busy bees - posted by Melissa

Flood's Flock 2017

Don't we look gooooood!?!

I screen grabbed everyone's latest progress photo from Instagram.  I'm going to try and do this periodically, especially if you guys are going to be so good about posting pictures!  I love to see where everyone is at and hear how excited you all are to be knitting together.  Andrea is bottom center - I don't see that she has an IG account so I'll always add her from her blog posts.  The only person missing is Morgen... she has yet to post anywhere (I even checked Ravelry) so I used a placeholder center square until she pops up somewhere to say hello!

update: Morgen surfaced and has taken her place at center square!!

Okay, I have 100 picots done and 267 left, so now that a little business is done, I'm off to knit my last day of vacation away until I'm hopefully done casting on!

Happy New Year everyone and thanks so much to each of you for making it something to look forward to.  You guys are the best!

Melissa

p.s. blog posts are always welcome from anyone that wants to write as well as post pictures - IG is great, but the blog is an easier format for words, if you're someone who likes to use them ; )

9th Annual New Year Knitalong ~ posted by Melissa

It's here! Time to gather supplies and count the minutes...

Kelli and I were together when we chose our pick for this year's knitalong.  It was an instant 'this is the one!' from both of us when we saw Lily Go's design from Wool People 9.

Here is Anisos:

(photos used with permission from Brooklyn Tweed)

This is the perfect choice for a kal - there are five (5!!) different size options, from a small shawlette to a lovely piece large enough to wrap yourself up in.  It has an unusual shape as well, so it's going to be a learning experience for Kelli and I.  There's always something new to learn so that was definitely a selling point for me when deciding on this design.

The pattern is available on Ravelry and also directly from Brooklyn Tweed's website:

(link to purchase Anisos from brooklyntweed.com here)

As far as the business end of the kal:

We cast on New Years Day (not a minute before) but other than that, there are no rules.  There is no deadline, we go at our own pace (this is supposed to be fun!), you may blog with us (details below) or just follow along in the comments section.  We encourage you to tackle new things and are here to help each other along the way if needed. 

I think that's everything.  If you would like to join us January 1st, send me a message on Ravelry (twoknitwit) with your email address and I'll add you to the blog as an author.  You'll have blogging privileges and will be able to post and share pictures as we go.

For newbies that want to blog with us, here is a link to a page that Kelly Lightbeam created for us with exactly what will happen when you send me your email address:

The Ins and Outs of Guest Blogging link

I hope we have a good turnout this year.  The blog has been fairly quiet for the last year but it's starting to come to life again and I'm excited to reconnect with some of our annual knitting friends...and maybe a few new ones!

Finally, just to get this party started - here is my yarn choice for my Anisos.  I'll be making the largest size because, yo that's how I roll ... heheheh : )

I hope everyone is as excited about this as Kelli and I are.

Happy Sunday, all!

~ Melissa

My Stonecrop Journey - Slow and Steady, Respite and Refuge : guest blogger Jenny

I've just started the 4th repeat of the center block!  Finally :-)

This Stonecrop wrap has a lot knitted into each painstaking row.  Let me tell you more... Just prior to casting on my father-in-law passed away.  He was elderly and suffered with Alzheimer's for many years.  It was hard, but a blessing. 

Since casting on, we've lost a cousin to pancreatic cancer, experienced the outrageous joy of welcoming our first grandchild, said goodbye to our son who embarked on a year-long trip around the world, moved out of our home and are in the midst of a 3-month remodel, and I'm in the middle of a pretty significant job change.

I don't have a lot of time to knit.  But when I do, this Stonecrop has been an incredible refuge - a place to disappear for a bit, focus on the soothing repetition of the pattern, and give me a little mental space to process all that life has given me.  It's been relief, a harbor, and continuity.  In each row are the events of the past 6 weeks.  It will be a wrap that represents a lot of significant moments for me and as I wear it in the future (maybe 2017 at the rate I'm going???) I will remember the gift it was to have this piece to knit and help me navigate this exciting life.

I am using Brooklyn Tweed LOFT in Faded Quilt, purchased at Tolt Yarn and Wool in Carnation, WA.

Let's Get Caught Up! ~ posted by Melissa

My Stonecrop!  Slowly making progress, although the knitting goes rather quickly when I actually find time to work on her.  It's a lovely intuitive pattern and I've loved every stitch...even the ones I've had to redo...hehe!  Mistakes are so easy to see and quick to fix if you don't get too far away from them before you notice (note to self...sneak a gander more often...mistakes do happen!!).

