Purple Photokitty's Artwork

Shetland Spinning

2012-02-13T11:47:00.001Z

Episode 33: Trying new things

2012-02-13T11:19:00.000Z

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Highland Handmades Red Oak Roving -- Babydoll Southdown “Dark Oatmeal”

Beagin -- Sapphire Set

String Theory

Babushka doll from Mollie Makes

Centrifuging

Greenwood Fiberworks Bountiful -- 28.50 yds

Camel/Colorimetry -- 50.70 yds

Fibernymph Dye Works SF Merino Hijinx -- 128.25 yds

North Star Alpacas Cascina RoseGray Alpaca & Merino Blend -- 42.38 yds

Highland Handmade White Spruce Top “Peacock” main -- 49.44 yds

Highland Handmade White Spruce Top “Peacock” mini -- 7.79 yds

Caliope’s Fibre Bollywood 1 “Yellow” -- 3.66 yds

Caliope’s Fibre Bollywood 2 “Pink/Blue” -- 18.38 yds

Colorimetry Massam White "Blues” -- 6.42 yds

Fondant Fibre Corriedale “Blue” -- 75.00 yds

Juno Fibre Arts Silk “Blue Purple” -- 24.16 yds

HilltopCloud “Light Rainbow” 70% Shetland 30% Tussah silk -- 47.25 yds

Ceaberry Haberdashery “Sea Gems” Mixed -- 41.81 yds

Highland Handmade Pitch Pine Top “Katahdin” -- 215.83 yds

ITW January 2012 Shetland “Snow angel with an Ood” -- 66.46 yds

Old Maiden Aunt Black Shetland and Tussah Silk “Decadence” -- 50.88 yds

SockPixie Merino “Tartan” -- 63.25 yds

Testing the Hypothesis

Test -Knit Whitman County

Incubating

Crosswords at the Coffee Shop

Crafty-logical Implications

Tour of my Craft Room and Flat

Bedlam Theatre -- Snow, Glass, Apples -- They say that history is written by the victors. But the truth is something darker, messier and far, far more sinister. A wonderfully dark and adult retelling of the fairytale adapted from the short story by Neil Gaiman.

Podcast Mentions

Other Mentions

Episode 32: My clone!

2012-02-05T22:47:00.001Z

Let's Be Honest about my Fibre Stash

2012-02-02T14:07:00.003Z

Oh yes, I did it. I documented ALL my fibre.

Let's cringe and put down the numbers:
I have 66 individual things of fibre.
That is not all 2oz things (normally its more lol)
So in weight it is 3,972g (3.972kg), 140.11oz, or 8.76lbs.

That looks bad, doesn't it? I am still doing my stash down, with my yarn and fiber so let us look at those numbers for January.

For fibre, I have done 481.92 yards plied (1320.51yds singles), that was 685g, 24.16oz, or 1.51lb. So my stash is not quite as big as it looks.

For knitting and crochet, I have done 748yds. That is about to have a big jump in numbers for this month. So I am working along steadily. It still says I have to do 517.56yds a week (yeah not going to happen but thats ok).

So everything is still mostly on track and now I have some good news I will divulge on the podcast on sunday!!

Baking

2012-01-31T12:33:00.000Z

Pork chop with crackling and mashed potatoes with a dripping gravy!

Cookies, Chocolate Almond Milk and Scones to go with the Clotted Cream!

Butterscotch cookies!

So Yummy scones!!

Very easy Chocolate Almond Milk

Episode 31: Spinning and the Zoo

2012-01-30T17:04:00.001Z

Ceaberry's Haberdashery -- Big Cartel

Show notes very soon

Sale!!

2012-01-27T01:26:00.001Z

I am having a sale of a few items in my big cartel shop to make way for new exciting things!

Ceaberry's Haberdashery

Episode 30: All 30s

2012-01-23T12:19:00.002Z

Cooking

2012-01-18T18:53:00.002Z

I have made 2 separate smoothies, whole wheat bread, and vegetarian lasagne!!

Stash Down Update for Mid-January

2012-01-18T10:59:00.001Z

RULES:

Knit from current stash from before January 1, 2012
Keep record of stash accurately each month
Can be knit, crocheted, spun, tatted, woven act as long as it uses stash
Spinning will add to existing stash numbers but will be noted how much it takes up so its a “floating amount aka WATER WEIGHT”
Knit from Queue, favorites, books, magazines
Organize binder of patterns
Create a new binder for FINISHED projects so I can look back on what I have done
MOST IMPORTANT: Have as much fun as possible

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Knit/Crochet WIPs:

TC Entrelac Hand-Spun Afghan out of my hand-spun

Scarf for LBF -- Bulky

Hitchhiker using Wollmeise -- Petit Poison Nr. 5

Citron 1 using Malabrigo -- Cadmium 7

Citron 2 using Malabrigo -- Loro Barranquero 176

Critron using Wollmeise Lace Garn -- Feldmaus (not a misspelling that’s the crocheted version)

Tunisian Sampler Afghan out of left overs from some special projects (and some of that “unique” yarn you get in Let’s Knit Magazine)

Tunisian Mitered Throw (Yeah, I know I know) using the mini-skeins

Ostrich Feather Fandango using Schoppel-Wolle Lace -- Fuchsienbeet 1536

HUGO the Mini-Monster -- Wollmeise and Opal Mini-Skein

Knit/Crochet DONE:

Blossomy Test Crochet

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Weaving WIP:

Weaving DONE:

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Spinning WIP:

Alpaca

Spinning DONE:

Greenwood Fiberworks "Bountiful" Merino

Camel/Colorimetry South American Lustre Wool

Fibernymph Dyeworks "Hijinx"

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The BIG Numbers:

Total Yards Need to Knit/Crochet/Weave in 2012: 25590.9 yds

Total Yards Knitted/Crocheted/Wove to date: 394.4 yds

Total Yards Spun: 207.45 yds plied, 543.15 yds singles

Total Weight of Fibre Used: 193g, 6.81oz

Weeks Left: 50 weeks

Per week to get to 50% of stash: 504 yds

Episode 29: Episode of One

2012-01-18T10:20:00.001Z

Snuggles

2012-01-12T17:55:00.000Z

Snuggles Info at Yarnivore

Recap of my Animals:
Sprinkles RIP at 17yrs
Socks RIP at 17.5 yrs
Lineman RIP at 7 yrs

Current Animals:
DC 13ish yrs
Betsy 12ish yrs
Gretchen 8-10ish yrs
Satch, Aeo, and Priscilla 7 yrs (siblings)
Sarah Beth 4ish yrs
Momma cat 2yrs
George and Gracie 0.75 yrs (siblings)
McCullough, Anne, and Lloyd 0.25 yrs (siblings)

Ruppert almost 3yrs (his birthday is coming up soon)
Willow almost 2yrs (she is almost 1yr and a month younger then Ruppert)

Episode 28: Gonna be a Fast one

2012-01-08T15:29:00.001Z

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

ITW Fiber Club

Dye Spin Knit UK

Knitting Goddess

Centrifuging

Bountiful

Colorimetry and Camel

Hijinx -- Fibernymph

Testing the Hypothesis

Blossomy Scarf

Hitchhiker

Critron

Crafty-logical Implications

Episode 27: New Year

2012-01-01T19:00:00.002Z

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Origin Yarn -- Baby Alpaga -- Berger de France
Berger de France -- Baby yarn
Rumba net yarn

Testing the Hypothesis
TC Mitered Square Blanket
Critron
Crafty-logical Implications
Slide show!!!

