Tuesday, February 27, 2007

International Scarf Exchange Questionaire


1. Your name. Lynda with a "Y"

2. The name you use when blogging. Knitty_Prof

3. The best email address for us to use when contacting you.
generationsjewelry@yahoo.com

beadn_Prof@yahoo.com



4. Your Blog URL.
http://www.beadznyarnworks.blogspot.com

http://www.knittyprof.blogspot.com


5. Country
USA

6. Where you live. Western Pennsylvania

7. Colours you like.
Russets, Oranges, Yellow-Orange, Blue Violets, golden colors, chocolate brown

8. Colours you hate.
Light Pastels and Yellow because I do not look good in them

9. Fibres you like.
Cashmere, merino's, linen, mercerized cotton

10. Fibres you hate/allergies. fun furs, acrylics

11. Preferred scarf length. Long enough to put around my neck once or twice - I like DRAMA

12. Solid or variegated? either

13. Cables or lace? Sure

14. Are you interested in a crochet or woven scarf? Sure

15. Would you prefer a pal with a blog? Sure

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Diamond Modular Scarf

I have a new project on my needles today. I bought an ArtYarns pattern last year and I bought Mountain Colors Barefoot yarn to make the scarf. TODAY, I got it out and got it started. You can see my ArtYarns pattern at: http://www.artyarns.com/newsite/patterns_main.htm

I am making SCARF # P50.

You might enjoy taking a look at the art yearns website. There are dozens of very beautiful things to make there, and of course lots of wonderful yarns. http://www.artyarns.com
This site veatures luxury handpainted yarns and designs by Iris Schreier, author of Modular Knits. I will be posting a photo of my scarf soon.

This project will use up a skein of Mountain Colors yarn, and the pattern calls for 312 yarns of yarn. Another great stashbusting project in the works!

Saturday, February 17, 2007

10 Balls Down - More to Go!



WOW, just look at what I made out of 10 balls of Paton's Pebbles yarn. I am CRAZY about this Allison Bolero Sweater. It feels so wonderful, soft, and warm. And, I am really excited that I have used up 10 balls of yarn from my Stash.


Since I joined the stashalong blog (http://www.stashalong.blogspot.com), my Stashbusting Attitude is affecting other areas of my life as well. Recently I was at Barnes & Noble for about an hour. I was killing some time, waiting for my meeting of the "Obsessive Compulsive Bead Workers of PA" to begin. I found that I enjoyed LOOKING through all the knitting books but not BUYING any of them. OH it felt wonderful to just look and then have a cup of coffee and then go to my meeting. It is a very FREEING thing, to be able to fully enjoy things without having to own them. I am really enjoying the new found freedom this has brought to my life.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Allison Bolero Sweater

Allison Bolero Sweater

I finished knitting the Allison Bolero Sweater out of my stash. It was not on my list of UFOs nor was it on my list of New Projects for 2007. I guess it is what you have called a "Screaming Stash" project. I was looking through some magazines, and my binders full of pattern. I saw this pattern I had downloaded and remembered the Paton's Pebbles (Moonstone color) yarn in my stash. This yarn is so nice to work with.
See it here: https://secure.webquarters.ca/wooltrends/detailedproducts.asp?pid=20

I have knitted up 10 balls of it by making this sweater. That FEELS GOOD, to know I have de-stashed so much yarn in one project. I still have another 3 1/2 balls of it left over so I am envisioning a scarf or hat. That will be my next project, to finish up this very beautiful and lofty yarn and not return any of it to my stash.

You can find the pattern at http://www.dailyknitter.com/allison.html

I will sew it all together later today and plan to wear it this week to work. I will take photos an post them after it is finished. I LOVE making things I can wear. It feels so good to know you are wearing one of a kind original works of art.

Of course this project has led me to think about another "Screaming Stash" project. I have another 14 balls of Paton's Pebbles in a very light "Sandstone" shade. Now, I am searching through my patterns and books for just the right pattern.
I bought a pattern for the "Trends Peacoat" by Sudha Mehta of http://www.glory-ousknits.com last year. I think it might be perfect for this bulky weight yarn. I am envisioning using up another 14 balls of yarn from my stash and that is exciting!!! It is soft and oh, so, beautiful to work with and the finished product is lovely. I am excited to know I will be able to wear it this week.

With these two projects, I will use up approximately 28 balls of yarn from my stash! Way to go, huh?

Yesterday, in between working on this sweater and another bead work project, I sat down and typed up a list of my UFOs. I have it hanging here with my computer, at my desk so I can view it and keep my goals in mind to stay focused. My progress is slow, but I am vowing to knit from my stash for the next year. Can I do it?

Saturday, February 10, 2007

I AM a CENTAUR -

You Are a Centaur
In general, you are a very cautious and reserved person.However, you are also warm hearted, and you enjoy helping others in practical ways.You are a great teacher, and you are really good at helping people get their lives in order.You are very intuitive, and you go with your gut. You make good decisions easily.

