10-16T19:19:41.865-05:00

Knitting with a migraine is ill advised... Fixing mistakes post-migraine is much better.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-12862727932012440022011-10-10T13:02:00.001-05:002011-10-10T13:03:00.118-05:00

My name is Christina, and I am addicted to yarn and all things yarn-related... Step One:  Check! Okay, that was more fun than I can remember having in a long time, at least while the sun was still shining. The shops were full of wonderful goodies and smiling faces, at least those shops that we managed to avoid visiting at the same time as those darn buses! God bless those bus people, I hope

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-69483248098774284972011-10-07T07:40:00.001-05:002011-10-07T07:40:03.881-05:00

Hill Country Yarn Crawl

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-45819618137564823602011-09-28T11:36:00.004-05:002011-09-28T11:36:41.625-05:00

I needed two, but ended up with four...and then some. The Ayana sweater I started, oh, in November last year, on my way to a funeral, now has sleeves.  Unfortunately, they are not yet attached.  But, the knitting is done! As with most things, I got a little distracted. Norah Gaughan got in the way with a little design she calls Stibnite. I was only going to swatch to see if the yarn I

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-34835839273110334992011-09-21T12:42:00.001-05:002011-09-21T12:43:25.881-05:00

A few weeks ago, some knitterly friends came over for a day of yarny goodness, a hearty meal, and lots of laughter. Accompanying two of them was the most thoughtful basket full of fabric, flowers, a monogrammed vase, wind chimes, and all sorts of wonderful goodies. Upon seeing it, my immediate thought went to food.  I asked myself, at the time:  "Wouldn't this make the perfect bread basket?"

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-62145921459513850052011-09-09T08:25:00.002-05:002011-09-09T08:25:33.421-05:00

For the uninitiated, FO = Finished Object!   An elusive object for most of us! This sweater was actually finished several months ago, but I never took proper pictures of it.  I have worn it a half a dozen times, so far.  The sleeves appear long here, but I cuff them and they are perfect! Pattern:  Ribbed Diamond Pullover Yarn:  The pattern called for Aran weight; however, I have this thing

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-47573048089084003582011-09-04T13:26:00.000-05:002011-09-04T13:26:15.257-05:00

Several months ago I added a pattern to my queue that caught my eye because of how it was constructed.  It was knit in one piece from one sleeve, across the body, all the way to the end of the other sleeve.  The only seaming was from back to front and along the sleeves.  I was intrigued.   Pattern:  Rachel (It is now available at that link for free!) Wading through my stash, I found some

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-40365410112255504182011-08-25T07:34:00.002-05:002011-08-25T11:39:23.037-05:00

When home, I can usually be found in my upstairs space, the former "Man Room" hanging out with yarn and fabric or toiling away on day-job related matters.  When the family requires sustinence, the kitchen is the place to find me.  Searching for me in the evenings? Check the clawfoot tub.  However, wherever I may be, one or more faithful canines can be found at my feet. With the older daughter in

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-52250546398472335772011-08-21T11:08:00.000-05:002011-08-21T11:08:53.538-05:00

Oblique ScarfDesigned by Christina S. Wilkins A simple pattern with dramatic impact, Oblique Scarf is the perfect on-the-go project which is designed in two sizes and can be worn as a scarf or wrap.  With a lovely lace edge incorporated into the design and an easy to remember lace pattern making up the length, there are no seams, just an enjoyable knitting experience. Materials:Fingering

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-84359600457611312582011-08-19T13:03:00.003-05:002011-08-19T13:30:29.628-05:00

At the beginning of the summer, the step-father-in-law decided it was time to divvy up the mother-in-law's (a.k.a., the husband's mother's) separate property, some five years after her death.  It was kind of an odd, disorganized sort of distribution, but, fortunately, I was not really directly involved. When the dust settled, the husband brought home a beautiful antique armoire with boxes of

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-18737362700035848732011-08-17T18:21:00.000-05:002011-08-17T18:21:19.780-05:00

1)  Finding the perfect pattern to selfishly knit a sweater for one's self.  Bonus that said pattern is also available for free! (Who cares that I spent a small fortune importing six or eight of the patterns now being offered for free, I did not have to buy this one!) 2)  Finding that I had the perfect yarn already in my stash! Malabrigo Silk Merino in Blackberry. 3)  Getting gauge on the

