The Plucky Knitter

It's a new blog ~

2007-03-25T18:01:00.000-05:00

Thank you for visitng.....please see me at my new site: Here

Time flies when you're having fun ~

2007-03-21T17:45:00.000-05:00

16 years - wow.
Happy Anniversary

Yes, we were babies when we met... I was just 15, but boy did I think he was spiffy (and still do!). So funny, handsome, smart, adoring and just completely wonderful. I am one fortunate girl to call him my Mr. Plucky.

Because Mr. Plucky is so very swell, we are going to Chicago for 4 days and I get to do all the yarn shop hopping I want... any suggestions? Have any of you been to Knit 1? Nina is a darling shop, actually more like a boutique. He will be at the museum (I have promised to go with him the planetarium) and I will be yucking it up at the yarn shops.

Oh, and next posting there will be photos of the fun little baby sock (free pattern from Interweave) I am knitting out of Yarntini "Vintage" in the merino tencel blend (to match the hat from a few days ago) - they are so fun.

Make it better ~

2007-03-20T17:18:00.000-05:00

What causes these unseemly holes? I want to make it stop... I thought I could live with the holes, but I just can't. So, say goodbye to the sock. It will be frogged as soon as I am done typing. Any suggestions? Please tell me you have suggestions... I have some insanely yummy Yarntini in Cherry Cordial and Vintage that I would use to make anklets - for me! However, until I know how to get rid of the offending holes, I won't touch it! If you have not visited Jessie and seen her lovely yarn, you must!

Speaking of musts - even though I have spring fever like no other, I am a little sad that the days of wearing cuddly scarves is numbered for the season. So I must find some sort of light weight spring scarf pattern..... off to look.

My girl ~

2007-03-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

High School

Driver's Training

Summer Job

My girl ("S") - they grow up so fast....

That Went Well ~

2007-03-18T16:44:00.000-05:00

The destashing sale on eBay that is. I think I will do it again (here is "again"). There is nothing like a good cleaning/organizing kick to make you feel like things are in order.

In other news, I have started on Flair - using some stash yarn (I feel so very responsible and goal oriented typing that). Laines du Nord Dolly Maxi in grey from Pure Knits quite a while ago on sale for $3.00 - what a deal! Just imagine my delight when I realized I had enough for Flair. If all goes well and I love the pattern like I think I will, I may knit one up in a nice cotton too.

I won't post a photo of the progress on Flair just yet, I am still in the boring stage. More to come though. And I can't wait to look through jars and jars of buttons for something quirky and fun. This sweater is going to be all about the buttons.

On the completed knits (or FO's) front, this is all that I completed this weekend:

Yes, your eyes do not deceive you. Another baby hat. Boy was this an easy peasey one.

Specs:

Yarn: Yarntini in Vintage (merino tencel blend)

Needles: Size 3 (US)

Little bit of knit, little purl, yada yada. It is so soft and pretty. Another down, so many to go. The next one is going to be a little kickier though - need to mix it up a bit.

Goals ~ And the Sheep Heap

2007-03-14T12:31:00.000-05:00

Need goals. Distractions killing me.

Spring fever/Spring cold/Spring cleaning/Spinning/Yarn/Knitting/Blogging.... See what I mean? Distractions! And this is just in the knitting part of my world. What's the cure?

Goals. Goals are good. Goals are necessary. Goals keep you focused. So, that's what I am going to do - FOCUS on the goals and post them here so as to keep me on task.

Not necessarily in this order.....

1. Knit more baby hats (still have 7 left!) - (Help accomplish goal #3) - Yarntini Vintage colorway in the merino tencel blend. This is going to be a beret for baby girl #5...yet to be named. This yarn is just perfect for baby knits! Machine washable and so soft and the color!

2. Chevron Scarf for me - aren't they fun? I especially like this little lovely being knit by Cat Duck at Domesticat. Later on I will post several options and put it up for a vote. (Again, helps accomplish goal #3).

