31 December 2015

New Years Eve - posted by Melissa

“The artist is always beginning. Any work of art which is not a beginning, an invention, a discovery is of little worth.” 
― Ezra Pound



Spent part of the day with our knit group & was finally able to give this lovely person her 50th birthday gift.  Recognize???  It's SPIRE!!  My 2014 New Years project is finally done 2 years later and doesn't it look fantastic on Kelli?!

Looking forward to casting on Stonecrop with you all tomorrow!  Have a wonderful evening...the fun begins tomorrow!

Happy New Year!  Melissa

13 December 2015

Annual New Year Knitalong - posted by Melissa

Hiya, knitting peeps!
Gonna reel it back in this year. Last year was out of control with too many people and too many different projects and not many of us finished so back to what works best! One design and a common goal and I bet we can do better!

Kelli & I chose another Jared Flood lace ... because of course, what would a Girls in Sheep Clothing kal be without him? Seriously. He's our fearless leader, although unbeknownst to him!

This year's choice, an Orenburg style lace rectangular scarf ~ Stonecrop :
(all photos used with permission from Brooklyn Tweed)




This should be fun ~ most of the lace edging is incorporated as you go, with only the top-border being knitted on at the end. It can be made in 2 different sizes so you can choose your favorite.

Pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry or directly from Brooklyn Tweed's website  - link here.

We'll cast on together January 1st, so everyone has 2 weeks to gather materials. Let me know on Ravelry if you're interested (you can send me a pm here) & I'll get your info so I can add you as an author on the blog. Remember, this is a no rule kal. No deadlines and knit at your own pace. 

Let's get this party started!

Melissa

29 November 2015

Churchmice Elves ~ By Kelli

Making Christmas merrier ~ my new knitted friends, thanks to Churchmouse and Rowan Fine Tweed. Check out CM newly released Jolly wee Elf pattern or if you have the 2012 Holiday newsletter, it's in there for free! Oh yeah, Go Hawks!

22 November 2015

A Serious Find!~ a post from Kelli

Sometimes when I have a "free day" to pass the time with thrift store browsing. Love when I can light heartily, with an  open mind, prowl the isles for unique and unexpected items. 
Here is a lovely Aran Sweater/Fishermen Sweater that I've just recently came out of shock from that I own.  Fits as if was knitted for me. 
It's perfectly hand knitted, worsted weight. Kinda reminds me of the Beekman Tavern sweater. If anyone knows this pattern let me know. 

You just never know what you'll find for $7.99!



15 November 2015

New Toy!!! ~ post from Kelli

My newest Yarn Bowl!  I won it at the yearly retreat, by bidding and bidding so someone else would pay big bucks for the charity we donate too, but I bid one time to many ~ a great donation to a wonderful charity! I didn't expect it but I do love it. 

13 November 2015

I Cry for Paris - Melissa

I have no words for what is happening in Paris tonight.
 My heart goes out to everyone there and for what they're experiencing.

I revisit this piece every time something like this happens...which is all too often. It helps me find perspective when I feel like there is no hope left for humanity.

I hope it helps you if you feel hopeless.


(written by Patton Oswalt after the Boston Marathon bombings)

08 November 2015

Sunday Funny - posted by Melissa


PUT YOUR NAME ON IT~ post from Kelli

My sweet friend Carol Harrington bought these personalized labels for me years ago ~  

If you knit it, you may want to tag your name or saying on it?
I don't use them as much as I'd like, I forget about them. 
I especially like to add them if I actually designed the knit, like I did here. I don't see why not to sew them on if not my design. I've done that too. 

You can order these online or maybe Etsy has them~
Maybe  you could surprise your fiber- loving friends with these as a gift?



01 November 2015

Welcome November - posted by Melissa



Got in a quick walk at Big Gulch before the next wave of rain hit this morning.
The woods smell so good this time of year.
Fall hikes are the best.

Homemade cheddar cornbread muffins just out of the oven, football on TV (GO HAWKS!) and my Girasole almost done....maybe today if I buckle down!!