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-7748497827009641352011-08-13T12:24:00.001-05:002011-08-16T14:02:22.254-05:00

     Awesome Plum Sauce Scarf Designed by Christina S. Wilkins  The artistry of graduated colors in Curious Creek Fibers’ Wasonga yarn makes an impact in this lacey scarf.  Made in fingering weight yarn, this is an easy lace design with ruffled borders on each end.  The scarf is knit from one end to the other with no seaming.   Materials:493 yards fingering weight yarn (Curious Creek Wasonga

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-33225787801022431232011-08-08T10:38:00.001-05:002011-08-08T10:40:00.023-05:00

Years ago, it has been so many that I cannot seem to rightly remember, I began using sarongs as a post-shower cover up, as well as the evening uniform of choice when paired with a t-shirt. Since we moved to South Texas more than a decade ago, with its relatively mild year around climate, not to mention soaring summer temperatures, there is not a day that I do not tie one around me in some

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-78277028643196679602011-08-01T10:20:00.000-05:002011-08-01T10:20:06.056-05:00

While there has been a plethora of knitting and other endeavors going on, the blogging has fallen a bit by the wayside. In the next few weeks, there will be a half-dozen or more new patterns coming out. Yay! Web design is also in the not too distant future to make this place a bit easier (as in mo' betta) to navigate, as well as showcase, not only the knitting designs, but bag designs!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-40340039184876346662011-05-29T10:13:00.012-05:002011-05-29T12:49:08.536-05:00

Because it's the day of the big race....I'm making an effort to get this posted! I have been a bad blogger for quite awhile (this is Lolly, by the way) even though I've been knitting more than ever! After all, there's been Christmas, birthdays, Valentine's, Easter, arrivals of new babies.... one has to prioritize their knit-worthy occasions, that's for sure.So...here's my story.Waaaay back,

Lollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446047770145554012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-20440438218773934902011-05-13T12:08:00.000-05:002011-05-13T12:08:20.897-05:00

The Man Room conversion was actually a bigger project than I had first anticipated. However, it is *almost* complete.  All that remains is to sew and hang a decorative valance. After Christmas, I moved my little sewing operation from the dining room into the husband's Man Room, which was just some carved out attic-like space. The first to go were the dead animals.  Thereafter, the real work

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-73441806775502793722011-03-27T20:20:00.000-05:002011-03-27T20:20:52.762-05:00

Pattern:  Child's Fair Isle Cardi (free pattern coming soon!) Yarn:  Abuelita Merino (LOVE!)

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-3624999889603595862011-03-25T10:11:00.002-05:002011-03-25T10:11:48.760-05:00

While it has felt like spring for weeks, the first rose has just appeared in the Feisty Garden!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-14865405857392458692011-03-21T19:11:00.000-05:002011-03-21T19:11:15.593-05:00

When we rebuilt our house in late 2006, we decided to tweak the original floor plan to carve out some much-needed storage space.  The original house had cathedral ceilings in the great room, as well as the master bedroom. We kept the high ceiling in the great room, but opted for a cove ceiling in the master, which created a good size room above it on the second floor.  The first thought was to

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-65041990742956498102011-03-17T15:10:00.003-05:002011-03-17T15:18:49.274-05:00

Like any knitting fanatic, I've tools, skeins, and UFOs everywhere. I had just the spot near the window seat that would hold a small cabinet. I found this one at Ikea (Konsmo 001.804.21) and it really suited the spot and the duty with a reasonable price.I like that I can quickly put everything away, removing the clutter from the room, while knowing where it all is when I'm ready to pick it up

LauraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07597941562529910169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-44686212729829386922011-03-17T11:01:00.000-05:002011-03-17T11:01:19.942-05:00

Blond cookies that is! White Chocolate Cookies 1 cup (2 sticks) sweet cream butter 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 4 tsp Amaretto (yum!) 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup oatmeal 3 cups (16 oz) white chocolate chips Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Beat butter and sugar before adding the eggs and Amaretto. Sift dry ingredients and stir in the oatmeal.  

