Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Yarn Along - Finished Sweater

I just soaked and blocked the little sweater I was working on last week. Only drying and button sewing remains on this Elizabeth Zimmerman February Baby Sweater. Unfortunately, I did make a bigger error by not picking up stitches under the arms in the body, making this sweater a little smaller than its twin. Oh well, maybe the twins who will wear it will also be of different sizes when the weather turns chilly.

Last week we met some family in Cooperstown, NY. One of the places we visited was the Farmers Museum. I couldn't resist picking up some souvenir yarn made from the museum's own herd of Merino cross sheep. It is dyed with cochenial. I am normally not a "pink" person, but this color spoke to me. A hat for a niece or two. Maybe I'll design a pattern...

My "reading" this week has consisted mostly of the Serial podcast. I know it was really popular, and if you haven't listened yet, I guarantee a fascinating true story. After episode 9 yesterday, I had to take a break. I couldn't stop the waves of empathy for all the people involved, who are all still very much alive today. What a crazy ordeal to go through... I will probably be finished by tomorrow.

Joining Ginny here: http://www.gsheller.com/2015/06/yarn-along-233.html

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Yarn Along - Baby Sweater

Today's Yarn Along post comes from the road. I am spending my time in the passenger seat knitting one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's patterns: February baby sweater on two needles, while enjoying the rest of the book in between rows. This sweater will match the first of the same pattern that I knit; twin nieces whose sister got the first one will be the recipient(s).


My other book is a biography of Alma Mahler, written in German. Time to hone the multiple language skills now that it's summer! 

Joining with Ginny. Check out the rest of the projects here: http://www.gsheller.com/2015/06/yarn-along-232.html


Thursday, June 11, 2015

Who Are YOU?!

Last week The Farmer came inside from the barn with the statement: One of the alpacas looks huge...

I ventured out soon after, and there was no denying a sizable difference between the alpaca in question and the other ladies... A few days ago I spent 30 minutes watching her stomach, and decided that I saw some kicking.

Yesterday The Farmer came home after work to be greeted by this cute cria! SURPRISE!!!!

Alien cria at Shady Grove Alpacas
She was already dry, wobbling around, and nursing, so things are looking good for her health.

Lounging
Why didn't we know about this new cria? Well, we had a male who rolled under the fence last year, and it turns out that the vet's version of the morning after pill is not 100% effective. We didn't give it a second thought until last week.

My mommy is sooo tall!
Unfortunately the genetics of this animal are not up to the usual high standards that we have around here, so we are not naming her in the hope that she will be easier to sell next summer.










      Looking for some fun!








But there was a brief conversation about the name Ripple. I think it is perfect for an awesome little girl cria born on a 90 degree June day. The song and the new alpaca make us happy, but we'll keep the name unofficial. Love you, little one!

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Yarn Along: Ripping Back

It's been SUCH a long time since I participated in a yarn along, but today I have a few minutes to share my knitting and a book. Joining Ginny, so go check out the fun: http://www.gsheller.com/2015/06/yarn-along-231.html


My Trigere sweater for my mother (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trigere) is almost finished. I was nearly done with the bind off when I noticed how the edge flipped up. Seed stitch does not agree with the bottom of this sweater, so I will try something different. So close, but so many stitches to go...

Yesterday I spent several long hours at the dentist, so I started The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo, which was a gift from my sister-in-law a few years back. I'm not usually the target audience for a crime thriller, but this one is good enough to finish. At least it kept my mind off dental procedures.

Here's wishing all of you happy summer knitting and reading!