Into the new year

2012-01-01T02:48:00.001Z

My first post into the new year is not resolutions or goals but it is to remind everyone to take a deep breath. Just breathe and everything will sort itself out.

There will be a podcast coming out later today with a few separate clips and a slide show with commentary. I will also have some small sections of works in progress and stash enhancement. I will list my goals and show what 2012 will entail. If you follow me then you know some of my plans but I do also have a life beyond knitting and it is not my bread and butter so I will explain some things about me. I hope everyone's New Years was great and that everyone is safe and sound in bed! Coming from the home of the largest street party in the world all I can say is that I am glad I am warm and safe in my bed.

Well, time for bed for me so I can get my podcast out later this morning! I just wanted to thank everyone who has commented or emailed me over these last few months. I podcast for you, and because I love to talk. Here is to another year of growing together!

Stash Down 2012

2011-12-26T12:50:00.002Z

I have imposed a new “yarn/fibre diet” until this stash gets under control! The stash down is for knitting and crochet but I will be posting here my spinning as well!! My diet is just that, a diet… which means PORTION CONTROL not stopping completely!

So let’s get started shall we?

RULES:

Knit from current stash from before January 1, 2012
Keep record of stash accurately each month
Can be knit, crocheted, spun, tatted, woven act as long as it uses stash
Spinning will add to existing stash numbers but will be noted how much it takes up so its a “floating amount aka WATER WEIGHT”
Knit from Queue, favorites, books, magazines
Organize binder of patterns
Create a new binder for FINISHED projects so I can look back on what I have done
MOST IMPORTANT: Have as much fun as possible

Let’s try some statistics shall we? Don’t run away I have already done all the numbers:

How many skeins have I put into Ravelry (Mini-skeins sometimes are small skeins of their original so they would be ie. 0.1 of a skein): 220.21 skeins

How many have I used: 92.98 skeins
Really? hmmm if you say I have then I guess I have…

Now for some brass tacks:
Total Yards/Meters Stashed: 47,822.1 yds/43,728.4 m
Remaining Skeins: 127.23 skeins plus mini skeins
Remaining Yards/Meters: 40,400.8 yds/36,942.1 m
What’s that in Miles/Kilometres: 22.96 mi/36.94 km

How much I have actually used in Yards/Meters: 7,421.3 yds/6,786.3 m

How much of that is Hand-Spun? 2111.6 yds/1930.7 m

In percentages that means I have knit/crocheted: 15.5% of my stashed yarn

So what shall I do with this information?
Well since in the last year and a half I have only knit/crocheted 4.2 mi/6.8 km I doubt it would be a reasonable goal to knit my ENTIRE stash I hope to get my percentages up to 50% of stashed yarn. I have no idea what will enter into my stash this next year but trust me it is going to be selective and probably mostly fibre. Since my loom has come about it will be a great way to use up yarn that proves too “unique” to knit/crochet up. I understand now why crocheting lead to knitting lead to spinning lead to dyeing lead to weaving.

Knit/Crochet WIPs:
TC Entrelac Hand-Spun Afghan out of my hand-spun
Scarf for LBF -- Bulky
Hitchhiker** using Wollmeise -- Petit Poison Nr. 5
Citron using Malabrigo -- Cadmium 7
Citron using Malabrigo -- Loro Barranquero 176
Critron using Wollmeise Lace Garn -- Feldmaus (not a misspelling that’s the crocheted version)
Tunisian Sampler Afghan out of left overs from some special projects (and some of that “unique” yarn you get in Let’s Knit Magazine)
Tunisian Mitered Throw (Yeah, I know I know) using the mini-skeins
Ostrich Feather Fandango using Schoppel-Wolle Lace -- Fuchsienbeet 1536

Knit/Crochet DONE:
Simplicity Socks
Manos Diamond Hat
SAL/KAL for The Knit Girllls -- Yvaine
Scarf for LBFs mom -- Owl Scarf

Weaving WIP:
Coasters Tri-Color Set
Sachets 1st Set

Weaving DONE:
Rainbow Bag

My added spinning stash down:

How is spinning going to work?
Finished yarn only! It must be plyed, it must be washed, it must be dry. And it must be on Ravelry (if there was no photo then it didn’t happen… right?)

Spinning WIP:

Spinning DONE:
KAL/SAL for Knit Girllls Ceaberry’s Haberdashery Hand-Spun 2-Ply Wool
Frank’s Colorway
Firestar
AngoraAlpaca
AlpacaTeeswater

Running Totals:
Knit/Crochet: 1,808.23 yds
Spinning: 460.01 yds
Weaving: 710.60

Total Destash: 2,523.83 yds

Weeks Left: 52 weeks
Per week to get to 50% of stash: 338yds

To-Do List

2011-12-26T12:37:00.001Z

Updated to do list: (26/12/2011)

1. ~~**Show notes for the episodes and for the ravelry group**~~
2. Knitting for stash down and spinning for stash down
--- I will be putting up totals next week to show my progress!!
3. **SAL/KAL for The Knit Girllls** FINISHED!!
4. ~~***KAL for Knitting blooms -- Frogged***~~
5. Using up mini skeins -- TC Mitred Square Blanket
6. ***Log-cabin blanket -- Work on that just a bit*** FROGGED!
7. ~~**Simplicity socks - Finished!!**~~
8. ~~TARDIS kindle case-- FINISHED~~
9. Scarf for LBF
10. ~~Scarf for LBFs mom -- Owl Scarf~~
11. X-stitch -- both small, medium, and large -- ~~Magnet finished!~~
12. Updating the Shop's blog -- More soon
13. Working on more stitch markers
14. Tatting for Charity -- Blocking needed
15. Writing up some patterns -- working on it
16. ***Taygete*** -- Frogged for now
17. ***TUCK Shawl KAL*** FROGGED
18. Dyeing up some new colorways
19. ***Huldran Shawl*** -- Frogged for now

Episode 26: Happy Holidays from Luxembourg

2011-12-25T01:01:00.001Z

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Wolle Rödel http://www.wolleroedel.de/

Sport and sock wool Color Fashion 15087 (multicolor)

Scheepjes Highlands http://www.scheepjeswol.nl

Testing the Hypothesis

Hitchhiker using Wollmeise -- Petit Poison Nr. 5
Citron using Malabrigo -- Cadmium 7
Citron using Malabrigo -- Loro Barranquero 176
Critron using Wollmeise Lace Garn -- Feldmaus (not a misspelling that’s the crocheted version)
Tunisian Sampler Afghan out of left overs from some special projects (and some of that ghastly “unique” yarn you get in Let’s Knit Magazine)
Tunisian Mitered Throw (Yeah, I know I know) using the mini-skeins
Ostrich Feather Fandango using Schoppel-Wolle Lace -- Fuchsienbeet 1536

Conclusion -- Crafty-logical Implications

Öma Beer Scamorrza Fumé -- http://www.oema-dbeers.de/
Trier Christmas Market

Yarn Shops:

In Trier (Germany):

Knitting in the New Year

2011-12-22T10:32:00.000Z

So I have been planning, and since I am going to Luxembourg today I needed some knitting/crochet projects. Why? Well... I found myself in a unique position. I have nothing left on the needles! Yup. After I slipped that Owl Scarf off my needles and laid it to block out (which btw was a waste of time to get it to stop from curling!!) I had nothing else on my needles. Well I did, but ripped it got (Log cabin Blanket is no more and so is the Mitred Sock Blanket). I found myself without knitting or crochet for my plane rides, car rides and time at LBF's house! So what did I do?? I reorganized my stash, documented ALL of it except most of the mini-skeins and fiberholics/phat fiber. They will be done after I get back but it wasn't needed for this trip so I didn't waste my time (and after not being able to find my passport for an hour I ran out of time).