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-37894960216126342162011-03-09T09:57:00.000-06:002011-03-09T09:57:46.440-06:00

He doesn't knit (yet), but he is the newest member of the family. He is a sixteen-week-old Standard Poodle puppy, all 33 pounds of him, and a total love.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-31679914247451244612011-03-05T11:58:00.000-06:002011-03-05T11:58:22.439-06:00

Yesterday was the Husband's birthday! We had a nice meal last night with Ahi Tuna, crawfish linguini, and White Chocolate Bread Pudding for dessert before watching Steve McQueen in Bullitt.  (I *love* Steve McQueen, by the way!  The older daughter thinks Daniel Craig looks like him...it took me a few minutes, but I got there, too, even though Steve was a lot sexier.) This morning I presented

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-82065548476331126962011-02-25T22:54:00.004-06:002011-02-26T09:45:10.607-06:00

What was I thinking? I remember thinking that my granddaughter would really like something made out of this soft, fuzzy yarn. It calls for size 10.5 needles. Guaranteed to be a really fast knit. (Famous last words?)Now, I do LOVE all my Boye Balene II dpns. They are quiet, warm, and a wee bit flexible. But the lady at the yarn shop showed me one last pair of size 10.5 needles that were

Lollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446047770145554012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-43268269484397559962011-02-21T10:28:00.001-06:002011-02-21T10:34:16.318-06:00

Two sweaters have actually been finished, and one is nearing completion! However, I only have shots of the partially complete one. Remember Amy Herzog's Ayana? My version uses variegated yarn (Madeline Tosh DK in Cove). The second shot is a better depiction of the yarn in natural light. Can I just saw how much I LOVE how this is knitting up? The sleeves are cast on two-at-a-time.  Because

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-29092581470630598232011-02-14T17:04:00.001-06:002011-02-14T17:04:24.224-06:00

A dear and lovely friend sent me this little guy from the U.K.  She had him specially made for me. She said I needed a mascot. Would you believe he stands at only two inches tall? I *heart* him and LOVE her!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-74885651287213884832011-02-09T13:07:00.000-06:002011-02-09T13:07:25.030-06:00

but, I also love good food! White Chocolate Bread Pudding! I used the Palace Cafe's recipe, but made just a few small additions. For the bread, I used 2 1/2 loaves of grocery store French bread and completely cut all the crust off before cutting the soft inside into cubes.  I let them dry out on a cookie sheet for a day or so. After the pudding mixture was poured over the bread cubes, I took

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-89600921206280203502011-01-22T13:21:00.000-06:002011-01-22T13:21:41.549-06:00

I prefer to think of these as insulation...a little extra padding to keep me warm. Chewy Chocolate Cookies 12 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1 stick sweet cream butter 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 4 eggs 2 1/2 cups sugar 2 tsp. vanilla extra 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Melt the

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-25064133537168183562011-01-07T14:15:00.000-06:002011-01-07T14:15:00.333-06:00

Now that the holidays are well behind us, I have been taking stock of the ongoing projects that are scattered on and about my desk and favorite little sofa. 2010 was a banner year for knitting designs for me, principally because prior to January or February of last year I had never done it for anyone other than myself. In a sense, there was no where else to go, but up, unless,of course, I

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-49105555174833298972010-12-29T14:55:00.000-06:002010-12-29T14:55:33.715-06:00

New Year's is upon us with hopes, dreams, and endless lists for 2011. Before I began setting any knitting goals, I felt it necessary to take stock of the stash. Like most of us, that was easier said that done, especially since it appears the word "stash" has taken on new meaning, as buttons have begun to rival wool in my world.  Specifically, I have this thing for vintage glass buttons, an itch

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-46980460649634578532010-12-27T12:51:00.001-06:002010-12-27T13:50:20.177-06:00

In case you missed the kits, these three designs are now available for purchase as a set (at a discount) or individually. Feisty Knits! Holiday Designs The set is $13 for all three.  Ravelry information here. Individual pattern information as follows: All Spruced Up! Shawl  $6 Flurries Scarf  $5 Festive Socks  $5 Hope everyone had a splendid Christmas! Happy New Year's!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-19128246066679625242010-12-11T12:15:00.000-06:002010-12-11T12:15:39.548-06:00