3. Continue destashing.... Mr. Plucky is now referring to the stash as "the sheep heap." Even though I commandeered the etagere from the front room (use to have hats, mittens, umbrellas, etc. in it) and tried to artfully arrange some of my yarn and make it look like decoration or even art, if you will, but it continues to nag at me that I have ziplocs upon ziplocs upon.... well, you know. But, look how pretty. (Don't pay any attention to the lack of trim. We recently put new floors down but have yet to put the trim up. See what I mean? Need to focus).

4. Learn to spin - See Friday's post.

5. Knit Flair - but, what color??? Seriously, any help would be greatly appreciated. Not into the pastel thing. I am kind of leaning towards either Indigo, Fern, Mediterranean Blue (kind of kicky for spring/summer) or Graphite, then there is always Espresso.

I have to go focus now.

The Plucky Knitter Is Destashing!!!!

2007-03-11T13:23:00.000-05:00

Ok, it has been brought to my attention that, just maybe, I need to focus and destash a bit... (that way I can purchase more yarn with a completely clean conscience!).

I have been dutifully listing lovely yarns on eBay this afternoon and have provided a link if you are interested. If not, just ignore this post all together. And, if any of my blogging friends (just drop me a note telling me you saw the auctions because of the blog) win the auction, I will throw in shipping for free!

In case you are curious, here is a sample of what is currently listed:

Jade Sapphire 2-Ply Cashmere, All Things Heather, Koigu, Socks That Rock, Vesper, sKnitches, Twisted Fiber Arts, Sweet Georgia, etc. And I will be listing more over the next several days.

Have a great Sunday....

S.O.S to All You Spinners ~

2007-03-09T18:07:00.000-05:00

I know I said I wanted to learn to spin, but this is just silly!

So, a week or so ago I ordered, what I thought was hand spun yarn from Natasha at Luxe on etsy.... well, I was wrong - very, very wrong. Today, I received this in the mail. While it is very lovely, I have no earthly idea what to do with it. HELP.

Do I need:

Spindle
Wheel
Someone to make something out of this for me?
How much yarn will this make?

Seriously, my mind is just reeling....

***edited to add*** - This acquisition of spinning fiber is completely my fault - Natasha did nothing but send me some fibery goodness. I can totally see the potential, just don't know how to get "there".

The Cutest Thing Ever ~

2007-03-05T11:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I mean it is the cutest thing I have ever knit. Please excuse the iffy photo - I am still playing with my macro setting. This little bit of adorable is a baby sock knit from Vesper sock yarn in the "Love Stinks" colorway. It is just a prototype (a combination of three different patterns) but so far is turning out quite well. When complete I will post a better picture.

Here is yet another contribution to the seemingly endless stream of babies being born this year - a "boyish"version of the cotton stria hat from Itty Bitty Hats - seriously! These hats are addictive. I have been making so many though that I may have to open an etsy shop to sell the surplus!

Dizzy ~

2007-03-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

Dizzy with ideas that is......

What has gotten my attention you ask? I am just bowled over and fascinated with the gorgeous handspun yarn creations that I see people posting on their blogs and etsy. Therefore - Must. Learn. To. Spin.

For instance - the talented Natasha with her Luxe yarns (she is whipping up something for me as I type this - will post about it at a later date). Then there is FeltStudioUK - purchased the yarn from the very helpful Cam at The Urban Knit - and made the scarf shown.

I love this scarf! So warm, light weight, and cuddly. Took me all of about two hours last Friday evening while watching a movie with Mr. Plucky (a.k.a. Bob) and I have hardly taken it off since then. 89 yards knit stockinette with a few garter stitches thrown in on size 19 needles. Funny how something so completely simple can turn into something you just love and use all the time. So, goals for this Spring (all the while knitting baby hats and socks):

Get spindle (suggestions welcome)
Perhaps buy book (again, suggestions?, anyone?)
Practice, practice, practice

Now, I leave you with one of my favorite pictures of my boy, Sammy. My Plucky girl took this, she has a great eye - that daughter of mine.

8 baby hats ~ one down, 7 to go....