I have endeavoured to knit from my stash, spin from my fibre, dye the things up for my shop, make jewellery and stitch markers, weave some of my more difficult to knit yarn, and knit from my favorites, queue, and books in Ravelry.

Let's try some statistics shall we? Don't run away I have already done all the numbers:

How many skeins have I put into Ravelry (Mini-skeins sometimes are small skeins of their original so they would be ie. 0.1 of a skein): 220.21 skeins

How many have I used: 92.98 skeins
Really? hmmm if you say I have then I guess I have...

Now for some brass tacks:
Total Yards/Meters Stashed: 47,822.1 yds/43,728.4 m
Remaining Skeins: 127.23 skeins plus mini skeins
Remaining Yards/Meters: 40,400.8 yds/36,942.1 m
What's that in Miles/Kilometres: 22.96 mi/36.94 km

How much I have actually used in Yards/Meters: 7,421.3 yds/6,786.3 m
In percentages that means I have knit/crocheted: 15.5% of my stashed yarn

Now I ripped out the Diagonal Blanket and Log cabin after these numbers but they are minimal.

Can we stop to appreciate that I will have knit 23 MILES if I knit my entire stash as of right now...
Also, this includes hand-spun that has been listed on the Ravelry page so these numbers will change! However, most of my hand-spun is actually crocheted up!

So what shall I do with this information?
Well since in the last year and a half I have only knit/crocheted 4.2 mi/6.8 km I doubt it would be a reasonable goal to knit my ENTIRE stash I hope to get my percentages up to 50% of stashed yarn. I have no idea what will enter into my stash this next year but trust me it is going to be selective and probably mostly fibre. Since my loom has come about it will be a great way to use up yarn that proves too "unique" to knit/crochet up. I understand now why crocheting lead to knitting lead to spinning lead to dyeing lead to weaving.

Ok, back to my story of going to Luxembourg. I now am the proud queuer upper of 7 new patterns:
(All of these are in the side bar on the raillery app)

Hitchhiker using Wollmeise -- Petit Poison Nr. 5
Citron using Malabrigo -- Cadmium 7
Citron using Malabrigo -- Loro Barranquero 176
Critron using Wollmeise Lace Garn -- Feldmaus
Tunisian Sampler Afghan out of left overs from some special projects (and some of that ~~ghastly~~ "unique" yarn you get in Let's Knit Magazine)
Tunisian Mitered Throw (Yeah, I know I know) using the mini-skeins
Ostrich Feather Fandango using Schoppel-Wolle Lace -- Fuchsienbeet 1536

All but #5 is going with me to be casted on in Luxembourg! There are crochet and knitting patterns mixed in and I will be excited to get these started and start building up what's on my needles!!

Hope you all have wonderful holidays and a Happy New Year!

I think I may have an issue...

2011-12-20T23:10:00.001Z

I thought I would share my semi-stash, it has been added to since this photograph and this DOES NOT include my fibre stash which I wouldn't even dare take a picture of and show to anyone...

It is not as bad as some I know, at least it still fits on the bed easily... The BOX of mini-skeins is to the left unseen which is about 50ish mini-skeins...

I have decided to photograph and document my entire stash. Not out of guilt but I need to use it! 2012 will be a year of stash down. If I run out of yarn (unlikely) then I can buy more! You see that Green blob and a shiny pile behind?? That my Wollmeise! lol. Enjoy the enabling erm... I mean picture of my stash ;)

Episode 25: All About Weaving

2011-12-18T15:36:00.000Z

Show Notes

Testing the Hypothesis

Owl Scarf -- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/scouting-owl-scarf

Null Accepted

TARDIS kindle case -- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/tardis-kindle-case-dr-who

Warp Factor 20

Ceaberry’s Haberdashery Blog http://ceaberrys.blogspot.com
Frank's mom bag -- Rainbow bag -- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/rainbow-bag
Coaster Tri-Color Set -- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/coasters-tri-color-set
Sachet Set 1 -- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/sachets-1st-set

Crossing off the Data

Wee Highland Coo

Crafty-logical Implications

The King and I at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre
Puss and Boots 2D at Ocean Terminal
Edinburgh Farmer's Market

Mentions

Knitting Blooms (Blooming Knitter) mentions me on her latest podcast!! Ep 34.

Episode 24: What's Loomin'?

2011-12-12T12:22:00.001Z

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Highland Handmades http://shop.highlandhandmades.com/
Stitchy McYarnpants http://www.etsy.com/shop/McYarnpants
Knitting Goddess http://www.theknittinggoddess.co.uk/

Testing the Hypothesis

Owl Scarf -- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/scouting-owl-scarf

Null Accepted

TARDIS kindle case -- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/tardis-kindle-case-dr-who

Warp Factor 20

Ceaberry’s Haberdashery Blog http://ceaberrys.blogspot.com
http://Handspinner.co.uk Ashford Knitters Loom 20”
Frank's mom bag -- Rainbow bag -- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/rainbow-bag

Coaster set 1 -- http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/coasters-1st-set

Crafty-logical Implications

Charity craft show

Colin McBeth http://web.me.com/c.mcb/album/
Nippit Knits
Felt 'N' Funky www.feltnfunky.co.uk
Lazy Lizard Crafts www.lazylizardcrafts.com
Azenka www.azenka.co.uk
Via Fang www.viafang.com

What has been looming?

2011-12-07T19:41:00.001Z

Today I got my Ashford knitters loom that is 20". I was waiting all day for it to arrive and it just do happened that my day was not quite as planned. My meeting to release me from my lease was followed by Luke warm feelings and a sigh of perseverance. My LBF stayed at the flat today to await my loom for me. I got my curry chicken for lunch and saw the two pieces of vegan chocolate cake ( I am not began but this cake is amazing) so I got th IDE. Upon returning home and setting up to eat I bit into what I thought was a sugar snap pea... The immense pain of oil rushed into my mouth and my LBF almost died laughing as he rushed to go get me some milk.

Let's just say I hoped my loom go t there soon. I finished my HOT curry and started on the cake. There went the buzzer and my LBF rushed to buzz him in and I raced to the door. There it was the brown paper parcel I had waited for all day long. I ripped through the brown paper and tape and took my looming out to the living room to warm up. I finished eating (yes that cake is that awesome) and started to read the "destructions" for it. When I had finished that I got an email saying they may have found a tenant for me for January! What luck!

I got the first part and set it up to be warped. I messed up the warp 3 times! My problem was the 2nd picture made no sense with the direction given. So I read it carefully and figured it out like a crow trying to get at food. All warp and ready to go... We went to Earthy and got groceries, they had my elderflower cordial there go luckily. I came home and began weaving. I noticed I had threaded one string wrong and had a gap but off I went!

Proud is an emotion I do not feel very often. How my weaving is turning out I can honestly say I am proud of it. I am excited to see its final state as a clutch bag!

Stash Down Continues

2011-12-05T14:00:00.000Z

It continues!!