Cheddar Bacon Biscuits 6 slices of bacon, cooked and diced 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 TBS baking powder 2 tsp sugar 3/4 tsp ground pepper 1 stick cold butter, plus 2 TBS melted butter 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar 1/4 cup grated Patmigiano-Reggiano 3/4 cup buttermilk Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt sugar, and pepper.  Cut in cold butter until pea-size crumbs

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-527549450146675232010-11-19T08:01:00.000-06:002010-11-19T08:01:24.374-06:00

AhsanteDesigned by Christina S. Wilkins This shawl was created to showcase the beauty and depth of Meru, (51% Wild Tussah Silk / 49% Merino Wool) lace weight yarn from Curious Creek Fibers (curiouscreek.com).  All of Curious Creek yarns garner their inspiration and names from reserve and game parks all over the continent of Africa.  In honor of this tradition, this shawl was named Ahsante

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-50727734157861678772010-11-14T14:57:00.001-06:002010-11-14T19:17:49.225-06:00

Pattern:  Jubilee Cardigan from Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts Yarn:  Cascade Superwash Sport in Mint This was a delightful little knit.  It took four or five hours in total knitting time for the 6 month old size.  The yarn is great and the pattern is just as cute as it could be.  The perfect baby gift!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-32658393489185020062010-11-12T07:56:00.003-06:002010-11-12T08:10:45.982-06:00

Okay, here is the long awaited 'first sweater project'!!!It's Mothed by Mags Kandis, a sweater knit from top down. The free pattern can be found at knitty.com! I'm using a deep purple Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran yarn. (the true color didn't come out very well in the photo)So far, so good,,,I had a little trouble getting the live stitches for the sleeves onto the stitch holders and then trying to

Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630850302207524431noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-55008617786813781492010-11-08T15:42:00.006-06:002010-11-08T17:03:53.174-06:00

Since our leader is off for a time I thought I'd toss up this bit of news. Some of you are familiar with the lovely work of Kate Davies. Her blog is an amazing tour of Scotland, discusses her battle with recovery from a stroke, and displays her knitting genius.Her Tortoise and Hare sweater that she'd started pre-stroke, worked so hard to finish ,and pattern is a heroic feat completed. Just out,

LauraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07597941562529910169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-68776353625506867672010-11-07T20:47:00.003-06:002010-11-07T20:58:49.761-06:00

Tomorrow I am off on a last minute trip to El Paso. In addition to making flight, hotel, and car arrangements, I have to pack. Tossing a few outfits and the necessary toiletries into a suitcase is one thing, planning one's travel projects is altogether different with far more considerations: complexity of the pattern (this typically rules lace out for me), overall size of the project (which,

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-39852502505416992062010-11-05T09:33:00.002-05:002010-11-05T11:26:28.574-05:00

Vacuum cleaners and I go way back. When I was a child my parents had a television store and a carpet store, often referred to nowadays as a flooring store.  In addition to the regular household duties, I also had to clean the show rooms (there were three stores).  Fortunately, I was able to console myself with the knowledge I could dust and vacuum while watching TV, lots of them, in fact, all at

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-11330017581300563532010-11-01T17:32:00.000-05:002010-11-01T17:32:03.426-05:00

Kudos to my model!  She was under a red ant attack, but we did manage to get a few shots. Pattern:  The Stacy Shawl  Rav link here.Yarn:  Noro Kureyon #258 (5 skeins) This version used every bit of 5 skeins of the Noro.  The only modification was changing the number of middle repeats from 1 to 3.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-53848796266518831482010-10-24T12:44:00.000-05:002010-10-24T12:44:59.290-05:00

The third and final shawl design for Curious Creek Fibers is complete!! RafikiDesigned by Christina S. Wilkins This shawl is the final design in a series of three created to showcase the beauty and depth of the Meru (51% Wild Tussah Silk / 49% Merino Wool) Septra Series of lace weight yarns from Curious Creek Fibers (curiouscreek.com).  All of Curious Creek yarns garner their

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-8812841514737126372010-10-19T17:12:00.000-05:002010-10-19T17:12:33.659-05:00