Happy autumn, happy Sunday, happy knitting, happy November!

- Melissa

31 October 2015

Don't Let This Happen To You ~ post from Kelli

Zombie Knitting, do you ever feel this way? You just keep knitting and knitting and knitting and get nowhere. 

            Happy Halloween!!!

27 October 2015

23 October 2015

soaring - posted by Melissa



"Soar, eat ether, see what has never been seen; depart, be lost,
But climb.” 

-Edna St. Vincent Millay (Wine From These Grapes)

This man floats by my house on occasion, flying with the eagles.
I wish I was fearless.  I would love to experience this.

- Melissa

21 October 2015

Not a Knitting Post - by Melissa

Nothing to do with crafting but....

In Seahawk news - if you are one of the many people who took what TMZ said as fact minutes after Fred Jackson's car accident yesterday...

Preliminary report last night from the Renton Police Department:
(most importantly - note in the last paragraph - TMZ reports are false per the police)


Which was followed up today by the final report on the matter:



It's amazing to me how instantaneously things can be skewed and distorted, nationally broadcast as such and taken as fact by all who read.  One of our football players had an accident.  He's okay, in case anyone is wondering.

Off my soapbox.  Carry on.

GO HAWKS!

Melissa

(Edited to add: if you'd like to read something that Fred Jackson wrote and learn a little about him, as well as his relationship with Marshawn Lynch, you might come away feeling a little (lot) differently about both of them. Role models or not, they are people with lives that matter.)
Link below:
'My Toughest Road Trip' - Fred Jackson (from The Players' Tribune)

20 October 2015

bliss - posted by Melissa


“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
- A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

There is nothing quite so lovely as a knitted on edging.
Let's get reacquainted, old friend.

Melissa

17 October 2015

I just might have the mojo back... - Melissa


“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
- L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Husky football, a belly full of hearty soup, a warm cup of coffee and a puddle of knitting (yes, girls and boys, KNITTING!) on my lap.

It's a good evening : )

-Melissa

16 October 2015

Make Your Own Story, Lace ~ by Kelli

My daughters know me so well ~ the oldest Kaileigh saved this from the garbage while working one day. Gave it to me for safe keeping...this morning I found the perfect home for it. 
Hand knitted, no idea who, or what pattern. All a grand mystery to come up with your own story ~

08 October 2015

DPN's Size 4-10's. Check!

Getting a few tools ready for a nice long knitting weekend ~ Woo Hoo!

02 October 2015

fog filled friday - posted by Melissa


Spent a misty, foggy day at the beach, walking the shoreline & breathing in the salty sea air.

It was a good day.

Have a great weekend, everybody.

- Melissa

28 September 2015

It's Been Many Moons ... posted by Melissa






A quick post to say hello and I've missed you all.  Life's been hectic and we're collectively holding our breath with hopes that the two year health crisis is finally past us.  We should know soon.  Until then, I'm celebrating a gorgeous end to a busy summer, a welcoming hug to an autumn of reconnecting with friends and family, and the amazing, glorious harvest super blood moon eclipse we were privileged to witness yesterday evening.

Hope this finds you and yours happy, healthy and doing the things that bring smiles to your faces.

- Melissa

26 September 2015

The Great Alaskan Knit ~ by Kelli

You're a big, strong, grown man.  You fish and crab in some the the most feared waves and ice, that out of control weather. You're gone from your family for long periods of time. 
You pack your favorite new baseball cap, your iPod,charging equipment, camera, and he never forgets his blanket his wife knitted him~ 
I'm impressed how it has not pilled up. It could use a good blocking ( but that's never going to happen )
He cherishes his blanket. Which may be the best knit I've knitted. No fancy ribbons, awards, or museum entries here. No great stitches, YO's, or pattern for that matter...
 The thought of me knowing its treasured fills me beyond measure ~

20 September 2015

Shown Up By My Shawl ~Kelli


I thought the two of us my husband and I here taking a late summertime photo at our favorite bread bakery in Bow Washington," Breadfarm".
Apparently my Peppernut is right there smiling along to help make the shot. 
Happy Autumn ~

13 September 2015

Two Harbors Poncho ~ by Kelli

Great knit and fit!  Luxurious baby alpaca and merino blend. 
Easy to follow pattern. 
You know those days where you're off to hang out with friends and you have " nothing to wear", now you will. You won't want to take it off. 