I'm making the longer version and my yarn is Brooklyn Tweed Loft in 'Hayloft'.  I was so unsure about this yarn when I wound it as it came apart pretty easily more than once, but the knitting, oh the knitting.  It has not broken once and I do love its rustic feel and tweediness.  I will use it again and try to be more gentle when caking it next time.

My project can be found here on Ravelry and I'll start getting some notes up soon.  My to-do list has gotten out of control these days and knitting 'chores' keep ending up on the bottom rung.

And now a bit of business.  There are eight of us knitting Stonecrop.  So far we've only heard from Will, Kelli and myself.  Here's a list of all knitalongers (is that a word...well now it is!) with their Ravelry handles if you'd like to find each other on our favorite knitting site:

Me (Melissa) - twoknitwit

Kelli - oneknitwit

Will - WillyG

Andrea - aksaxton

Sue - purl3

Olivia - thishandmadelife

Gemma - gemma

Jenny - jenniferaguilar

If I've forgotten anyone, please speak up and I'll add you to the list!  Don't forget, when I sent you the invite it gave you all blogging privileges...please drop in and say hi when you get a chance and share your progress and materials and photos...don't forget the photos!

Guess that's it for now.  Hope everyone is enjoying this Jared Flood pattern as much as I am.  And yes, Kelli, I know you've already finished and thank you for waiting to post for a bit so the newbies don't get frightened and decide not to play anymore : )

Happy Sunday, all!

Melissa

good morning - posted by Melissa

 

Enjoying a cup of coffee with Kelli this morning : )

 

Post coming tomorrow with knitalong progress and a final list of participants so y'all can find each other on Ravelry.  Can't wait to see more progress photos from everyone!  Thanks, Will, for getting the guest blogging rolling.  Stunning work as always!!

 

More tomorrow!

Melissa

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

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

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

true blue friends - posted by Melissa

 

 

Look who we got to spend the day with yesterday??!

 

Meet Will & Jeff!

 

It's strange to finally meet people you've know online for years, although that feeling doesn't linger long.  It's hard to stay feeling like strangers for very long with people that know so much about you...especially nice folk like these two!  Here all the way from Pennsylvania!  Lucky us : )

 

It was the best day - the weather was amazing, much good food was eaten throughout the day, visits were made to Churchmouse and The Artful Ewe.

We were incredibly lucky to be able to celebrate such a huge step in gay equality with them as well.  There was much horn honking in our travels as we passed people carrying banners and signs in celebration.

 

I was lax taking photos - I haven't been as attached to my camera lately and have been enjoying moments more in front of the lens rather than behind it.  Will, on the other hand, took tons of photos and as soon as he gets a blog post up, I will link you guys so you can see more of our day.

 

This was a good way to come back to blogging!!  I'm inspired to pick up some of my languishing projects and maybe finish a thing or two as well.

 

So there you go - the first of many exciting posts in the upcoming days.  This was definitely a good one, don't you think!?

 

Happy Weekend - Melissa

 

(I almost forgot - Jeff hand spun and then wove a scarf from hand dyed fiber...just for me!  It's amazing and I did NOT get a picture of it but I will - I can't wait to show you!!!  I am lucky!)









kindred ~ Melissa

 

my first surprise of the new year

 

not sure why Dozer always wants to devour the mailman when he brings me such wonderful treats



the smallest packages always hold the nicest of things



 

and they're even better when they come from such kind people

 

'smiling's my favorite' and I've got one stuck like glue today thanks to you, sweetest Mimi

 

happy new year, my friend and I'm excited for what this year will bring! there's a piece of driftwood with your name on it...

 

here's a link to Charan Sachar's blog...he's local and you can find him at many festivals in our area!

fog ~ Melissa

 

A much needed day off and woke with a headache and the sniffles.  Good excuse to hunker down and do nothing.  Well, nothing but knit and watch the fog over Puget Sound, listen to the ferry bleat it's warning as it travels from Mukilteo to Clinton on Whidbey Island and back again, and warm myself with some good strong coffee.  Not a bad way to start a four day weekend, even if I'm not feeling 100%.