The Knitting Nest, as well as ten other yarn shops in and around Austin participated in the Hill Country Yarn Crawl a week ago.  By all accounts, the event was a grand success with hundreds of participants. Unfortunately, some nefarious soul took advantage of the chaos of yarn crawlers to nick one of the samples from my LYS.  It was the original purple worsted Stacy Shawl.  sigh Rather than

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-73154687326910717262010-10-13T17:39:00.003-05:002010-10-13T17:47:47.937-05:00

If someone had told me 10 months ago that I would be able to sit down in one afternoon and complete my latest project I would have called them crazy! (and I seem to remember someone telling me just that very thing!)My latest project for my granddaughter is called 'Fetching' (the pattern can be found at http://www.knitty.com/) made with Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran Bubblegum.I think she will like

Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630850302207524431noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-43417788354035555632010-10-13T14:42:00.000-05:002010-10-13T14:42:53.440-05:00

Not that I actually have time to knit one, but there is always time to swatch for one. Pattern:  Ayana by Amy Herzog Yarn:  Gaia Worsted hand dyed by Spnning Colors (Blue), Miss Babs Yowza in Frog Belly (Green) or Madelinetosh dk in Cove (the browish/blue variegated). When I started swatching, I actually picked up the blue first because I was searching for a sweater to make with it; however,

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-17560560230793413442010-10-10T11:28:00.001-05:002010-10-10T15:34:37.344-05:00

Where to begin? During the summer, dear friend Lolly sent me a special treat, two skeins of undyed worsted weight yarn, and a skein of natural (undyed) cashmere lace because she knew I was testing the dyeing waters and because she is so sweet and thoughtful. In the meantime, I acquired a skein of sock yarn (Zen Garden Bamboolicious) in a color called Bahama Tonic that I feel in love with. So

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-3841396479347006992010-10-01T12:32:00.000-05:002010-10-01T12:32:12.698-05:00

Pattern:  All Spruced Up! by me is a triangular shawl knit from the top down Yarn:  Hand-dyed by Spinning Colors on a Malabrigo Sock base exclusively for The Knitting Nest This pattern and the yarn will be offered exclusively at The Knitting Nest as part of a kit.  These will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, October 8, 2010.  More details to come, but feel free to give Stacy a

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-19700965499805281492010-09-29T11:37:00.001-05:002010-09-29T11:38:45.422-05:00

Bobble me this!Designed by Christina S. Wilkins A simple pattern with dramatic impact, Bobble Me This! is the perfect on-the-go project which is designed in two sizes, scarf (shawl).  With a bobbled edge incorporated into the design and an easy to remember mock lace cable pattern making up the length, there are no seams, just an enjoyable knitting experience. Materials:Worsted weight yarn (

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-11789647370464466292010-09-21T21:24:00.000-05:002010-09-21T21:24:29.486-05:00

Stacy at The Knitting Nest in Austin is not only an amazing knit shop owner and friend, she is the mother of a professional photographer, Amanda Klaus. On Sunday, I brought Jambo in for the specific purpose of taking some photos of it using Stacy's mannequin, but I forgot to bring my camera.  Smooth, right? Fortunately, Amanda was there and, not only had her camera with her (I did say she was a

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-89036887707221211682010-09-17T09:16:00.003-05:002010-09-17T10:00:37.398-05:00

Tiger Lily CowlDesigned by Christina S. Wilkins Materials: • Approximately 216 yards of worsted weight yarn (Malabrigo Merino in Tiger Lily shown) • 4.5 or 5.5 mm needles or size needed to obtain gauge for size desired • Stitch makers Size: • Medium: After blocking, 20 inches around and 10 inches tall • Large (shown): After blocking, 24 inches around and 11 inches tall Gauge: • Medium: 24 sts

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-73736696102094091292010-09-15T17:26:00.001-05:002010-09-15T17:27:39.098-05:00

Cowl pattern in the works. Yarn:  Malabrigo Merino worsted in Tiger Lily

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-49732067861491058982010-09-13T18:05:00.000-05:002010-09-13T18:05:26.436-05:00