Known WIPs:
Tunisian Crochet Entrelac Blanket out of my hand-spun (anything spun up after October 8th will not count): To-date from Rainbow-itis to ??
SAL/KAL for The Knit Girllls
Using up mini skeins -- Diamond Blanket
Log-cabin blanket -- Work on that just a bit
Scarf for LBF -- Bulky
Scarf for LBFs mom -- Owl Scarf
Taygete
TUCK Shawl KAL
Huldran Shawl

Finished:
Simplicity Socks (x2 gift bonus)
Manos Diamond Hat

Spinning:

KAL/SAL for Knit Girllls
Frank’s Colorway
Firestar
AngoraAlpaca
AlpacaTeeswater

Running Totals:
Knit/Crochet: 1,808.23 yds
What Counts towards Knitting Blooms: 1,701.63 yds
Gift Knit/Crochet: 397.40 yds
What Counts towards Knitting Blooms: 636.40 yds (remember its x2 and the owl scarf doesn’t count for this one)
Spinning: 460.01 yds

Total Destash: 2,523.83 yds
Total Counts towards Knitting Bloom: 2,338.03 yds
What I have left to knit: 3,661.972 yds
Per week: 610.33 yds

Episode 23: Knitting and Snow

2011-12-05T13:46:00.001Z

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Into the Whirled http://www.shop.intothewhirled.com/

Null accepted

Yvaine Shawl - SAL/KAL for The Knit Girllls http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/yvaine
Niagara scarf http://www.ravelry.com/projects/photokitty/niagara-2

Crafty-logical Implications

Giveaway winner -- #1 Kim!!
Craft fairs and Christmas fairs

Episode 22: Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-25T15:54:00.001Z

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Testing the Hypothesis

Taygete -- Shawl of West
Owl Scarf -- Abstract Cat
TUCK Shawl
Diamond Blanket
Niagara shawl
Huldran KAL
Yavine Shawl - SAL/KAL for The Knit Girllls
Mawata funhouse no rav link yet

Centrifuging

Yak, merino, silk

Under the microscope

Stashbuster Knits

Crafty-logical Implications

Turkey, turkey, turkey
Giveaway open until Saturday 12:00pm EST or 5:00pm GMT

Mentions

Charminglochie podcast
Whatcha stashing
Knit purl gurl video cast

OMG...

2011-11-20T13:04:00.001Z

Updated to do list for this week:

Show notes for the episodes and for the ravelry group
Knitting for stash down and spinning for stash down

I will be putting up totals next week to show my progress!!

SAL/KAL for The Knit Girllls

Spinning is done and I will start the Yvain on Sunday the 20th (today).

~~KAL for Knitting blooms~~ -- Frogged
Using up mini skeins -- Diamond Blanket
Log-cabin blanket -- Work on that just a bit
~~Simplicity socks~~ - Finished!!
TARDIS kindle case -- Lining needed
Scarf for LBF -- Erm... well....
Scarf for LBFs mom -- Owl Scarf
X-stitch -- both small, medium, and large -- Erm... well...
Updating the Shop's blog -- soon
Working on more stitch markers
Tatting for Charity -- Blocking needed
Writing up some patterns -- working on it
Taygete
TUCK Shawl KAL
Dyeing up some new colorways
Few other small things!

Episode 21: Getting on with it

2011-11-20T09:33:00.001Z

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Testing the Hypothesis

Null Accepted

Simplicity Socks

Crafty-logical Implications

The Stand in Edinburgh
Kilimanjaro Cafe

So much to do

2011-11-16T23:19:00.001Z

I have been busy working on finishing my LBFs socks, the diamond triangle blanket, the TUCK shawl and the taygete shawl. However, I ripped out my entire day's work and it wasn't much at that to start with today. I did block all my finished objects I had languishing. So I should have some updated photos for my revelry here soon! Hope everyone has a great week. I will be working on the show notes tomorrow.

Episode 20: Finally in the 20s

2011-11-12T22:31:00.001Z

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Testing the Hypothesis

Centrifuging

SAL/KAL Haunted Vineyard
Frank’s Colorway

Crafty-logical Implications

Stash Down with Knitting Blooms
High Fiber Diet

Some housekeeping coming up

2011-11-10T11:59:00.002Z

I have been up to my eyeballs in things that need to be done, knit, crocheted, spun and stuff to make sure my blog and ravelry pages run smoothly. I am epically failing at all of the above. Not anymore! I am now free to do some housekeeping so here is my list:

Show notes for the episodes and for the ravelry group
Knitting for stash down and spinning for stash down
SAL/KAL for The Knit Girllls
KAL for Knitting blooms
Using up mini skeins
Log-cabin blanket
Simplicity socks
TARDIS kindle case
Scarf for LBF
Mittens for LBFs mom
X-stitch -- both small, medium, and large
Updating my website
Updating the Shop's blog
Working on more stitch markers
Tatting for Charity
Writing up some patterns
A few shawls I am working on...

Yeah, I am going to stop now, there is more on this list. I have things to do for my PhD and some issues with housing but for now here are some pictures:

Sherbey!!

Firestar yarn: 100.3 yards 4 color gradient

Manos Diamond Hat

Episode 19: Aftermath of the WIPs

2011-11-05T16:42:00.000Z

RIP John Frank Blechl who died November 5, 2011 of bone cancer. He was my biological father. This podcast was made before I found out the news.

Giveaway

2011-10-31T22:36:00.002Z

YAY! Lisa you have won and I will be sending you your prize shortly!! For those who saw the previous version I did have the address, I really shouldn't have cold meds in me when I record!!

Episode 18: SHOP OPEN

2011-10-28T19:10:00.003+01:00

My shop is now OPEN: Ceaberry's Haberdashery
Use code SURPRISE 28 for a discount!

Show Notes

Stash Enhancement -- Investment for the Future

Works in Progress -- Testing the Hypothesis

Shop Opening

2011-10-28T13:03:00.002+01:00

My shop shall be opening 7PM BST (That's 2PM EST). It will be a small opening but I will be adding more over the next few weeks!! Stay tuned

Episode 17: Glasgow School of Yarn

2011-10-24T15:20:00.000+01:00

Show Notes

Introduction

Glasgow School of Yarn
Amy Singer
Ann Kingstone
Carol Feller
Stephen West

Stash Enhancement -- Investment for the Future

Abstract Cat Crafts (www.abstractcat.co.uk)
Colorimetry (www.etsy.com/shop/colorimetry)
Old Maiden Aunt (www.oldmaidenaunt.com)
Peppermint Penguin
Ripples Crafts (www.ripplescrafts.com)
Skein Queen (www.skeinqueen.co.uk)
The Yarn Yard (www.theyarnyard.co.uk)
Fripperies and Bibelots
Sheepskin Shop
Yarn Harlot -- All Wound Up

Spinning -- Centrifuging

Alpaca and Teeswater
Alpaca and Angora
Firestar from Highland Handmades

Works in Progress -- Testing the Hypothesis

Conclusion -- Crafty-logical Implications

Lisa and Kim won the give away!! CONGRATS!
Enter to win some LOVELY Angora hand-dyed in the Orkney Isles!!

Trip to Isle of Arran and GSOY

2011-10-24T14:59:00.001+01:00

Sherbey and Frank are excited to go to the Isle of Arran...

Too bad this was the WRONG train... We got on one eventually but missed the ferry!! We caught a later one.

We are at Androssan South Beach! Playing around waiting for the ferry!

Playing around on the Ferry!

View of the Isle of Arran from the ferry!

Knitting on the ferry! Those are the Simplicity Socks.

This is the Glasgow School of Yarn!! We were in the Mackintosh Church at Queen's Cross!

I did not take many pictures here but Stephen West was there and it was his birthday at well!!

Yummy Full English breakfast anyone?

Afternoon tea at the Tea Rooms in Glasgow!

Can i just say now: It is £11.50 p/p and it is WORTH IT!

Episode 16: Lots in incubating!