 

 

Progress has been a little slower now that the long holiday break is over and I'm back to work but my Girasole grows a bit more every day...and gets that much harder to photograph.

 

I've got loads of knitting time this weekend so maybe I can get to the edging in the next few days?  We shall see :)

 

I'm not in any hurry.  I've already decided I may make another of these blankets for a gift this year, just to have the opportunity to knit it again.  I'm loving the Peace Fleece and the pattern and especially all the companionship during this knitalong.  It's been so much fun already and we've just barely started!

 

That's it for today.  Don't forget to get any last minute gnome names submitted ~ Kelly will be closing the voting down shortly!

Happy weekend, everyone!

Melissa

silent sunday ~ Melissa

 

at the 20% completion point...8 more skeins to go







Tolt-R-Us... Guest Blogger Penny & Carolyn!

Guess where we went? Yup, Tolt Yarn & Wool! Quaint, beautifully displayed yarn and accessories, and friendly staff.




Carolyn & Penny

Carolyn, Rachel (employee), Penny

Wish I could say we spent a lot of money, but the holidays sucked the life out of my budget (I can't speak for C). In any event, I did buy this beautiful "Puddle" Bumblebirch yarn. It is earmarked for a classy shawl, though I have no idea what pattern -- just yet. I love that it will go with denim. 

You guys have a WONDERFUL time on your January KAL. I'm envious, but have too many pans in the fire. I'll drop by periodically so I can ooh and ah your many creations.  

happy Saturday ~ Melissa

 

I was going to say 'good morning' but that part of the day seems to have passed already!  So, instead I'll just say 'happy Saturday' and ask how the knitting is going.  I'm nearing the end of Chart C on my Girasole and as always, the bulk of a circular knit gets harder and harder to photograph.  I had to knit three circulars into my throw to get it to just barely lay flat enough for a picture.  You know how that is if you've ever knit a round shawl ~ pretty soon your imagination and trust in your knitting needs to take over since you won't see the full fruits of your labor until it's completely finished and off your needles.  I love that suspense!

 

Excited to hear from the rest of you who haven't yet commented on this post

so please don't forget to take a minute and do that (Jody, Emily, Karen and Erin are the only people yet to do so I think).

 

That's it for today ~ just a quicky update and wishes for a good weekend to you all.  Happy knitting!

Melissa



Bo needs to count her sheep ~ Melissa

link to my Girasole here

 

Good morning!  I feel a bit like Miss Peep today and want to gather the flock together for a head count, please!  This knitalong is our largest by far ~ very exciting ~ and since I do the behind the scenes managing I'd like to take a poll and see where we're all at as far as project choice and who has chosen to blog / who would just like to use the comment section.  I believe as of this morning there are nineteen knitters participating and fifteen of us are blogging.  So, here's what I would love from each of you (I promise ~ it won't take you away from your knitting for more than a minute or two!).  If all of us could please comment to this post with the following:

 

name / pattern choice / blog or just comment

 

I would really appreciate it.  I need to keep the bloggers to a manageable number for me ~ I don't know what that is but I'm thinking no more than twenty total?  Once we reach that number, blogging rights for the knitalong will close to any latecomers but new flock members are still welcome to play along using the comment section.  We will never turn anyone away from joining us, but as for the blogging...holy smokes, I'm flabbergasted as to how many folks have jumped on board this year!

 

And one final bit of housekeeping : if those of you who have a ravelry project opened for this kal could add the tag 2015floodsflock I would love it!  Makes it easy to find everyone in one spot ~ just click on your tag in your project and everyone will appear together on the screen for easy viewing ~ sound good?  Thanks again!

happy days are here again ~ Melissa

What a great way to start the New Year!  My favorite people are knitting with us and the sun is shining.  A fresh start to the new calendar and I have high hopes for a much better go of it this time 'round.

 

I've completed Chart A on my Girasole!  So deceiving...it's a whopping 10 rounds but it's enough to imagine what the rest of my blanket will look like when I'm finished.  What do you think?

 

 

I chose the Peace Fleece 'lily pad' colorway in hopes that it would compliment the Shelter 'sap' colorway in the Quill blanket I knit for my husband.  So similar!  Now we'll have coordinating throws to snuggle under! ( blogged here / ravelry notes here )

 

 

I love the two together :)

 

I've already enjoyed a few chuckles this morning reading your beginning posts and I'm looking forward to more laughter as the days go by!