I used Still Water and Lake Ice colors ~

04 September 2015

Good Ole US Postal Service ~ by Kelli


Do you like getting mail in your mail box? Outside from your computer?  That isn't a bill?  And has a free (usually knitting) pattern. 

I enjoy that Churchmouse sends out a quarterly newsletter that I haven't been able to set in my recycle since 2011. 

I know I can receive a quarterly email, but there's something about a hand held paper booklet that I like better. 

There sweet quotes they find and add~

             "I'm so glad I live in a world 
              where there are Octobers"
    
                 L.M. Montgomery 
        From Anne Of Green Gables

Along with a personal story, tips, maybe a seasonal recipe and other great info. 

If you haven't already sign up for the Churchmouse newsletter. The patterns they give free in the booklet that usually become for sale. And before you know it you have 22 free patterns!!! and 22 x 5.00 plus tax adds up!  Just another wonderful service of there charming company~

Almost forgot to mention.... 4 address changes.... gulp!



29 August 2015

KNIT IT. SHOOT IT. FRAME IT. ~ tip from Kelli

Hemlock Ring Blanket~ Pattern by Jared Flood. I Knitted back in 2009.   
Take photos they can look great framed in your home. Just another idea thought you might like to know. 
Keep knitting...

21 August 2015

Starting Pumpkin Hats!? a post from Kelli

The Autumn season is coming~  my Cinderella pumk'in patch is doing well.  I'll post that later! 
But this time of year I have fun knitting the little treasures. 

This one I'm making for my daughters good friend's new baby boy... 

Not trying to rush summer away! Just so you know. 

It's a great free Pumpkin Hat pattern by Sarah Hood, on Ravelry in all sizes!  


The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn. 
I used dk and a size US5 and US6, because I'm knitting it for a newborn. 

 I would recommend decreasing the crown of the hat different. But the leaves do help hide the chopped up looking decrease. 

It is stink'in cute!!!



13 August 2015

It's The Fair Time!!! A post from Kelli

Streusel, a red 2nd place ribbon and a fancy red and white Best in Class Reserve ribbon. ~




Both lovelies are designed by Bonnie Sennott!  

 I have talented friends who placed even better and I'm so excited for them! Maybe Andrea will post her winning pieces?!


Peppernut here!!!
Took a red 2nd place ribbon ~

Encouraging all to either enter and/or  visit your local County or State Fair and check out the needle works !


07 August 2015

WHO'S IN ? ~From Kelli



Got my 2015~16 Seahawk Reverb Scarf !
Rowan Fine Tweed skeins are perfect with this free on Ravely, Reverb Scarf pattern.
Each section takes one skein. 5 colors and you too can join in the fun~
why not ?!!!




30 July 2015

Meeting Mr. Eisaku Noro of Noro Yarns by Kelli

What a charming, talented man,Mr. Noro! Saw him throw out the first pitch at the Mariners baseball game Tuesday night, and by amazing chance he came to talk where I work!!!  One of the only 2 places he visited. 
His first visit to USA. Speaks very little English, brought an interpreter to help answer questions about his love of color and fiber!  Did you know he tells a story with all his color ways?
Here I am, maybe a little to close, but wanting to get my Noro vest in the shot ~  Such a high-fiber life I lead!  

29 July 2015

Look who I found~ from Kelli

 The 11th Annual Stitch n Pitch. Had such a great time!  Even tho the Mariners lost... got to catch up with Steph!!!  Knitted the evening away at the ballpark with friends.  Thanks Andrea, Chris, and Elaine. 