2011-10-14T14:31:00.000+01:00

Show Notes

Stash Enhancement -- Investment for the Future

The Yarn Yard (www.theyarnyard.co.uk)

Works in Progress -- Testing the Hypothesis

Conclusion -- Crafty-logical Implications

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

4
Timestamp: 2011-10-14 11:50:04 UTC

Congrats Debbie!!

Knitting Blooms Stash Down (KBSD 2011)

2011-10-12T16:39:00.002+01:00

I have entered myself into a stash down from Knitting Blooms! I have imposed a new "yarn/fibre diet" until this stash gets under control! The stash down is for knitting and crochet but I will be posting here my spinning as well!!

So let's get started shall we?

Rules from Knitting Blooms:
Knit or crochet with stash that was acquired before October 8th 2011 (that means in your house not bought before that date!)
Gifts/Charity are x2 the yardage
You need to knit/crochet 6000 yards before December 31 2011
Spinning is not included but you may use hand-spun done BEFORE October 8th 2011
You may include yards that you destash... Although I have yarn on my podcast I am giving away it was never part of my stash, nor is any yarn/fibre I put up for my shop so this won't be a category for me!

Known WIPs:
Simplicity Socks (x2 gift bonus): I shall weigh the yarn left later.
Hexipuffs: This is great since I had just finished one on the 7th!
Tunisian Crochet Entrelac Blanket out of my hand-spun (anything spun up after October 8th will not count): To-date from Rainbow-itis to ?? -- 200 yards

My added spinning stash down:

How is spinning going to work?

Finished yarn only! It must be plyed, it must be washed, it must be dry. And it must be on Ravelry (if there was no photo then it didn't happen... right?)

Spinning:
Nothing as of yet. Those samples from Greenwood Fiberworks are in my vision!

Running Totals:
Knit/Crochet: 200 yards
Gift Knit/Crochet: 0
Spinning: 0

Sometimes you just need a smile

2011-10-12T11:04:00.002+01:00

I am working hard behind the scenes but I thought I would show something bright in this wintery weather we are having!

Oh only 100 more skeins to knit??

2011-10-07T12:04:00.004+01:00

Yeah those 100 skeins looks like this:

That does not include the hand-spun I have yet to put up or any new skeins I have acquired. It will go fast I hope...

Episode 15: It's My Birthday!

2011-10-06T14:47:00.002+01:00

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Testing the Hypothesis

TARDIS Kindle Case

Spoonflower

Simplicity Socks

Centrifuging

Greenwood Fiberworks

Tiger Lily
Shades of Burgundy

Heckling many fibres!

Crafty-logical Implications

Do you watch to the end?

Episode 14: Time to get back to knitting!

2011-10-02T20:18:00.002+01:00

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

In the Lab aka Side Experiments

Bee Backpack Keychain
Bee Stitch Markers
Triangle Polymer Clay Beads

Testing the Hypothesis

Null Accepted

Yup I left the redo of the section in there... I can hear the laughter now...
Oven Mitt
Chunky Scarf

Under the Microscope

PUSH Stitchery
Compendium of Sewing

Spinning -- Picture Heavy!

2011-09-28T11:22:00.001+01:00

Let us start with the fibre from the Fibreholics bag. You may need to get a cup of tea/coffee/alcoholic beverage to view all of this!

Samples from Skeins always make me a happy bunny!!

Merino/Bleached Tussah Silk is just so squishy!!

Spinning a Yarn... Go get it now... really so soft!!

My Heart Exposed is always reliable in its quality!

Freyalyn's, all I can say is yummy.

Fondant Fibre has some excellent wool choices that are different from the norm.

The Whorle's End really out did themselves with this one!!

HillTop Cloud, consistant and beyond lovely!

Sparkleduck was a new one for me and it will be bought in the future!

Manda Crafts has won my heart over!

Oh Laal Bear I want to just go up to your shop and fall to the floor in love.

Oh did I mention a new spindle? From Pig Tales Spindles??

Ok, so scotch tensioning is AMAZING!!!

On the Bobbin:

Off the bobbin:

Behind the scenes!

2011-09-28T09:41:00.002+01:00

So what does it look like for a small time seller before they open their shop? Chaos and some really funny moments:

Not all of these are for sale but some in there
are going to be in the shop soon!!

No shower for a few hours...

New batch of beads.

Little look of behind the scenes, hope you enjoyed!

Tee-Shirt Bag

2011-09-27T20:51:00.003+01:00

This bag I made from my LB's old tee shirt and my new sewing machine!

Episode 13: Scotch Tension

2011-09-25T15:42:00.000+01:00

Show Notes

Investment for the Future

Scrumptious Lace by Fyberspates.com

String Theory

Bf’s teeshirt bag -- first sewed bag!!

Centrifuging

Scotch Tensioning!

Fiberholics Samples -- I will link the actual places when I get them all plyed!

Testing the Hypothesis

10 Row Lace Chunky Scarf

HEXIPUFFS -- *cough* I mean hexipuffs....

Crafty-logical Implications

Enjoy my podcasting goofs for this week since my computer ate my ending!

Episode 12: I am deep in the Mini-Skeins

2011-09-18T20:20:00.000+01:00

Introduction

Plurk Podcaster Challenge -- Viking Bag and Strap

Go Vote!!

Helios Fountain

Stash Enhancement -- Investment for the Future

Dyeing -- In the Lab

Shropshire Logwood Dye -- TBS
Merino Dark Purple -- TBS
Merino Burgundy
Wool Yarn

Finished Objects -- Null Accepted

Riptides Hat -- That would be X-Mas gift not birthday present.

Spinning -- Centrifuging

Silk from Juno Fibre Arts
Hilltop Cloud Spindle Spun Sample

Conclusion -- Crafty-logical Implications

Spinning and Logwood Dyeing!

2011-09-14T11:38:00.001+01:00

Before getting extremely ill, in which I am much better after some antibiotics, I did some spinning and natural dyeing using logwood! So here are some of the results!

This is the original batt of Angora, Alpaca, Mohair, Merino, and Firestar! From: NorthStarAlpacas
Their description of the batt:
Alpaca from fawn Polaris, white Tom, and rosegray Vinnie in Gratiot County, Michigan
Angora from Saphirre who lives in Alma, Michigan
Merino from Genopalette on Etsy
Mohair from FroggyFibers -http://www.etsy.com/shop/froggyfibers
Firestar from WildHare Studio -http://www.etsy.com/shop/wildhare

Here is the single from the two batts I had bought.

Sampler from HilltopCloud. I have some spindle spun from this but I will put them
together once I have everything plyed!

Early B-day present from my LBF!! Plus two more bobbins!

Logwood Dyeing Experiments:

Logwood Dyeing Experiments:
Top Left: British Shropshire with Alum Mordant
Bottom Left: Pink Extra-fine Merino with Alum Mordant
Middle: 100% mystery Wool lace-weight yarn with Alum Mordant
Right: Red Extra-fine Merino with Vinegar and 2nd dye-bath

The pink in the centre and the red at the bottom are the merinos I used!

From the Red Merino to a Burgundy color

From the Pink Merino to a Lovely Rich Royal Purple!

From a beige yarn to a almost brown purple!

This is the Shropshire I have been using as of late!
About time I would say!

So from the off white to this lovely dark purple!

So, what happens when alum doesn't bind with the fibre?
Well it would have been this blue spot color!
This is the only one I have found so far...

So that's it for now! I had a blast trying out Logwood dyeing and doing some more spinning!

Double Rainbow!

2011-09-12T08:38:00.001+01:00

This greeted me this morning!

Food and Plurk Podcaster Challenge

2011-09-11T18:43:00.001+01:00

Oh yeah, Chorizo, Pasta-Roni, and peas!!

