Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Farewell, fog, fabric and an FO

On Sunday, a lady I met when picking up my Aegean spindle (now winging its way to a new home in Italy) bought Louie, my first spinning wheel. I learned to spin on this Louet S17, and I hope he serves his new mistress well. I feel better with the current stock of spinning supplies now, and so does my bank account!

The wind we experienced during our walk on Sabbath was blowing in a different weather pattern than the unseasonably clear, dry weather we've been enjoying. It started raining Sunday, then took a break overnight. St. Valentine's Day dawned foggy, so I snapped these photos for my friend Kathy, who loves fog but doesn't get much of it in Arizona.
Then the fog lifted and the rain started falling again.

This afternoon a friend who quilts met me at a local store to help me pick out fabric for this:
Since fabric arts aren't my forté the pattern has sat neglected since it was given to me two years ago, but its time has come. I've always wanted to make this for my own wall (and will), but am thinking it might make a good prize in my upcoming lambing contest, too. What do you think? I could get started right away, since I have nothing on the needles after finishing this last night:

Knitting the bottom ribbing on smaller needles as instructed resulted in a band too small to meet comfortably in the front, so there was no point in adding the zipper. I wore it out and about today as is, and it was cozy enough over a long-sleeved t-shirt that I didn't need another layer. I would definitely make this again, knitting it all in one piece as I did to eliminate side seams and using the bigger needles for everything but the armhole trim. I have more of this yarn, which perfectly suits the pattern, in other colorways.

That's it for now from . . .

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the wall hanging... Tho I sew, I do not quilt as I don't have the patience. I have never knitted, but am thinking about trying to learn one of these days, especially now that we have a fiber sheep here.

Franna said...

Very nice, Michelle!
Is that wall hanging pattern available somewhere? The Oregon vest has been on my list for a while. You're giving me incentive to work on it.

Anonymous said...

The fog is lovely, and the quilt is gorgeous. It will look great on your wall!

Tiggeriffic said...

The fog is so beautiful~ great pictures..
Love the wall hanging it will look good in your house on one of your walls.
I make quilts and need to get my project finished before Spring.
I'm making crochet socks right now.. very interesting and I'm using such a small crochet hook.
Have a Tiggeriffic Day~! ta ta for now from Iowa:)

Michelle said...

Thanks, everyone! Franna, the wall hanging is a McKenna Ryan design; here's a link to one source: http://www.thefabricdeli.com/McKenna-Ryan-Storybook-Farm-Block-2-Wooly-Good-Friends_p_1490.html

Theresa said...

Oh what a cute design. I have one of her older ones still waiting for me, couple of foxes playing from her forest series. Fabric can be addictive...you have been warned and if you are using your Featherweight they are one of the best for piecing quilts. I think in the end, us fiberholics, no matter what the medium, just like making stuff.
It pleases us aesthetically and also is useful.
The vest is lovely. Brave girl wearing cream around the farm. Your critters must be far neater than my critters...

Valerie said...

Love the wall hanging and it goes perfectly with the preceding photo.

Hmm...like that Oregon vest too. There's some handspun up in the stash that would be perfect for the vest...and perfect for spring weather.

Nice post!

Laura said...

Congrats on the vest - looks very comfy. However, it's, um, white... If I ever make one, it'll probably be multicolored!!

Sharon said...

One working wheel is all anyone needs :) I'm with Kathy - I too like the fog. I like moisture in the air. And I love your vest. Is that your yarn? What pattern did you use?

Michelle said...

Nope, not my yarn, Sharon; I haven't mastered knitting that bulky yet! The pattern is Oat Couture's Oregon Vest, sans zipper. And Theresa, I don't wear it to the barn!