Spin, Span, Spun

Today, I purchased my first drop spindle (a medium top-whorl, Octo Dropspindle from Louet). I've been wanting to trying spinning for a while now, but I cannot afford to buy a spinning wheel at the moment, so I decided it was high time I bought a drop spindle.

I also purchased an ounce of blue merino for practice and another 4 ounces of natural superwash merino for when I felt more comfortable and had already blundered through the biggest mistakes I could make.

During the drafting process, I found that I wasn't gentle enough and I tore about half of the roving up. I may have weak arms, but I can pulverize wool. Next time I will have to be very careful.

This is my final product - a little skein of merino to cherish. I would definitely consider it a bulky weight yarn. The roving cost me $2.50, but I learned lessons that will last me a lifetime from that ounce of wool.


God bless merino.

Startitis

It's a pretty bad case..

Here's the latest addition to my ever-growing WIP pile.
I think these have satiated my cast-on frenzy.

Now to finish the current X-mas WIP's
and cast-on only for the remaining X-mas pressies.

Current Counts
Queued - 9 hats, 1 pair of mitts, 3 sets of dishcloths
WIP's - 1 hat, 2 pairs of mittens, 1 bag
Finished - 4 hats, 2 dishcloths

I will only bid happy knitting when I finish my sweater. Bah humbug!

A Cold Turkey

Today, I am going cold turkey. I am fairly certain it is one of the most agonizing things to endure. I feel the symptoms of withdrawal 100-fold over the boyfriend. Lucky bastard. To manage, I shall depend on caffeine, chewing on straws, knitting, knitting, and more knitting. I honestly don't mind depending on caffeine, seeing as I find it much easier to cut back when I feel the need. Caffeine doesn't give me lung cancer or make running impossible, so I feel it is a cost-and-benefit winner.

This past weekend, New Moon came out in theaters. I've seen it twice. As it is tradition in my world, I've recreated the book cover into a cake.

Project Homemade Christmas is coming along all right. I need to step up the pace, however. The current counts are as follows:

Queued - 11 hats, 1 pair of mitts, 3 sets of dishcloths
WIP's - 1 hat, 2 pairs of mittens, 1 bag
Finished - 3 hats

Let the knitting commence.

the most wonderful time of the year

I love fall :) The cool, crisp air and how it smells. Wearing sweaters and jeans. The beautiful colors as the world changes before our eyes. It's an amazing time of year.



and Halloween is just around the corner.

I couldn't find any Halloween sprinkles here in EL.. I was very sad. I'll have to look around GR for my little decorative pumpkins and bats.

artprize..

rocks my world.

legally having a cocktail

Weeeeeeeee! Let me introduce myself: I am Julie Hahn and I am 21. (Larri, I found my ID!) I had an excellent birthday with many of my favorites. I was surprised at work with the most adorable cake ever.

.

Then I enjoyed a wonderful night out at Cheers on the night of my birthday.

Starting with this..

And ending with this..

My verdict: fun! My favorite drink of the night was a rootbeer float. Yummm. Rootbeer vodka and Bailey's. I'd like one now actually, but alas, homework. Anyway, it's no good to drink and knit and because it is the school year once again, knitting is a prominent figure in keeping my sanity. Speaking of knitting, here are some FO's that I have neglected to post.

Pattern: Wizardly Incognito Cap
Needles: Size 7 circular
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool, in #8267 (Forest Green); Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in White

Pattern: A Hat Fit for a Boyfriend
Needles: Size 7 circular
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool in black

Pattern: Baby Love Diagonal Baby Blanket
Needles: Size 8
Yarn: Assorted acrylics

Pattern: Hurricane Hat
Needles: Size 7 circular
Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers, in 2449

Pattern: Envy
Needles: Size 13
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, in Raspberry
(Still need to find buttons!)

Pattern: Everlasting Bagstopper
Needles: Size 5 and Size 10.5 circulars
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream, in Hot Blue and Hot Green

Pattern: Hermione's Cable & Eyelet Hat
Needles: Size 5 circular
Yarn: Knit Picks Merino Style, in Vanilla
Favorite hat so far :)

You will most likely see many FO's from me this fall. You know, Christmas and keeping myself from pulling my hair out in my personal hell (this means school, people). Anyway I leave you with a little bit of love that is my blueberry Malabrigo. Mmmmmmalabrigo ;)

paradise.

For you, a glimpse of the utopia I will be in with my loved ones in less than 48 hours..