This is the current progress!!

Episode 11: Almost There

2011-09-11T17:50:00.002+01:00

Show notes later....

T-Shirt Yarn

2011-09-06T08:11:00.000+01:00

Here is some more recycled shirts and pyjamas!

Learning how to Hackle!

2011-09-05T17:25:00.000+01:00

So I got a hackle the other day... Well I finally put together some fun fibre combos and here are the results!!

Deep Sea Blue

Frog Pond Green

Turbulence

Edinburgh: Portobello Beach!

2011-09-05T17:08:00.000+01:00

Me and my LBF went to the beach near us in Edinburgh. We were hunting for sea glass!! This is what we found!

The beach at low tide!

Hoard 1 at High tide!

Hoard 2 at Low tide!

Found some lovely pottery!

Is that an ORANGE piece of sea glass??

Some coral/barnacles

Glass with writing still on it!

Is that a Popeye's Chicken in the UK??

Dang it!! Dashed my hopes of my mom coming to stay in the UK forever!!

What a beautiful rose!!

Episode 10: Revealing the Challenge

2011-09-02T18:47:00.002+01:00

Show notes to come later

PPkArt Ravelry Group:The Plurk Podcaster Challenge thread will be up shortly!

30 Day Shred: Day 11

2011-08-29T10:30:00.000+01:00

OMG. Yeah ok so I need to learn how to do a plank position. That would make this workout of Level 2 a bit better. Besides that it wasn't really that bad. Instead of the double time (excuse the use of a Tae-BO term) jump ropes I did double time punches. I tried to do all the plank thingies but I modified some to be able to do something. I looked up on Spark People how to practice the position so I will give it a try later tonight.

I should probably not drink coffee before the workout but eh... gets the heart racing. Just kidding, don't do it. I am going to keep on trucking through it, and honestly, the weighted version of a backward crunch, you can do it. Without the weights I would have felt like I was doing level one but I can do that kind of weight lifting all day so it might just be me.

Tonight is Coq au Vin a la tallegatte noodles. I hope anyone on level 1 doesn't get scared for level 2, just practice plank position!!

30 Day Shred: Day 10 & Rest day

2011-08-28T08:45:00.000+01:00

So Day 10 of the shred wasn't doing the shred at all. I walked, a lot. I went to the farmer's market, up the hill (and I mean HILL) to my place, then to the beach for an hour of walking in the sand a surf, and then walking around the supermarket. So I did exercise just not the structure of the shred!! This is also the last day of level 1 so I am onto level 2 for day 11 after my rest day today!!

So for Day 10 I took my measurements:
Weight: 117.5kg (259lbs)
Waist: 116cm (45.6in)
Hips: 135cm (53.15in) *my only increase*
Thigh: 80cm (31.5in)
Upper arm: 42cm (16.5in)
Neck: 38cm (15in)
Calf: 48cm (19in) *yup exactly the same!!*
Weight to Hip Ratio: 0.87

Before and After Day 1 vs Day 10

You can see the difference in the waist, the little circle has moved a bit over on the shirt on how it fits. My bum is a bit smaller but not by much yet.

Looking great for the start of day 11 level 2.

Coming up in the next 2 weeks!

2011-08-26T11:55:00.000+01:00

I will be working on my blog and ravelry pages in the next few days!

Here is what I have to do:

Show notes and blog post for Episode 8, 8.5 and 9
Put up new yarn on Ravelry
Put up new pictures on blog

For crafting? Sigh...

Ripping the Stephen West KAL
Ripping the baby hat and re-knitting it
Rustic Autumn Shawl KAL 1.5 more repeats and a garter stitch edge
Find a scrap Afghan pattern Have one?? Please leave a comment!!
Entrelac Bag -- may be ripped and redone in tunisian crochet
Simplicity Socks
Plurk Podcaster Challenge Project
More polymer beads
Spinning
Dyeing
Some in the works patterns as well!

Ok I think thats it... It will be over there ---> for the time being.

30 Day Shred: Day 7, 8, & 9

2011-08-26T11:45:00.000+01:00

Ok, no I didn't stop! I have been super busy. For Days 7 & 8 I did my own exercise and not the shred video and I did do the shred today (Day 9). I feel it, I feel the abs mostly and my foot is doing some weird thing (but because I wear flip-flops it is probably because of them not the workout).

Workout:
I did kill out the jumping rope things and did punches instead. MUCH better!! My legs are not trying to rip themselves from my bones anymore. The arm raises with the sideways lunges, still bait difficult but not too terrible. The bicycles are finally coming together. Only one more day of level 1 then I move on to level 2 after a rest day.

Tonight is stuffed bell peppers and it should be fun! Hope everyone is having a great week!!

Episode 9: Back to normal...Somewhat (Almost)

2011-08-26T10:51:00.000+01:00

Show Notes:
Plurk Podcaster Challenge
Yeah there was about 10 more min to that introduction but I cut it off...

Investment for the future:
My Heart Exposed
Turtlepurl
Highland Handmades

Testing the Hypothesis:

Simplicity Socks

Rustic Autumn Shawl KAL

Null Accepted:

Preemie Beanie

Centrifuging:

Bollywood Samples on Bobbin -- Destined to be in afghan

Hampton Artistic Yarn -- Destines for probably a beanie

ArtBatt -- Destined to go with another hand-spun

Null Rejected

Stephen West KAL -- Frogging it!

Episode 8.5: Another Mini-sode

2011-08-23T18:00:00.000+01:00

Show notes:
Miss Purl
Funhouse Fibers
Phat Fiber Box

30 Day Shred: Day 6

2011-08-23T16:21:00.000+01:00

So after my rest day I got back to it!! I replaced the jump rope thing with bum kicks. This seemed to work a lot better for me!

So... I found out today my scale is a LIAR!!! LOL. Either my stupidity or my idiocy of my scale is to blame for this... let's blame the scale shall we? After taking it off the carpet and onto a wood floor I am now a new weight!

Weight:
117.5 kg or 259 pounds so thats 6lbs down!!!

Workout:
I did replace my jump rope with bum kicks. Being off a day didn't seem to affect the workout at all. My body is used to it now and I hope I lose more weight so Level 2 in 6 days will be good for me to move onto!!

Having beef, with cheesy potatoes and a good number of veggies!!

30 Day Shred: Day 5 & Rest day

2011-08-22T15:30:00.000+01:00

Yup, yesterday I did do the shred, actually really early in the morning. However, today is a rest day. Tomorrow will be counted as Day 6. Why no shred today? Because my body told me no, and it said it loudly. Technically you should do 5 days of workout with 2 days of rest inter dispersed. But I will be doing 5 days of workout and 1 day of rest (after day 5, 10, 15, 20, 25).

So here we go!

Weight: 120kg :( Poo.... Oh well. I can feel the muscles working and that's really all that matters!

Workout:
I changed up the workout, when doing those jumping ropes I decided part of the way through, instead of stopping to do punches. Some reason the calves just HATE that one mixed with the jumping jacks. I can do it in the last circuit when they are not together. Everything else is going great!! I think I am going to extend my warm up for my legs. Bicycles are actually getting a bit better, although my legs still shake too much for me to do the whole motion. But I am getting much better!!

I was awful in food for the last 2 days, I do not want to discuss it and I will strive to do better. Tonight is Organic pork shank on the George Foreman with buttered (farmers market butter!) rice and peas/green beans.

