Bits and bobs

Little projects have ruled the day lately. Another pumpkin? Nope, it's Raspberry Beret from the Sept. 2009 issue of Crochet Today. Obviously not worked in any shade of raspberry, but rather in an eye-popping orange (Cascade Eco +). This one should be handy to let the local hunters know it's not a deer out for her morning stroll -- at least that's the plan. The very open stitches certainly won't provide a lot of warmth as the days turn colder, but if it keeps one arrow from zooming past my head...

The next little hat is from a ChicKnits pattern -- Shaker Rib Hat. It's quick and easy and toasty. I've previously knit one in Noro Kureyon, but this one is knit from some of my beginner handspun. The wool fiber is from a Cheviot sheep, and it's a natural, creamy white. The 2-ply yarn has all the "beginner spinner thick and thin" characteristics, but I think it works in the Shaker Rib stitch.

And lastly, the second wristwarmer (yes, the first one has been knit too!) from a pattern in a recent Piecework. The yarn is again a 2-ply handspun, this time in a fingering weight (and with fewer uneven bits!) from hand-dyed South African Fine fiber from The Vildish Twist etsy shop. The beautiful colors somewhat obscure the subtle lace patterning, but for me it's all about the orange love.

A Plethora of Pumpkins

I like to try something new in the garden each year -- this year it was a double header of pumpkin and corn. I actually interplanted the corn rows with a couple of pumpkin vines in imitation of early Native American plantings. Strictly speaking I should have added pole beans to the mix, but I stuck with bush beans in their own short rows. If you've ever considered growing your own sweet corn, let me just say -- DO IT! Even though we only gave over a couple of rows to the corn it performed superbly. Delish! The pumpkins did just fine also, so now I'm searching out tasty ways to add them to our meals.








Of course there's the obvious -- pie, but it's also quite delicious simply oven roasted in a little olive oil with some minced garlic and seasonings. I've used it instead of carrots in a hearty split pea soup, and find it works well in a wide range of recipes -- who knew? Pumpkins, they're not just for Halloween anymore.


Our little spinning group has continued to experiment with natural dyeing, and I was lucky enough to stumble across some black walnuts along a nearby country road. Into the dyepot with the husks, and hopefully there will be enough nutmeats to flavor up a nice loaf of banana bread. The spouse did yeoman duty and separated the husks from the nuts for me, and sacrificed his hands in the process. Yes, he used gloves, but the wire brush he was using to clean the nuts simply shredded them.




Never fear, he has been rewarded with pie.

To Dye For --

Recently a spinning group I belong to decided to try something a little different. Instead of our usual spinning sessions, we thought we'd try out some natural dyeing. The original intent was to use solar power to heat the dyebaths (this was in the height of summer), but that didn't work out so well when I gave it a go. Not to be denied, we turned instead to a grill, and a hotplate. We met at a member's home (thanks Susan!) and proceeded.

Some of us used our own handspun, some chose unspun fiber, and I, being unwilling to give up my handspun to possible disaster, used Lamb's Pride worsted -- a blend of 85% wool/15% mohair, color - creme.

Herewith, for your viewing pleasure, are my results -- (as always, you can click for bigger)

One of the books we used for how-to information was "Wild Color" by Jenny Dean. With one exception our mordanting was done with alum, which is fairly safe (just don't inhale!). I did try making my own copper mordant solution, however this is a toxic substance so you need to exert great care.

It's been fun so far -- you just never know exactly what you'll get from any dyepot. We still have some lichen "brewing", and hopefully some other plants will catch our eyes before we're done!

And I'm Back...

There now, that was a nice, relaxing break, but prime knitting/crocheting weather is approaching and it's time to get serious.

While away, I discovered a fun new yarn -- Color Changing Cotton from Wolle . Want to see what I made? Sure you do! First up, is a cute little shawlette -- Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante.






And then, with the leftover yarn -- a decorative little scarf from a Japanese accessory crochet book.



See how the yarn slowly changes color? (As always, click on the photos for bigger.) It's four strands of cotton that has one strand changing color at regular intervals, for a mesmerizing effect. Well, possibly I'm easily mesmerized (!) but it is fun to watch the changes happen.

The original scarf went off to the big city with one of the daughters, but I liked the effect so much that I'm now working on one for myself. Normally I hate to repeat patterns, so you can understand just how much I've enjoyed working with this yarn.

There's more to come -- including Adventures in Natural Dyeing -- whereby I tear up my yard looking for good candidates for the dye pot, so y'all come back!

See You In September...

There comes a time when you just need to step back from the blogging -- when it's a chore, instead of something you look forward to doing on a regular basis. I think I'm there.

I started writing this as a way to keep in touch with my good knitting friend back in New Jersey. We both had Webshots albums for sharing and showing off our projects, yarn, etc., but I tended to be a little wordier, so... Back then she was probably my only non-family visitor, and even as more folks started to drop by she remained the primary 'audience' for my ramblings. This past January, at much too young an age, Valerie lost her battle with breast cancer. I don't think you have to be a psych. major to connect the dots -- at any rate, I'll be taking a break, and hope to be back with renewed enthusiasm in the autumn.

In the meantime, here's the latest knitting project -- "Buttercup", a shrug from Kim Hargreaves. Back in the day, it was sold in kit form, although I don't think that Kim is marketing her designs that way anymore. In any event, it fit the recipient, and she appeared to like it. What more could you want?

Those who know me...

...in real life, know that I am not a major fan of odocoileus virginianus. But, even I have to admit that this little fellow is cute --

(click for bigger)

He was resting in the meadow in front of our house -- I got about 2 feet away from him, and possibly could have gotten even closer, but I didn't want to stress him too much. I'll save the stress for his grown up, ornamental plant eating, poop leaving, tick hosting relatives.

Birthday Boy!

Now I'm 3.

How about a little color inspiration from the garden?

Lavender blue --

Cherry red --

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Or maybe some fresh green?

It's amazing how much happiness you can get from a handful of sweet cherries from your own tree!