2007-02-25T14:00:00.000-05:00

Received a call from some close friends of ours last night and it seems we have a bit of a baby boom going on in these parts. That makes 8 new and/or soon to arrive babies. So, I am getting busy with the hats!

Pattern: Cotton Stria Stripe hat from Itty Bitty Hats

Yarn: Manos Cotton Stria (various girlie colors)

Needles: Two size 6 circulars

Modifications: Made mine just a bit shorter than the pattern calls for.

Would I make this again? You bet! Super cute, fun and quick. Took all of about 3 hours on and off to make. So cute, I had to add another pic. Next up - a boy version.

I know this is a knitting blog, but I thought I would share~

2007-02-21T11:54:00.000-05:00

You know when you have to bring a treat or dish to pass somewhere and you need something quick, easy and delicious (if it's pretty that doesn't hurt either)? This is the ticket. I make this all the time - kids and adults all love it. It's sweet, but not too sweet.

Easy Peasy Lemon Poppyseed Bread ~

350 degree oven -
1 box lemon cake mix (Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, etc.)
1 box Royal brand Toasted Coconut Pudding
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
½ cup oil
4 eggs
1 cup hot water

Combine all ingredients (add water last after everything else has been added and blended) and pour in prepared loaf pan - makes two loaves in smaller loaf pans or one larger loaf pan like this one - I got mine at Williams Sonoma. Also, I have made mini individual bundt cakes with the Williams Sonoma mini bundt pans. So cute!

Bake for 35 minutes until tester comes out clean.

Sometimes I put a glaze on it ~
2 tbps confectioners sugar
Lemon juice
Blend until drizzle consistency. Or, you can dust with powdered sugar.

People LOVE this. So moist… If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Secret Pal 10 Questionnaire ~

2007-02-21T11:26:00.000-05:00

As a girl, growing up in the middle of nowhere, I was always very intrigued by the whole pen pal thing. So, when I heard about the Secret Pal 10 swap I felt compelled to join - how fun!

Here are all my particulars......

What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Love wool and wool blends (cashmere/silk, merino, alpaca blends)
Cotton wool blends are great too
Soft cotton is nice -

Fun Fur, no thank you.

What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A knitting bag (keep them in the plastic sleeves they come in from the shop)

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
2 years – a very nice yarn shop owner taught me.
A very solid intermediate

Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes - see sidebar

What's your favorite scent?
Cinnamon (grandma’s baking)
Citrus
Fresh Flowers

Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes!!!! Chocolate - dark chocolate

What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I don’t spin or dye, but would love to learn.

What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Oldies (Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Dean Martin, Etta James, Motown)
80’s
Classic Rock - throw in an 80's hair band you have made my day!
Norah Jones, The Beatles, The Eagles
It’s really varied

What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Do not like yellow (makes me look like I have the flu), rust or purple
LOVE - chocolate brown, pink, aqua (think Tiffany blue), blues, greens, a touch of orange, black

What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married, one child, one cat and one boston terrier

Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves, mittens

What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks
Hats
Baby Items (hats, sweaters, etc.)
Scarves & Wraps
Sweaters

What are you knitting right now?
Socks
Chevron Scarf from LMKG

Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Absolutely

Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Circular - either aluminum or bamboo

Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, both. Seriously, what would you do without them?

How old is your oldest UFO?
1 year…. Ugh!

Is there anything that you collect?
Sock yarn!!! Fingering or sport weight, esp sport weight
Yarn
Cookbooks
Vintage travel or cooking items and vintage/retro bangle bracelets

Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Would love to subscribe to Interweave Knits
Subscribe to - Yarn Forward from the UK

Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Continental knitting and dyeing my own yarn and I would also love to learn to spin.

Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I love socks! Wear a size 10 shoe.

Need a kick in the pants~

2007-02-15T14:20:00.000-05:00

Ever have those times when you are bit more taken with yarn, knitting books and blogs as opposed to actual knitting? I think I am having one of "those" times. Real question is - how do you get in gear so to speak?

