Month: November 2006

This is what I started out with when I wanted to try out making stitch markers:

It’s one of those cheap “all in one” kits that came with a set of 4 tools as a starter-type kit for someone new to beading. I got it at 40% off with a coupon, so it came to somewhere around $5. Now, I don’t expect super high quality at that price, but I do expect something decent. Well, these were okay, but the tools keep getting black stuff on my hands. Still, I made do whit what I had because really nice tools are expensive and at the time I just didn’t have the funds to get something nicer. I’ve also been buying more beads and supplies, so a week ago, I got another coupon and bought myself a bigger container to store beads.

I really enjoyed it, but those starter tools aren’t the best. Still, I’ve been using them because they’re all I have. Last night we went to Sears and I got surprised with a nice, new tool set!

Right now I’m busy with learning some polymer clay stuff and making my own beads as well as getting some more stitch markers made so I can start my own little Etsy shop :o)

I’m actually pretty excited about it, though I’m not expecting much business or anything. Just something I’m enjoying doing that I want to share with others.

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I’ve been working on the Shetland Triangle, Rogue, a pair of socks for a co-worker’s upcoming birthday, and Shedir. Branching out and Icarus are…. well… hiding in my stash somewhere. I’m just not finding either interesting anymore. It happens…. and I’m sure eventually I’ll finish them, just not right now. I suppose I look at it like this: I’ll be spending around 3 weeks in Florida coming up faster than I imagined and I’ll need projects! It’ll be a good time to get them done.

Since I’ve completed my socks, I haven’t been working on too much. Well, at least it doesn’t feel like it! I’ve been working on my Rogue after setting it down for… oh… a month or so? The hood was intimidating me and when I finally picked it back up, I don’t know what I was so intimidated by it! I had it half done and I was scared of the decrease rows and Chart C, but now I’m soaring through it. I needed an “on the go” project, so I started Shedir (PDF link). I’m enjoying it so far, though I’m not sure on my thoughts about the yarn (I’m using Rowan Calmer, as called for in the pattern). I won’t make a judgment on how I feel the yarn is behaving until I’m done with the hat. I do like the way it feels, though, so I’m very much enjoying working with it.

I got some more yarn from Kindred Spirits Yarn, but I’m a little disappointed with one skein I received (I purchased two). I’m not sure that it’s really sock weight. The other one I received is considerably lighter weight than the other, which is what makes me think that one is wrong. I knit a swatch on US 1’s and it was a lot thicker than the socks I just finished. I’m bummed because I was going to use the yarn for my Sock-ret Pal’s socks, but now I’ll have to use it for something else since it’s much more like a DK weight yarn. I love the color, though, and I think I’ve already got an idea of what I’ll be using it for instead. I ended up getting some Lorna’s Laces for my Sock-ret pal’s socks and I think it will work much better with the pattern I’m going to use anyhow. I suppose it all works out for the best, right? I’ll still buy more yarn from her… I think it was just a fluke. I’m sure accidents happen and maybe I did get the wrong yarn, but I’m not really upset over it or anything. I’ve even got another order from her on it’s way to me now that will end up being some socks for a girl I work with.

The Shetland Triangle is progressing. I’ve used up one skein of yarn already and I really like the ease of the pattern. I’ve already got some plans for another one!

Speaking of work… I’ve been busy! I got a promotion and new hours, but I’ve also been working a bit of overtime. I don’t have to work the over time, but I could use the extra money, so I volunteered to do some extra hours to cover the shift I used to be on to cover the person who has been out sick. I have to say that I’m a little scared that it’s getting down to the wire with the move! I know I won’t be there that much longer and that’s part of the reason why I’m doing the extra over time to get caught up with bills and all, but I’m also looking forward to a vacation and being closer to my family. Give and take.

Anyone out there know of a good cause to donate yarn to? I have some yarn in my stash I don’t want and I’ve thought of swapping it, but I’m not sure if they’re will be takers. A lot of it is acrylic or acrylic blends (though there is some wool I’m looking to pass on to someone else), so I’m thinking of maybe just giving it to a needy knitter. Some of it is just skeins I don’t know what to do with. I think I’ll try and swap for Knit Picks or Amazon gift cards…. or something. I don’t want to have it all follow me on the move, but that may end up happening. Of course some of it will come on vacation with me so that I have a few projects to work on :o)

I’ve been making more stitch markers and am working on getting up a store on Etsy. When that finally happens, I’m sure I’ll post about it here. I’m also going to try my hand at polymer clay and making my own beads for them. I’ve been doing a little research on it and it seems pretty easy and like something I’d enjoy. I was going to make an attempt today and even went and bought some polymer clay, but then I got carried away with knitting, so maybe tomorrow. I’ll post photos of my first attempt :o)

Alright, that’s about all I’ve got for now. Take care all!