Hope your efforts are going well, whatever they are (I really wish I could do the chocolate diet but eh only in my dreams right? *laughs*)

30 Day Shred: Day 4

2011-08-20T19:34:00.000+01:00

Today I went to the Farmer's Market with my LBF and then we went to Kilamonjaro for a great Scottish breakfast. We came back to the flat and worked for a bit then were off again to two Craft Fairs on Prince's Street. After all that we both did the workout. My poor LBF didn't really do any of the exercises in his PE class so a lot of them were new to him entirely!

Workout:
Today the jumping jacks were ok but those darned jumped ropes are just a killer in the 1st workout and the last circuit! Everything else seemed to breeze by and I had to stop and help my LBF to get into positions he was not accustomed to at all! It wasn't as bad today but I did get on the scales in preparation for tomorrow... I still weigh more then my scales can show :( so my weight is 120kgish as of today. Normally I weigh myself in the morning before breakfast so weighing myself after a big meal probably wasn't good. I feel the muscles getting stronger and push ups aren't as bad anymore. I am going to push on through it. I hope by Day 10 I will be following Natalie not Anita... And speaking of Anita I do not think you should have an anorexic looking person be the "easier" version. Or at least have her wear a tank top like Natalie!

Anyways, tonight is organic chicken, rice-a-roni (don't get excited American living in the UK, I brought this with me on the plane), and farmer's market broad beans. Tomorrow is breakfast, no lunch, Neil Gaimen and Tapas for dinner.

Hope everyone is having a great week!!

Episode 8: Nothing to show for it!

2011-08-20T17:45:00.000+01:00

Show notes:
Investment for the future:
Jade Scott Jewellery
CraftsMeow
Fripperies & bibelots

In the shop:
Polymer Clay Beads -- TBS

Null Accepted
Preemie Hat -- Rainbow Smile Hat

Testing the Hypothesis:
Stephen West KAL -- Clue 2
Simplicity Socks
Rustic Autumn Shawl KAL

30 Day Shred: Day 3

2011-08-19T10:14:00.000+01:00

I woke up this morning to a sore shoulder and a very achey wrist. That ganglion hasn't completely gone away and those pushups are what is making my wrist unhappy. I caved again with the ice-cream but oh well, and I had a healthy dinner then a little bit of duck with noodles.

Workout:
I had to be in my flat for this workout so no cushy rug to workout on. I got through it and my wrist complained through the pushups but I did them, with a cushion under my knees so i could do them properly. The arm raises with the sideways lunge were much easier today. My muscles are remembering what they are suppose to do. My calf was misbehaving again during the first cardio and those jumping rope ones are just evil! I know its just my lazy muscles complaining but geesh. I look forward to when I can do the whole routine without them seizing in the first bit. However, the rest of the workout isn't too bad. The bicycles are still pathetic looking but getting much better.

For lunch will be mozzarella cheese, an apple, a banana, some raspberry organic yoghurt (really it is, its from a whole food store and all...), and some duck with noodles. Tonight is farmer's market honey&mustard sausage with rice stuffed in bell peppers. My oh My, I LOVE stuffed bell peppers!

So tomorrow will be the shred along with a farmer's market trip, craft fair trip, and a bus ride back. So we shall see how all that goes!!

30 Day Shred: Day 2

2011-08-18T10:57:00.000+01:00

So, the first day didn't put me off and with some encouragement from Mommy Needs Yarn and others on Plurk I plunged into Day 2. Yesterday, I had an apple, banana, and 2 mozzarella balls for lunch (due to being off the Depo I need to eat calcium containing stuff and mozzarella cheese being a soft cheese here it works and well, I LOVE IT). Then for dinner was home-made tomato sauce made from farmer's market ingredients and little salt and pepper. Along with wheat spaghetti and some cream cheese. However, I did eat some ice cream, but I did limit myself to how much I ate.

Work out:
Today, the workout did seem to be a little bit easier for me. I didn't feel like I was going to die halfway through, but the jump rope part of the exercise still make my feet hurt. I am going to try wearing shoes tomorrow, hopefully that will help. My bicycle exercises were a little bit better but I still can't do them. However I know that I'm improving. Only my shoulders were a little sore today, but I knew that was going to happen. It was really hard to do the lunges with the weight raises, I think it'll take some time to get used to those. I had to stop a few times but I think after a few more days it will be is bad.

I will probably be having two apples and a banana today for lunch. We had bacon and egg sandwiches on artisan bread, with some vanilla tea that I sweetened with honey and coffee that I sweetened with Splenda. Tonight, it's going to be turkey of some kind with probably broad beans from the farmers market.

I will be doing my measurements after each 10 days and my weight every 5 days. If you want to find me on spark people you can click on the link in my sidebar and it will go straight to my profile. There are a lot of podcasters that are doing the 30 day shred and a lot of people on Ravelry who are joining in as well. It isn't easy enough work to do even if you're not fit, so give it a try.

Hopefully, I won't get the 2nd day stiffness tomorrow. I think there will be some paracetamol taking tonight. Have a wonderful day!

30 Day Shred: Day 1

2011-08-17T10:18:00.037+01:00

I had watched the DVD last week to see what I would need and what I would be getting myself into for these next 30 days. I knew I needed weights so I figured the small 50ml (500g or 1.1 lb) bottles of water would do great for starting out weights. I had my LBFs rug in the living room to use as a pad and enough space to do all the exercises.

So for Day 1 I took my measurements.
Weight: 120kg (264.6lbs)
Waist: 121cm (48in)
Hips: 134cm (52.75in)
Thigh: 84cm (33in)
Upper arm: 43.5cm (17in)
Neck: 40cm (15.75in)
Calf: 48cm (19in)
Weight to Hip Ratio: 0.90 (which makes me an Apple shape YIKES!)

So... Yeah, those measurements suck! I went off the Depo to lose weight and it seems I just gained more! But I am assured it will come back down again once my body levels itself out.

Workout:
Holy Moley, how out of shape I have gotten! I used to be able to do ALL of the exercises when I was in High School. Granted I was about 100lbs lighter, yup, I was 168 at my lowest in my Senior year of High School but lets be fair I was normally 180-200 so 70lbs. I was 205lbs when I started the Depo in July 2009 and I just came off it at 264lbs in July 2011. (You see why now, it was starting to wreak havoc).

So the sets feel like they take forever and some are like, oh ok moving on now? I can do crunches and reverse crunches but I CAN'T seem to be coordinated enough to do bicycles. The cardio is pretty easy except those butt kicks and jump ropes, by the time I get to them in the workout my feet are screaming (yeah, probably should wear shoes). The strength is ok but I can't seem to do those sideways lunges, well I can do them its the lifting the weights to my eye level thats hard. I blame that on years of backpack wearing, my muscles in my arms are so tense its like feeling a brick wall. Hopefully this will help.

I took about 30 min to cool off then I took the ever dreaded picture!

I look ever so happy to be taking this pic.

See that tummy and that butt?
Say good-bye to them!

I think this outfit will look much better when I lose inches.
It is the inches I worry about not the weight!

So there we have it! It is best to cool off completely before taking a warm (not hot) shower, if you are doing the exercises in the morning. That cools your muscles from one workout and then warms them gently for the every day stuff you have to do.

Blog it.

2011-08-15T11:49:00.001+01:00

I have been working hard on moving my crafting supplies to a new location. Unfortunately, this means that I am a bit behind in a few things. I have some things to do for the blog, ravelry, my personal website, and life in general! I will be doing some small changes over this next week, posting some real pictures, and on friday I will have my video cast as usual. I had an unfortunate set back but now I am doing much better and will commence my normal blogging schedule! I have so much to catch you up on and loads to redo BUT I shall press on!! I will be setting a list of my things I am doing over there ----->

in the next few days so you can see my progress and new things that I will be bringing here and everywhere else! Tomorrow I finish the move with my dying stuff and spinning supplies (Including Julie and Aaron). Hope everything is well with you!