Do you just keeping plugging along until you get your zing back? Do you tackle a project that you never would normally, or think is out of your reach? Perhaps join a KAL or Secret Exchange - that sounds fun....

Don't let my angst fool you, I am in no danger of not knitting (can't imagine my life without it!) - just a bit aimless at the moment.

However, I think I must start this ~ from Wendy at Knit and Tonic.

That kicky little sweater plus some new sock yarn might just be the ticket! But if any of you wise knitters out there have a cure for what ails me, let me know.

100 things about me....

2007-02-10T11:21:00.000-05:00

I don't participate in too many of these, but since I am new to this blogging business, I thought I would let you in on a few things about me. Not going to tag anybody, but feel free to jump in - would love to read about you too.

A Hundred Things About Me (some interesting, some not)

1. Born in 1973.... Kalamazoo.... yes there really is a Kalamazoo
2. I can crank start an F-20 (that's a Farmall tractor - be sure not to wrap your thumb around the crank as it can buck and break your hand/arm). Grew up 3 miles from the nearest paved road.
3. I think every girl should know how to drive a stick shift. Didn't say you have to drive one, just know how. Drove my Dad's 1979 Ford F150 to school everyday. First car was 1986 escort - manual transmission.
4. Married - 16 years now (actually on March 22)... to a wonderful man. Love him to bits and pieces.
5. Have a smart, beautiful, precocious, and plucky (runs in the family) 14 year old daughter.
6. I am the older sister - Just "H" and myself.
7. My sister is six years younger than me.
8. I have two insanely adorable nephews that I just adore.
9. Have an irrational love of ice cream.
10. I still sleep with the lovey blanket my Grandma L. made me as a baby. It is very tattered, but loved.
11. My Grandma K. taught me to cook and bake - it has been my life's ambition to make the prefect cookie - still trying, getting close. She would be so proud.
12. Loved both my grandma's very much - miss them both.
13. I think it is so important to be a good friend and hang on to the ones you have and who add value to your life. Don't know what I would do without mine (you know who you are...).
14. When I was 12 I broke my neighbors finger by dropping a bag on rocks on her hand.
15. Motorcycles scare me.
16. Favorite drink is vanilla vokda and diet Vernors (that's gingerale for all you non-Michiganians). Tastes like cream soda with a kick!
17. Love old movies. Love them. Casablanca, Thin Man series, Gone With The Wind, anything with Cary Grant.
18. Love the Wedding Singer, Forest Gump, Indiana Jones, Love Actually, As Good As It Gets....
19. I am crazy about knitting. Crazy.
20. My hair. Ugh. Fine, Curly, Frizzy. Ugh.
21. I can still do the splits.
22. Do pilates twice a week. Love it. Very therapeutic and it really does work!
21. Reading is a huge to me.
23. Unfortunately, knitting really cuts into the reading time.
24. Audio books have been a lifesaver, but it still isn't the same
25. I live on a lake.
26. We entertain a lot from May to September (see no. 25)
27. October to April no one comes over.
28. Which is fine with me, that way I get lots of knitting done.
29. Like to waterski.
30. I waterski slalom - too uncoordinated to ski on two. Great bum workout.
31. I make a mean guacamole.
32. Mr. Plucky and I love to play scrabble.
33. We also love to travel. Next on our list~ Europe (specifically England), Arizona (we love going there) and Washington D.C. for our anniversary.
34. Sam, my Boston Terrier, has been the best addition to our family. Never even knew I was a dog person until we got him. Love that little dog.
35. I talk to my Dad almost every day. We are a lot a like, he and I.
36. Wish I could talk to my mother.
37. Own all ten seasons of Friends on DVD
38. My husband is a "Ross" - see no. 37
39. I love history - especially European and American history.
40. Favorite trip as a kid was when my Dad took us to Disney for one day and then on a tour of Civil War battlefields for the rest of the two week trip.
41. When I was growing up I wished I was one of the Judds (not even a huge country music fan). Just liked their songs and the fact they were mother and daughter.
42. Jon Bon Jovi - love him/love the music.
