IndigoMuse Knits

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

First post of 2008

Sorry I've been mia from bloglandia even though there has been much knitting and craftiness since I posted last. If you're looking for knitting and pictures, skip to the bottom of this post.

As you know, 2007 ended on a sad note and it was very hard to get out from under it. There were and still are many tears. We ended the year with three fewer family pets than what we started with and I think it was too much for all of us. The ban on new pets didn't even last a month. I caved and let the boys buy two fire bellied frogs at PetSmart yesterday. They're beyond happy and that's all that matters. We're NOT getting any more dogs, guinea pigs or cute fuzzy critters. Those are the ones that end up breaking your heart in the long run even though we love them dearly.

Many thanks for everyone's love, empathy, tears and support through our pet crisies this year. We are so grateful to have so many friends both far and near. Your friendship is a blessing to our family.

And my promise not to knit anyone Christmas prezzies was not held this year either. However, I did not engage in any stressed out deadline knitting for the first time in many years. My motto for the holidays was: "it is what it is and nothing more". I think because of that attitude, I finished every gift that I decided at the last minute to knit.

A comfort lamb (knit before, during and after the loss of Mavis) for me

Comfort lamb full shot

A Tam for Mom

Tam for Mom

Handspun Socks for Hubby

Hubby's Handspun Handknit socks

Hubby's Handspun Handknit sock on my foot

Baby gifts for both of Thing 2's teachers who are expecting

IndigomuseSaarjtes Booties

Indigomuse's Pixie Hat

Now on the sewing front, I didn't do so hot and several things were finished after the holidays. I was lucky that I didn't see some of the people they were intended for until then. In addition to making and gifting well over a dozen wrist therapy wraps, my favorite sewing project for Holiday 2007 was The P3 - Pyramid Project Pouch.

The P3 - Pyramid Project Pouch (front view) The P3 - Pyramid Project Pouch The P3 - Pyramid Project Pouch (several styles)

These and the wrist therapy wraps will be available soon in my Etsy shop. The P3 is perfect for a sock or lace project or to tuck just a couple of things into and zip to the store. There's a detachable wrist strap toggle that can easily clip to a belt or to a larger knitting bag. I've got some yummy Anna Maria Horner fabric that I'll be making some out of before the end of the month. I hope that the recipients enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed making them.

After the holidays, I got in some much needed leisure knitting and spinning. I cast on for Jeanie using Prism Lace Wool in the Copper Penny colorway.

Indigomuse's Jeanie

The yarn is as soft as most cashmere but the laceweight is quite wispy and this is not a speedy knit. I did some math (in and of itself a major feat) and found that at the rate I'm knitting (8 rows = 1 inch/per two hours), I'll finish the entire project in 140 hours. I'm 6", 1 1/2 repeats and 12 hours in. I'm shooting for the end of March unless the magic fairies come and help me. (((Sigh))) If I finish Jeanie, it will be the first major project in laceweight I've ever completed. Stay tuned.

I now have a whole shelf full of handspun yarn that I can't figure out what to knit with. I love the process so very much that I can't stop but I know that I should commit these babies to projects. I added two more to the pile since Christmas.

Creatively Dyed Yarn/Roving

Creatively Dyed Yarn Handspun

My original hand-dyed yarn named "Mermaid"

Indigomuse Handdyed Handspun yarn - Mermaid

If you're looking for details on any of these projects, click on the photos or check out Ravelry (Indigomuse).

I only posted 36 times last year. I hope to do a better job this year. Thanks for continuing to read about my fiber adventures.

9 comments:

Mary said...

Love that Mermaid yarn!

punkin said...

I like that pyramid project bag. Good idea!

Robin said...

Purdy~Purdy!!

You know you could get a parrot...they live 60-70 years!

Nikki said...

Beautiful yarn, knitting and sewing!!

I'm so sorry to hear of all y'alls losses :(

Nana Sadie said...

I'm glad you got something else, even if it's frogs.
Maybe use them as a talisman for your knitting?
lolol
Your lamb is darling.
((((hugs))))

emmy said...

It is so good to "see" you! Your holiday knitting is beautiful and I want to know when those cute project bags hit your etsy store!!

I can't remember if I expressed my symphathy to you when Mavis died but either way -here are some big HUGS to you and your entire family.

Amy Boogie said...

Glad to see you back to blogland. Fantastic projects. I love that comfort lamb.

Vouray said...

At least every couple of days I get this overwelming sadness about my Pug who died over a year ago of cancer. They are our children and it's hard to get over their loss. Luckily, time fades some of the pain. Keep knitting...

An entry from Cosmog, powered by Tumblr.com said...

Thanks for sharing thiss