Episode 7: There is a monster afoot!

2011-08-14T07:18:00.001+01:00

Sorry for the delay, I popped the cyst in my wrist and was unable to type up the show notes. Here they are now!!

Show Notes

Hope you enjoy the co-host this time!

Investment for the Future

Testing the Hypothesis

Rustic Autumn Shawl KAL

Null Accepted

Cecil the Computer Monster

In the Lab and Centrifuging

Shropshire Frank’s Roving
Shropshire Seaglass -- TBS
Freyalyn’s Navajo Ply -- TBS
Manda Crafts and My Heart Exposed BFL/Shropshire -- Humbugged Pistachio Ice Cream -- TBS
Shropshire Mom’s Colorway -- Three Rubies
Art Batt from Greenwood Fiberworks -- TBS

Under the Microscope

Wild Color by Jenny Dean

Crafty-logical Implications
Going to Phil Jupitus Quartet at the Gilded Balloon during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
Going to see Neil Gaiman at BookFest TWO times.

Review: Yiotas-Xstitch

2011-08-12T17:09:00.001+01:00

I was emailed asking if I would review one of Yiotas-Xstitch cross stitch kits. I agreed and promptly received a kit in the mail. I was pleasantly surprised from the get go. I looked in the package to find bobbin wound DMC thread shining back at me and a crisp photo of the pattern I was to review. She wanted a review more of the packaging, the supplies inside and the overall feel of the kit itself.

Let's go through it step by step:
1. Initial packaging:

I received the envelope in my mailbox I think one day after she shipped it to me. Now, I don't know how close she is to me but it was impressive. There was a cardboard back and a paper front which clearly stated DO NOT BEND. The corner was ripped open and the pattern inside slightly crunched. I have contacted her about this and she is highly upset. She is sending the pattern to me again to see if it is improper handling or a flaw in their packaging design. To be honest I think it is the mail's fault not the packaging.

Inside the envelope was a plastic vellum sleeve which contained the entire kit. Perfectly packaged. Looked professional and really made me happy. I am NOT a fan of these plastic adhesive sleeves but I completely understand why it is absolutely necessary.

So as you can see all the threads were included and it looks like a kit you would get in the store. And because I don't do my homework before making the video below -- this kit is £15.40. Well, worth it! The amount of DMC thread given plus the 16inx17in Aida cloth along with the bigger chart, this kit is well worth that amount. I have strolled through John Lewis and cringed with the kits prices here in the UK. So the Aida cloth is well over the 3in allowance for the the project size and you get a needle along with it.

So the kit does indeed come with all colours and all the recommended amounts of said colours. It has a 6 page chart, 1 page symbol page along with a few quick tips, and a lovely instruction page. And yes the colours are true to the DMC colours (since I quaintly own almost everyone of them to check). All the bobbins and threads are clean and very shiny. One of my niggles is that there are no lines for the symbols chart and it is hard for me to go over on the lines easily. However, that is just personal taste.

I have started it and will be doing a further review as I go along. For now this is it and I have a video of my review below. Please check out Yiotas-Xstitch.

Episode 6: Purple Hair

2011-08-05T18:08:00.002+01:00

Show Notes

Stash Enhancement -- Investment for the Future

IKnit London -- 120 Lace Addis, 100 Addi and 100 Knit Pro Cable

Dyeabolical -- 2-ply lace weight and Australian wool with gift from Beagin

Mollie Makes

Cross-Stitcher Magazine

Wollmeise -- Lace-Garn -- Feldmaus AND We’re Different Twin Standard Gemischt -- Petit Poison Nr. 5 and Verhext and Verratzt

Soap -- Aromaville

K1Yarns --St Magnus DK --Blackberry

Caliope’s Fibre -- Stitch markers

Rachel Elliott Glassworks -- Cat beads

Spinning -- Centrifuging

6catsknittingaround -- I like Purple -- Finished

Manda Crafts -- Shamrock -- Finished

Greenwood Fiberworks -- BFL -- Grapevine -- Finished

Southern Mystic -- Polworth and merino -- Joss Whedon -- Finished

Works in Progress -- Testing the Hypothesis

Stephen West KAL -- Clue 1 --- Done! Homework -- Done!

Entrlac Bag -- Artesano Hummingbird

Cecil -- Need ears and two legs and stuffing

Swirl Shawl -- No love

Simplicity Socks -- Needed longer cables -- now have them!!

Finished Objects -- Null Accepted

Alpaca hat

Tee-Shirt Yarn Crock pot place mat

Lacey TC boyfriend Scarf and Mini Scarf

Frogged -- Null Rejected

Iris Mystery Shawl KAL -- Will be doing it in a different yarn!

Future Projects -- Incubating

Vacation Pi Shawl -- Wollmeise Feldmaus

Plurker Podcaster Challenge

Book review -- Under the Microscope

A-Z of Stumpwork

Conclusion -- Crafty-logical Implications

Fibre and Shop

2011-08-01T19:15:00.003+01:00

I am starting up my easy shop in October here is a preview!!

And now for some T-Shirt Yarn Fun!!

Stitch Markers!

Hand Spun Yarn!!

Mom's B-Day Colorway: Three Rubies

Let's take a moment to mourn the loss of some good tee-shirts....

Visit to the Yarn Cake

2011-08-01T19:00:00.001+01:00

Just some pictures of the stuff I got from the Yarn Cake in Glasgow!

Madness in Edinburgh!

2011-08-01T18:48:00.001+01:00

Those are some pretty interesting glasses... Why you may ask?

Oh because they are only 3 FEET TALL!!

Skein winder!

Stash when I got home!

Weird new curtains!

At the museum!

Calling Captain Kirk.

If you don't notice the top is a Sweet Shop and the bottom is a Health Food Store...

Afternoon tea!

Afternoon tea at the Royal Botanic Gardens!

Picture from my Close.

Lookie its Edinburgh!

Ohh pretty flowers

Snapdragons!!! My fav!!

Yay!! Only 2 more to go!! And they are fibre related I swear!!

Animals and Home-Grown Weirdness!

2011-08-01T18:30:00.001+01:00

Welcome to View from my home in WV.

Oh, and this one too.

Lovely stream here.

Raging river of a stream.

Them hills are VA hills.

Is that deer?

Yup, thats deer.

Say hi to Priscilla!

Our fatty catty *snickers*

Uh Oh she heard me!!

Aeo her brother doesn't care...

Neither does the other brother, Satch.

Oh, run quick while she isn't looking!

RIP: Sockers you had a good life!

Hi Ms. DC.

Er... the best shot I could get of Gretchen, she HATES cameras

Yes Mr. Satch?

Oh, What is it Aeo??

Can anyone see the cat in this photo??

Nope, I can't see him either!

Hi, Mama kitty.

And Orange Kitten

Awwww

You want some attention too?

Awww.

Birdie!

That was hard to get!

Even harder!

Sleep time already?

Satch and Sarah Beth you are USELESS!!

Well it is Rupperts bum and Willows head!

Brother and Sisterly love!

Yup frank she got you trapped now!

Geesh he is fat.

Told you Frank...

Sarah Beth that's not nice to take his attention away from me!!

Yes I am talking to you!

Help me Betsy!!

Please?

Yay!!

Hi Ms. DC!

Ok I will leave you alone!

Misty morning with bales of hay now!

Are those seedless tomatoes?

Yummy!

Hope you enjoyed this instalment! More to come!!