43. Raw meat completely unnerves me. I cannot touch it.
44. I will cook meat - but will only eat it well done.
45. Don't really have a favorite color - but I am not a fan of purple. Not sure why.
46. Love brown, pinks, blues/turquoise (think Tiffany blue), black and all greens.
48. My high school graduating class had 42 kids in it. 90% of us were together from k-12.
49. Want to learn to spin.
50. Perhaps even to dye.
51. Have had a crush on Tom Brokaw since I was 8 years old. I cried when I watched his last regular Nightly News broadcast.
52. Cars drive me crazy.
53. I hate paying for cars and repairs.
54. Love going to movies - nothing like getting lost in a movie for a couple hours.
55. Best concert I ever attended was the Eagles, 2002. Second, Bon Jovi at Soldier Field 2006.
56. Favorite T.V. shows - currently: Gilmore Girls, CSI, Greys Anatomy, ER
57. I have no use or patience for grown women (men too) who never progressed socially or emotionally past junior high. That kind of crazy, no thank you.
58. I am a current events addict. Sometimes Mr. Plucky has to put me on a news diet as I get too upset.
59. Love to knit baby items.
60. Starting to love to knit socks.
61. Obsessed with wearing scarves. I have one on almost all the time.
62. If my neck is warm, them I am warm.
63. Before we go on a trip, I research all the local yarn shops to see if they are worth a visit.
64. I am a nerd.
65. I love to feed people when they come to my house. I get that from my grandma.
66. I have a nervous laugh that is a cross between woody woodpecker and a machine gun.
67. Can't believe my parents didn't get me voice lessons to get that fixed.
68. I wear a size 10 shoe.
69. My favorite coffee drink is a skim mocha, extra hot w/ foam and cinnamon.
70. I love Fall. October is gorgeous.
71. First Spring day is always a thrill too.
72. Humidity makes me cranky.
73. I have had a crush on Tom Brokaw since I was 8.
74. Still have his last Nightly News broadcast on my Tivo.
75. History (taught by Mr. Welborne, who bears a slight resemblance to Tom Brokaw) was my favorite subject.
76. Ralph Waldo Emerson is a favorite of mine.
77. Mr. Plucky got me an iPod - I love it. Didn't even know I wanted one until he gave it to me.
78. I have never knit the Clapotis.
79. Guilty pleasure - North and South mini-series. Own it on DVD.
80. I love to do laundry and iron.
81. Dishes, I hate.
82. Growing up I wished I had dark hair and olive skin. So exotic.
83. When I was born I had 2 sets of great-great grandparents, 4 sets of great grandparents
84. All grandparents were gone by the time I was 25.
85. Wish I knew how to sew - may try that this year.
86. Learned to knit two years ago. So glad I did.
87. Snakes I can handle.
88. Rodents freak the daylights out of me.
89. Wine makes me sick. I like it, but it makes me sick.
90. I want to take a photography class.
91. I was named after a cat.
92. I am very good with directions. North, South, East, West - always know which way I am facing/going....I am usually the navigator on trips.
93. Kind of an aggressive driver. Not sure where that comes from, but driving doesn't scare me a bit. Driven in LA, Chicago and NYC traffic - view it as a challenge.
94. I don't generally like knitting on large size needles (project must be worth it). Anything larger and a 9 feels a bit cumbersome to me.
95. Love NPR
96. Every time I go on an airplane I get sick.
97. Still worth it, as I love travel.
98. I am afraid to fly.
99. I cry at movies all the time.
100. I have taught 6 people to knit.

So much sock yarn, so little time~

2007-02-07T09:52:00.000-05:00

Just look at that loveliness! Is that not just the most capitavting sight? Sock yarn.... love sock yarn. The possibilities are endless. Let's see:

Socks, duh
Scarf - some of this is most certainly going to become a chevron stitch scarf (imagine the stripey goodness)
Hand Warmers for daughter
Baby socks
Baby hat
Not sure what else, but I will think of something. And, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

First, Twisted Fiber Art purchased from the delightful Cam at The Urban Knit in the signature TUK colorway - chocolate brown, turquoise and pinks. Organic striping yarn and 500 yards!!! Seriously, go see Cam and her great store, you will be thrilled. And the fun blue and green striped yarn is from The Fiber Denn - it is just swell!