As previewed in a snippet here, the second shawl in the Curious Creek Fibers Spectra Series (try saying that five time really fast) is complete! 1,200 yards of Meru (51% Wild Tussah Silk / 49% Merino Wool) lace weight yarn made from three skeins (400 yards each) in gradient colors. I could not be more pleased with the design. The patterns for this and the Ahsante Shawl (below) will be

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-44152571443616246032010-09-11T10:00:00.000-05:002010-09-11T10:00:18.885-05:00

With all the knitting I have done in recent months, it occurred to me last night that I have not done any selfish knitting in a while.  I have the yarn and several projects sorted out, but there are no projects on the needles for me! Unfortunately, there is only one on the needles as a gift for the husband.  That probably means the delight I enjoyed in having sweaters for the family (including

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-1585941928424708422010-09-10T10:14:00.001-05:002010-09-14T21:47:59.874-05:00

Lolly was right, lots of things are going on when Feisty is quiet. First off, the classes at the Knitting Nest have been going extremely well.  I cannot convey how much I am enjoying the interaction and enthusiasm of my class participants.  It has been exciting and rewarding. Last night, I covered my first Thursday evening class.  It was Beyond Basic Knitting.  I felt like we accomplished a

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-6329846660534866772010-09-01T22:07:00.003-05:002010-09-01T22:10:17.413-05:00

Some patterns use a circular cast-on to have a lovely starburst center that is then worked outward. The cast-on directions that I've seen/read have been confusing at best. This video has taken the mystery out of it! Unlike many tech vids, this one uses good background, good yarn color, and good direction. (A rooster makes his point, too, near the end.)For those of us who are not highly skilled

LauraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07597941562529910169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-41661663210268935552010-08-25T18:52:00.000-05:002010-08-25T18:52:20.909-05:00

but, tell me that is not cute: At half the height of the original, it is perfect for a skein of sock yarn. I think they are trying to tell me something...

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-63153377320628642632010-08-23T19:43:00.003-05:002010-08-23T19:47:24.309-05:00

In the previous post, Laura wondered what the Blue Moon Fibers Twisted (Valkyrie color way) looked like knitted up. I had pondered the same thing, and it took all of five minutes after the yarn first arrived in the mail for me to wind up a ball and find out. From top to bottom, I used needle sizes:  US 7, US 8, and US 9 with a purl row between.  As I have mentioned previously on this blog,

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-5189835032357498792010-08-18T16:39:00.001-05:002010-08-18T16:40:16.222-05:00

My yarn purchases of late may well be signaling a decline in my mental health, for no other reason than their names. First up is Blue Moon Fibers Twisted (an Aran weight) in the color Valkyrie. I spotted it for sale or trade in another lady's stash and just knew it wanted to become a sweater for me.  Three skeins at 560 yards, it should make a fantastic sweater.  Problem is, it just has not

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-85502239494406191612010-08-12T22:13:00.000-05:002010-08-12T22:13:25.304-05:00

The warm and gracious Anne Hanson of Knitspot (as well her lovely niece Susan) popped into The Knitting Nest this evening to join us around the knitting table. She had several projects on the needles she allowed us to pass around.  I must say, she uses gorgeous yarns with the most wonderful hand to them. Here she is showing us a shawl she just finished yesterday (it has not yet been blocked).

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-60336399765807015572010-08-08T10:36:00.010-05:002010-08-08T11:49:29.202-05:00

This afternoon Feisty is teaching a class at The Knitting Nest, (see side bar) featuring this Stacy Shawl that she designed. If, like me, you live too far away to take advantage of it, don't let that stop you from tackling the project. For a newbie, it's extremely do-able. A few challenges that you'll master in no time. More experienced knitters will find it an absolute JOY. Just enough thinking

Lollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446047770145554012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-55191058491097721362010-08-07T08:31:00.011-05:002010-08-07T14:13:48.134-05:00

...as Feisty did in the previous post... I recently finished a project made with a skein of sock weight, which was gifted to me last Spring, in the colorway Stonechat, which I'll confess was a color I had admired in the E-stores for quite some time, but had no idea where the word stonechat came from. (You do find yarns out there with the most unusual names!) Somewhere I learned it was a bird. For

Lollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446047770145554012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-44132930725338723762010-08-06T14:38:00.000-05:002010-08-06T14:38:33.274-05:00

Stacy at The Knitting Nest has a new shipment of Malabrigo in! This morning, I hovered as she opened the box, ready to dive in. In addition to lace weight and worsted, she had some beautiful sock yarn. Three skeins actually leapt into my hands and begged to go home with me. The trio Solis Cote D Azure Light of Love

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-31005628827646571502010-08-03T20:22:00.000-05:002010-08-03T20:22:41.290-05:00

Knit it up Posh in Anthro 205 Malabrigo sock in Eggplant Malabrigo sock in Archangel These two are begging to work together. Anthro reminded me I had a skein from a sock club (Yarn Love Julietin Sugared Grapefruit) I had been wondering what to do with...hmmm.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-43774610843068448232010-08-02T12:06:00.002-05:002010-08-02T12:15:26.353-05:00

Like our good friend, I also invested in some stitch index books recently. There was a sale and I thought Why Not. (I'd gotten at a book thrift shop one of the card index things but was not as happy with it. Gave it to a young friend, instead.)These few books have a lifetime of inspiration in them. The Lace and Eyelets was a real favorite and the Cables book was AMAZING. But I have to admit they

LauraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07597941562529910169noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-78415640107496141212010-07-30T10:46:00.001-05:002010-07-30T11:05:07.566-05:00

There is something not quite right about me... That may well come as no surprise to some, but it is true. Part of what I enjoy about knitting is the challenge, the challenge to learn knew stitches and techniques and the challenge to conquer by doing something well. One of my obsessions of late has been acquiring stitch dictionaries. I love to leaf through them because the possibilities are

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-15650655994041256302010-07-26T11:16:00.006-05:002010-07-26T11:47:51.017-05:00

Well, here we go! At the right a new feature appears: Patterns. First up are the Feisty Socks. These socks are knit from the toe up and feature short-row heels and picot cuffs, as well as an addictive lacy mock-cable stitch design. It is a quick and fun knit. The pattern is written for both fingering and sport weight yarns in three sizes each: small, medium, and large. Gauge: • For

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-34194987375260314662010-07-25T15:04:00.001-05:002010-07-25T15:05:43.970-05:00

At least, an odd slice o' pi! The prototype of the design is moving right along, it seem it is the execution which is holding things up a bit.  However, I am delighted with it overall, although there are a number of things which will be refined before the final pattern is released. More later...

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-32210560628445332802010-07-24T07:49:00.009-05:002010-07-24T11:36:14.632-05:00

Long-lost Lolly here! [hehe] Evidently, I'm knitting faster than I can post because I have knitted lots of things I haven't posted about. I guess I'd rather knit than post. But...hey, here's something that is pretty amazing, and if I don't post it quick, it won't be true or newsworthy anymore. I am the first! And as of this morning, the one and only! "The one and only what?" you ask. The one and

Lollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15446047770145554012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-35747202725250575522010-07-15T23:12:00.002-05:002010-07-15T23:15:48.395-05:00

Spying a skein of Cascade in a purple heather while visiting The Knitting Nest the other day, I knew the Stacy Shawl required a take two. Oh, yeah! Ravely details here.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-53024665447428025272010-07-11T16:56:00.000-05:002010-07-11T16:56:38.120-05:00

Another new design: Yarn:  Yarn Daze Water Colours in Fountain Yarn:  Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport Solid in Ysolda Design:  Feisty Socks by me! I will be teaching a class at The Knitting Nest on Sunday, August 22, 2010 on this sock pattern.  It is knit from the toe up and features a short-row heel and picot cuff, as well as an addictive lacy mock-cable stitch design.  It is a quick and fun

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-77408017247801084982010-07-07T17:53:00.000-05:002010-07-07T17:53:02.012-05:00

How about a shawl made from two strands of lace weight yarn (100% alpaca, no less) and knitted from one end to the other? The lace edging and a turned cable border along the neck are knit at the same time as the body with no finishing required, other than weaving in the ends. This is an original design created for Stacy of The Knitting Nest in Austin, Texas. On Sunday, August 8th, I will