 

 

Happy New Year and happy knitting!

(ps ~ everyone remember to tag your Ravelry project page with 2015floodsflock ~ thanks so much!!)

Melissa



I CAN CAST ON AT MIDNIGHT, RIGHT? ~ guest blogger Andrea

Sherry (who, by the way, will be knitting along, too) has threatened a midnight phone call to see if I'm knitting on my Flood Flock project.  I say, "Why not?"  There is that "start-itis" thing, but also this is a little out of my comfort zone, project wise and color/ yarn wise.  I've never knit anything in this light natural color, I've never knit a project holding 2 strands together, and I've never knit a gansey-style anything before.  Therefore, Ludlow is a perfect way to start 2015.  Life in general hands us new challenges and new opportunities.  If my 1st project of 2015 is a metaphor, then a shake-up is on the horizon.  I look forward to seeing all of the projects as they unfold.

Happy New Year to the whole flock.  Only 7 1/2 hours 'til midnight!

love ♥ - Melissa

The unveiling!  My purchases from yesterday's trip to Tolt Yarn & Wool ~ of course I had to have the Sheep Mug!

 

The Peace Fleece worsted in 'lily pad' is for a blanket size Girasole.

 

The Brooklyn Tweed Loft in 'hayloft' is for Stonecrop.

 

The cute ball of self striping yarn from Intrepid Otter in 'koi pond' is for socks (are you surprised!?).

 

The Studio Donegal Soft Donegal aran weight in 'oatmeal' is for Ashby.

 

And the Ístex Létt-Lopi is for my very first lopapeysa!!  It was not on my shopping list but my husband found a pattern for 'Moon Pulls' by Diana Walla while he was browsing and thought it looked like 'me' so he twisted my arm pretty hard to go over my budget yesterday (and succeeded).

 

I am swooning over my new stash and have so much to keep me busy that I doubt I'll need to buy another skein of yarn all year.  I can't wait to get started knitting and moving things from my 'queue' to my 'projects'!

 

And finally, in case you're wondering what this member of Flood's Flock will be casting on tomorrow...

 

 

I love the thought of 2000 yards of a bright happy lemony green tweedy wooly worsted weight yarn moving from my yarn bowl to a giant puddle of squishy lace in my lap keeping me warm over the winter months, so I think I'll be starting a Lily Pad Girasole to ring in the New Year!

 

I'm so excited to get started and knit the chilly days away with our awesome flock that has gathered together over the last few days!

 

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone!

Melissa



old friends ~ Melissa

Guess where I finally got to visit today?

 

 

Even the street signs are charming in this small town.

 

 

If I had a bucket list, I would fill it up with return visits!

my husband thought one stop shopping for 'Liquor, Hay & Feed, and Hardware' was hilarious ~ ...boys :)

 

The minute I stepped in the door it felt like home.  People were nice.  Every. Single. Soul.  I spent as much time chatting as shopping!

Remember my Muker Mitts ?  Tif spied them in my basket and asked if she could photograph them!  See, Tif is an embroiderer and had seen my mittens before but not in person.  We live in such a big yet small crafting community...let's see if you can follow this fun story.  Tolt's proprietress, Anna, had seen my mittens on Ravelry.  Anna is in my 'friends' and unbeknownst to me is the owner of Tolt ~ how did I miss that?  Anyway, she had sent Tif a picture of my mittens when I posted them since Tif is a stitcher and Anna wanted her to see them.  Today while I was chatting with Tif, she looked down into my basket and saw THE mitts!  She was so excited to tell Anna that my 'mitts had visited Tolt' that she asked if she could take a photo to send to Anna since she was not at the shop today.  Of course!!

 

So, there they are!  My proud mittens getting photographed in front of Tolt's famous chalkboard!  So proud :)

 

 (you should check out Tif's blog ~ I've added it to the sidebar ~ she's 'Dottie Angel'...and then once you get there follow her link to her instagram account ~ jawdropping amazing stuff!!)

 

 

I made one slow pass around the store.

 

Looked at and squished everything.  Ahhh.....





 

Checked out every nook and cranny and peeked in every basket.

 

 

And finally took out my shopping list and made some decisions. 

 

And that's all for today ~ you'll have to wait to see what's inside because I'm tired and it's getting too dark to take nice photos.

 

And what came home with me is definitely worthy of nice photos!

 

Melissa