What's that you say? Why yes, that is an obnoxious, yet blissful amount of Vesper sock yarn (that Julia is just a doll!)- however, in my defense, it is not all mine. Some of it is hers (see sister-in-law below on left).... Taught S to knit a little over a year ago and she is nuts about it. Crazy as I am - love it! A freakish amount of stalking of her website and, basically, begging went into this purchase and S and I are over the moon estatic with this yarn! What colors you may ask? Knit and Tonic, Muddy Waters, Neopolitan, Love Stinks, Aquamelon, SweetWater and Strange Little Mama.....

Ok, it appears we ordered one too many Neopolitan and one too many Knit and Tonic and Sweetwater... not a bad problem to have (too much yarn) but I feel badly knowing there are others out there wanting some Vesper. If you are interested in any of those colorways, let me know and I can send you a paypal invoice for the actual cost of the yarn plus nominal shipping.

Mr. Plucky again....

2007-02-04T20:22:00.000-05:00

I'm getting mixed signals here.

Mary F. says "get some woolies at J. Crew" and Yarnophiliac asks if I plan to learn how to knit socks.

Mrs. Plucky says these are my choices of sock yarn colors-

Breakfast at Tiffanys
Peony
Fondant
Cookie
Neopolitan
Cherry Cordial

Not a very manly selection. Maybe I will learn if she ever gets some sock yarn that is, let's say, black. I guess it's Target for me tomorrow - grab some socks while she's not looking.

And besides, I can never find the right sticks (is that what you call them?)

Mr. Plucky here.....

2007-02-02T20:30:00.000-05:00

I have holes - in my socks.

Mrs. Plucky won't buy me any socks because she says she can knit them (which I hope is true, because you should see all her sock yarn). I ask "when can I expect a pair?" And I get this reply - "Oh, sometime this fall..."

So I have to ask, just how long does it take you to knit a pair of mens socks?

Comments and insight would be helpful. My toes are cold.

Budding photographer that daughter of mine ~

2007-01-31T18:58:00.000-05:00

Warning - no knitting content. It can't all be yarny related, can it?

Over the last two days we've gotten over a foot of snow and little Sam has a love/hate relationship with it. He loves it for about 3 minutes and then he comes running... but S got him to sit for her. I love this picture!

Wow ~ Knitters are hearty bunch....

2007-01-29T19:11:00.000-05:00

Did manage to get some knitting done this weekend ~ I knit the cherry garcia neck warmer with the Posh Yarn chunky cashmere from Dee in the color "clubhouse". This little ditty only took about two hours to knit (with cable needle no less!) - super fast and satisfying knit. Sammy even wanted to get in on the modeling - he knows good yarn. But, just for perspective, thought I would give you a shot of a human wearing it....not real comfy with the modeling of hand knits, must bear with me. Also, close-up of the cables, and yes, I do still have an end to tie in.

So my sister-in-law and I went to a yarn sale on Saturday (I would say it was my LYS, but it was 48 miles away, but worth the drive). It wasn't just a regular yarn sale, it was 50% off ALL yarn, but for ONE hour only. To say it was crazy (controlled crazy - knitters are a very nice bunch of people), but crazy nonetheless is an extreme understatement. It was as if people were lined up to see some sort of rock star or something. Noro, don't even think about - gone in like 60 seconds. Manos - pouf, gone.... But I was able to score a few skeins of the Manos cotton. Sock yarn - yeah, right... come back another day. The wait to check out was over 1.5 hours long.....wow. Mary F - if you are reading this, I got a little woolly surprise for you...