FAVORITE COLOR SWAP #2

Here is my response to the Swap Questionniare for the FAVORITE COLOR SWAP #2

1 . What are your top three favorite colors?
Russet ORANGE; BLUE-VIOLET; Yellow-Orange


2. What crafts do you really enjoy? Knitting and Bead Work
I am a member of the Obsessive Compulsive Bead Workers of PA

3. What products do you really covet?
Cashmire Yarn; Lantern Moon Needles; Skacel Addi-Turbo needles; Manos del Uruguay yarn;
Cherry Tree Hill Sock Yarn

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things?
I am a motorcycle rider, a Biker Chick

5. Is there anything you collect?
Hazel Atlas Dishes; Zuni Fetishes; Puerto Rican "Santos" and lots more

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol?
Virgo

7.What are your favorite……

scents/smells?
Patchouli and Sandalwood scents

types of music and/or bands?
Appalachian Mountain Music, Minimalist Classical, Germanic Folk Music

…authors?
Contemporary Poetry

…animals?
I love all animals and I am a member of PETA

…places to shop?
Crystal Bead Bazaar, Lawrenceville, PA (Pittsburgh neighborhood)


…season?
Winter

yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies?
Yarn please but no acrylic, fun fur or other novelty yarns


…candies or goodies?
Anything that is good chocolate - particularly DARK chocolate

8. Do you have any wish lists?
No. I have "goal" lists instead. I believe that wishes have to be turned into goals.

9. Are you allergic to anything?
Nope

10. Do you have any pets?
Yes, of course. Two cats named Blaise and Angel; and one dear little guinea pig who wears a tutu and tiara for special occasions

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy.
I LOVE wonderful beads, such as Swarovski crystal and handblown furnace glass beads.
I LOVE Japanese seed beads. I LOVE wonderful yarns that are natural fibers.
I will enjoy whatever you choose for me. I like not knowing what I am getting as it helps me to see myself through someone else's eyes.

Doing the RUSSIAN SPIRAL


Tomorrow I will be going to my monthy meeting of the "Obsessive Compulsive Beadworkers of PA." For "Show and Tell" I will be taking two necklaces I have finished using the Russian Spiral technique that I learned at our last meeting.
The purple one features a pendant made of Peyote Stitch. Hanging from it are four rows of amythist and Swarovski crystals. The beads used in the necklace are done with two colors of purple using the Russian Spiral technique. The clasp is hand blown furnace polished glass.
The Black and Red one features a single faceted tear drop of Swarovski Jet, a Czech Fire Polished cube bead, and Swarovski Crystals.


Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Secret Pal 10 Questions

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love Manos del Uruguay; Lorna's Laces; alpaca, and almost anything by Cherry Tree Hill. Please no acrylic or fun fur or novelty yarns.


2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have storage containers for them. But, of course I have lots more needles than I have storage. Therefore, I have a nice arrangement of "needles" in flower vases in my kitchen. They look so great in the antique vases.


3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I started knitting as a child, about 8 years old. I am advanced.


4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? no


5. What's your favorite scent? Patchouli or Sandlewood. No florals and definitely nothing that smells like baking.


6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Godiva Chocolates or other fine chocolate would be my fav.


7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I do not like to spin. I weave and knit and I do very intricate beadwork. I am a member of the Obsessive Compulsive Bead Workers of PA...seriously, I am.


8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Prefer Classical music, and also love Appalachian Mountain music.


9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I don't like pastels or soft colors much. I like strong color.


10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Been married since 1961. Five children are grown. We have 7 grand children, and 3 great grand children. Two cats (Blaise and Angel), one guinea pig (Sparkles), one mineature bunny (Lunesta). I LOVE animals!


11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, ykes, yes, and yes.


12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Things I can WEAR.


13. What are you knitting right now? Multiple projects: Items for Christmas gifts for 2007; a poncho out of Cherry Tree Hill's Baby Loop; a bolero jacket from Moda Dea "Pebbles" yarn; two pair of socks with yarns I brought from Austria last summer; a Kimono jacket out of Moonlight Mohair...and probably a few more UFOs I am not remembering at the moment.


14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Absolutely!


15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Lantern Moon needles, and Skacel Addi Turbo needles are my favorites. I only have a couple pairs of them.


16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes and Yes


17. How old is your oldest UFO? About 10 months or so. I plan to finish it in the next week.


18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas


19. Is there anything that you collect? Zuni Fetishes; Puerto Rican Santos; Fine Yarns; Hazel Atlas dishes; Ruby Red Viking Glass wear; ANY Viking Art Glass objects; Green Santa Clause figures; Knitting Needles; and more....yes, I do collect. My oh My, do I collect!


20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Knit & Style magazine. I love most any knitting magazine and often pick up issues when I am shopping.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? ? Not sure - I enjoy anything challenging.


22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Not a lot - I have only knitted two pair of socks this year. But, I have 2 more on the needles. I do love them but I also love doing more visable products that I can wear that get a LOT of attention. I wear size 8 shoe size.


23. When is your birthday? August 27th