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-35885294492854547802010-07-01T16:43:00.000-05:002010-07-01T16:43:40.571-05:00

I finally completed something I can share!!  Including a shawl pin from my lovely Sweet model/daughter for my birthday! Yarn:  Little Lola in "Pumpkin Cheesecake" by Schaefer Yarn Pattern:  Butternut Scarf by Anne Hanson The finished dimensions were 20.5" x 80". I absolutely LOVE it! I used every bit of the three skeins I had for a total of 840 yards of worsted weight.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-30740043260143713022010-06-30T12:06:00.004-05:002010-06-30T12:13:17.909-05:00

Or what soon may be 'Pulling out my Hair'!!My next endeavor is a tank top for me. This will be a first 'it's gotta be right to fit' pattern. According to Amy at my LYS it's a very easy pattern,,,easy for her maybe!!!I'm using a Knitting Pure & Simple pattern:I'll be knitting with a light blue shade of Queensland Bamboo cotton.Wish me luck!!

Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630850302207524431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-19719551758555839782010-06-18T09:06:00.003-05:002010-06-18T09:38:57.603-05:00

Just in time for the 100 degree heat of a Texas summer I finished my button-up shrug.This was a learning experience for me!I learned the importance (and peace of mind) of a life line when knitting!I learned how to do (and un do) a provisional cast-on.I learned how to make a button hole, even though I haven't found just the right button to add.The most important thing I learned, though, is I

Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630850302207524431noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-47157608455594691552010-06-16T13:26:00.001-05:002010-06-16T13:32:46.213-05:00

 After Laura left on Sunday, the husband informed me he really liked her green yarn.  As I was planning to knit him a henley and he had already requested one in green, this was no surprise. This is the design he selected from Knits Men Want: Because I needed 2000 yards or about 2 pounds of dk weight yarn, I had to dye in two batches.  My methodology was to mix up enough dye stock for both

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-14474616262793812582010-06-13T15:59:00.001-05:002010-06-13T16:01:10.737-05:00

And yarn was dyed, but only after lunch and a good visit. Yarn:  Kona superwash dk Color:  Laura Gruene, what else?

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-86028946145141160772010-06-11T09:45:00.000-05:002010-06-11T09:45:54.108-05:00

The yarn I have been dyeing is Kona Superwash DK.  As I needed to order some Glauber salt (it is supposed to create a more uniform dye strike), I decided to try a different yarn base.  The above is Gaia Worsted.  The Kona and Gaia are both 100% merino superwash; however, the Kona seems a bit shinier. My goal was to replicate a test skein I had done the other day, altering my methods slightly.

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-23209556180768446572010-06-09T16:24:00.002-05:002010-06-09T17:14:40.267-05:00

It all started because I wanted sweater quantities of yarn in colors I adored. For the prior few months I have been reading, studying, plotting, planning, and procuring. The last of my acquisitions arrived this week.  With Sweet One's assistance, the chemistry whiz she is, we transformed dye powder into dye stock last night.  The plan was (and is) for Laura to join me on Sunday for a little

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-41214315757033619302010-06-08T09:42:00.001-05:002010-06-08T10:10:25.570-05:00

just not much I can share to show for it. Since the beginning of the year I have been test knitting, designing, and test knitting some more, but most of the projects are super secret; however, a few of the secrets have now been revealed. My test knitting is primarily for Woolgirl who has the most amazing kits! In her Alice in Wonderland series of kits, I knit socks for the Mad Hatter and for

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-446321284416974992010-05-06T14:56:00.003-05:002010-05-06T15:04:26.821-05:00

I'm so excited!! My newest toy made it's way to my door yesterday.I told the dear hubby that my ball winder came in. He was somewhat confused and asked what in the world I was talking about.I showed him the box and how it works. His comeback? "Oh, it's a wool winder. That sounds a lot better than ball winder!"I then told him to just be quiet and give me his hands!! *L* Next on my (his) wishlist

Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03630850302207524431noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484229490716831327.post-30887873972965208372010-05-02T16:26:00.000-05:002010-05-02T16:26:07.841-05:00

 Mother's Day mission:  accomplished!

Feistyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01877749731777373028noreply@blogger.com3