Jaywalker sock pattern - I now see what all the fuss is about. What a kicky pattern. Easy to memorize, but not mind numbingly boring. Fondant colorway - Sweet Georgia yarn - size 2 circular needles. Love them. Really wanting to try this with some Yarntini or Vesper... stalking their websites...must...get...some...soon....

I could spit ~

2007-01-24T18:10:00.000-05:00

I am so excited!

Sock yarn by the bushel is on its way....sKnitches from sweet Sheri at The Loopy Ewe, Scouts Swag - her new cookie colorway, some self-striping Vesper and Yarntini and, of course, some of Dee's Posh Yarn from the sale a week or so ago.... I will be knitting socks from now 'til the 4th of July.

In order to make room for the new stash that is on it's way I am going to have to hold a destashing sale on eBay. Not that it would free up that much room, but it would ease my yarn buying conscience (you know, easier to justify the purchases that way). Anyway, when I list some, I will post here so you can take a peek and see if I have anything you can't live without.

Has anyone used Lobster Pot Yarns - the Whale of a Skein (lambswool, cashmere, angora blend)? 750 yards! Wow. The colors are so gorgeous you just want to squish them. I was thinking a short sleeve cardigan....

Look what came in the mail yesterday! I know, I am a nerd, but they were so cute I couldn't stand it!

Think I am going to love this blog thing...

2007-01-18T16:17:00.000-05:00

Look what came in the mail this week. Good gravy that is a lot of yarn!

More Posh Yarn from Dee - the coveted Cover colorway in the Sophia 8 ply and then some some lovely Sophia 8ply cashmere in the Envy colorway. Not sure what it will become, but as soon as I do, you can be sure I will post it. Sweet Georgia Yarn - Speed Demon in super kicky colorway of Fondant, some Claudia Hand Painted in Peony from Sheri at The Loopy Ewe, and lots and lots of Koigu. Also received a really fun skein of sock yarn from Heather at Serenknity, called Breakfast at Tiffany's - I just couldn't resist!

Here is my little Samson patiently humoring me while I take his picture.

In the finished object category, I finished one of my Malabrigo hand warmers (color is Geronimo) - other to be finished today and tomorrow. Then, as I said, on to the socks!

Oh, and here is a picture of my other finished neck warmer in Posh Yarn's Indulge colorway. Knit on size 13 needles, co 50 and just some reverse stockinette thrown in so that it scrunches nicely - easy peasy! Seriously - it is, without a doubt, the softest thing I have ever come in contact with. Do yourself a favor and get some of Dee's chunky cashmere - you will love it.

Thank you for the nice comments and the welcome to blogland that I have received, I am looking forward to getting to know you....

My First Post

2007-01-18T10:06:00.000-05:00

I have been a regular lurker on other blogs for over a year now and am finally going to start my own. Perhaps I have something of interest to share, perhaps not.... we will just have to see...

Coming up with a name, that's tough. However, I have been referred to as plucky (among other names). According the Websters Dictionary it means "spirited or brave" - so there you have it.... The Plucky Knitter it is!

Right now I am obsessed with hand warmers and neck warmers (Feather and Fan neck warmer from Knit 2 Together by Mel Clark and Tracey Ullman. I have made six of these - they make fabulous gifts. This one is knit in Jemima Cashmere from Dee at Posh Yarn in the UK - I love Dee's yarn!!! Seriously, if you have not visited Dee you MUST go to her site today! She is having a sale on Sunday and let me tell you, it goes fast and is so worth it).

Then next on the list is socks. I shudder to think how much has been spent on Koigu , Sweet Georgia Yarn, Yarn Pirate sock yarn~ the list goes on) in the last couple weeks. But, that is another story all together....

Then there is all the knitting for babies. I just love the look on the parents face when they see you have put so much care into making something for their new little one... and you just have to love the speed of knitting baby items. Talk about instant gratification! (The sweater shown in the Baby Kimono Sweater from Mason Dixon Knitting and the hat is from Last Minute Knitted gifts - Rowan All Seasons Cotton). Many more hats to come, especially since I just received Itty Bitty Baby Hats by Susan B. Anderson - such fun!