26 July 2015

All My Toys Nicely Put Away ~ from Kelli



If you are fortunate to come across DMC thread boxes, take advantage
of the storage capabilities for knitting supplies!
For my circulars that aren't nicely packed in there assigned
numbered spots in the Knit Pick cases(sss)...oh my, I have more then I thought!
(BTW thanks Melissa for helping with that.)
They are now separated in drawers.
The double points (love love love those) still need a needle
gauge tool, organizing those in more detail, for another day.

Those tools that you really need but once-in-a-while,are now in a good home.

So far it's working well, as long as I remember to put them back.



18 July 2015

Quilt and Textile Museum ~ Me too...

Feel so privileged to be apart. Such creative, talented, and inspiring group. More importantly then that some I call friend!

How blessed I am. 

This is my Streusel, one of our kal from last summer!  And a photograph I took. 
Hazel Knits, Braeburn color, mmmmm!

Happy summer!

13 July 2015

All Aboard! ~ post from Kelli

~Built in 1913~







It sits as a tourist attraction in my new town in Sedro-Woolley WA
The town is known for it's logging and rodeos, Cedro, meaning Cedar.  Woolley for
a founding family.  ( I'll refer Woolley  as meaning wool!) I got out yesterday, it was a perfect overcast
 day for photography.  Until it started raining, which we Washingtonians
desperately need!

What is it about an old train?  That makes it so entrancing ?

I'm knitting away on a sweater called Two Harbors Poncho, by Sarah Smuland... Ok. it's a poncho~
It's by  Blue Sky and uses their alpaca/merino, EXTRA.
It's worth checking out!  I'm enjoying the knit.  I'm able to concentrate a little
better everyday.  These moves take a lot out of a knitter!
I've been contacted by Plucky and hoping to be sent the yarn today
to start a couple fall pieces!!!

Now you're caught up
take care ~

Kelli

06 July 2015

From the other side of things - by Will !!!

Whew! Vacation can take a bit of recovering! Here are a few more photos from our visit with Mel and Kelli, though I think Mel summed it up quite beautifully. The day was a bit surreal, and a wonderful way to end our vacation in the Pacific Northwest.

 We started our day by taking the ferry. This was a thrilling moment, for we had just received word of the SCOTUS decision legalizing gay marriage across the entire nation. I decided then and there that my goal at Churchmouse would be to find something celebratory and perhaps a bit out of my usual color palette.

By the way, for those who were wondering, green is well within my usual color palette.

We took the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island ... 

I had been waiting for years to get here! At last! 

The joyous occasion was made all the better by meeting dear knittterly friends in person for the first time. How cool is that???

Some people are camera-shy, so we had to be creative in our approach. Thanks to Mel for scheming up a way to get the mister in the shot. Mission accomplished!

I found something that fit the bill for "rainbow," and we left to grab some lunch.


I told you green is in my color palette. And now, so is rainbow.

I had some salmon mac-n-cheese that was uh-maz-ing. (Thanks for the recommendation, Kelli!)

 This was the other part of the trip that I had been anticipating for years...pie from the Blackbird Bakery. Thanks to everyone for humoring me :)  There was actually only one type offered, as it is not a dedicated pie shop. Apparently, pie is a thing in the Pacific Northwest. This was pie experience number four on our trip, and the only one that wasn't a self-declared pie shop. I was more than willing to make the exception.

Now that I had checked off my bucket list items (and then some), I was able to relax a bit and enjoy the rest of the day together, snapping pictures to take the day home with me.


We drove off the Island until we reached Port Gamble, home of The Artful Ewe. We relaxed and soaked in the beautiful weather. I was only slightly disappointed that we weren't getting the dreary clouds and rain that I had expected. Actually, it was as if Mount Rainier came out to join the festivities.







Eventually, the afternoon wound to a close and we ferried back to the mainland. The ride afforded several luxuries, including a lovely wall map to help me narrate our journey!




It also lent some beautiful views of the mountains.





Now that I am back, I've been sifting through hundreds of photos and knitting up a sort of tube scarf. I love how it's turning out, and the memories it carries with it. I hope we can do it again someday!