tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80503162473129466462024-02-19T00:27:34.736-05:00BitsyKnitsThoughts about knitting, spinning and life :)Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-17179212393442943382011-08-14T16:22:00.005-04:002011-08-14T17:43:10.416-04:00Why my shawl patterns aren't available as PDF's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGeJvg1YU5lflgn0pvS4KmO1E2GnmZ5_ZpEPCKdadVNquGy7ignGj3ef9I42P9RJV36foL45FEqRp3Y2IyFfzq0WDk9OWjzikKPI6YvBEkr1yBHYit44oTBlyj1V5EDisZbaGh1P323w/s1600/Four+Patterns+8-14-11.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 620px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640827949084345010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGeJvg1YU5lflgn0pvS4KmO1E2GnmZ5_ZpEPCKdadVNquGy7ignGj3ef9I42P9RJV36foL45FEqRp3Y2IyFfzq0WDk9OWjzikKPI6YvBEkr1yBHYit44oTBlyj1V5EDisZbaGh1P323w/s320/Four+Patterns+8-14-11.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div>I'm often asked when my shawl patterns will be available in a downloadable format. Today I read something that solidified my answer...
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<br /><div align="justify">When I design a lace shawl, I put hundreds of hours into the design, the math, setting up charts in the computer, testing those charts, making adjustments, etc. After all the preliminary work is done I then work hard to format everything into a useable booklet style pattern printed on high quality paper that will last for years (decades?). The process is extensive and I invest not only time and money but a little bit of me goes into each shawl I design. I've never made my shawl patterns available as downloadable patterns because I felt that something was lost in that format.
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<br /><div align="justify">Today I read about a designer that had 36 of her patterns loaded into a forum for free download. Yep, that's right, I did type thirty-six! Imagine the time, effort and expense that went into those 36 patterns and what an impact having those designs stolen and then given away to the public must have. I took the time to browse through the designers patterns and they were adorable, all knitted toys, some extremely complex and all very original. Toys aren't my passion but it was very clear that they are hers and she does a wonderful job with her designs. I know I put my heart into my lace designs and I'm sure that this woman does the same with her toys.</div>
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<br /><div>Sharing patterns is a copyright infringement. Oh, I know this will happen between friends and family (its hard to refuse your mother-in-law when she asks for a copy) and the reality is that its OK to lend a pattern, the same way a library can lend a knitting book and the borrower has the right to knit a pattern from it. What is NOT OK is making patterns available to strangers and the general public for free. This is not only copyright infringement but also theft of goods. If you participate in this type of file sharing you are stealing from that designer. </div>
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<br /><div align="justify">All four of my lace shawl patterns pictured above are now available in my online shop <a href="http://www.bitsyknits.etsy.com/">http://www.bitsyknits.etsy.com/</a>. If you don't see them there, drop me a note and I'll create a listing just for you. More of my lace shawls will be listed in the future but they will always be listed only as a printed pattern. You'll never find my lace shawls, the products of my heart, listed as a PDF download. Technology is a wonderful thing and out lives are streamlined and efficient because of it but sometimes it can hurt and I'll avoid that possibilitiy as best I can. I'm off my soapbox now and headed back to my fiber. It's a cold and rainy day here but I'm fortunate to have lots of wool to keep me warm :)</div>
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<br /><div align="justify">Knit On, Bitsy</div></div></div>
<br />Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-52023930724720541562011-08-04T10:50:00.006-04:002011-08-04T11:44:34.550-04:00Getting Ready for SOAR - the Sharlea is here!<div align="justify">It's the time of year that is busiest for me, getting all the yarn, fiber and tools ready for sale this fall at shows but this year is a bit different. I'll be vending at SOAR - the Spin-Off Autumn Retreat, an annual Spinning Conference, to my knowledge, the only one of its size in the world. SOAR's location shifts each year and this year it is on the East Coast, giving me the opportunity to show my fiber to the spinning world.<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="justify">In preparation for SOAR as well as the other <a href="http://bitsyknits.com/calendar.aspx">festivals I'll be at</a>, I've been hunting all over the world for some really special spinning fibers. I've found a lovely variety of wonderful local domestic fleece that are currently at the mill being prepared into rovings, I have an amazing quantity of Quiviet that I'm having a hard time letting go of but the best of the best arrived just yesterday...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637026127919767682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMcpfyUSVwss75O0-v3Y2P1rn3ADE68K4zRmsgmQwFvv7yiL-5sWeEW8xc-qO9Jb-xY0Z6UxlWQ3obc2cgol9WQRpQj7ooYkqG0OszeCIM0Ft9mWc8xGpo6VyGRnRCOUlYPV_4Nxdzjw/s400/IMG_0085%255B1%255D.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">13.3 micron Sharlea merino, unwashed in its shipping package<br /></span></p></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">In yesterday's post I reveived 2 of my 4 Sharlea fleece. Sharlea is a brand name that is used to identify Saxon Merino sheep that are raised according to a patented method. The sheep are cared for like pets in the US, housed, clothed, fed special feed and given human and humane contact. These sheep are healthier than there more traditional bretheren, living as much as 50% longer lives but all of the love and care that goes into raising them has only one purpose - their amazing fleece. Ranging from 12 to 15.5 microns, the ultra-fine Sharlea merino is clean, consistant in crimp and staple length and an amazing experience for the hand spinner. </div><br /><p align="justify">Only a handful of Sharlea fleece are available for individual sale each year, the bulk of them are baled and auctioned off. The fiber generally ends up at fashion houses around the world where they process the wool and it is woven into luxurious fabric to be made into custom garments for high end customers (think $15,000 men's suits). To the best of my knowledge, there are no more Sharlea certified fleeces available until the Spring shearing begins but there is a reason that mine have just arrived...</p><br /><p align="justify">Two of the fleeces I have purchased were held back to be shown at the <a href="http://www.sheepshow.com/">Australian Sheep and Wool Show </a>at Bendigo, AU this year. The heavier of the two won Reserve Champion in the Ultrafine Merino Class. I had to wait until after the show for my fleece to arrive - in fact, I didn't even know until after the show what micron count they would be and how heavy they were. They are both 13.3 microns and these two are very similar. I have two others, both a bit 'coarser', one at 13.9 microns and the other at 16 microns which puts it at Superfine rather than Ultrafine but still exhibiting the Sharlea Characteristics. The estimated yield of Sharlea is 75-82%, much higher than would normally be expected for a merino in part due to the great care used to keep these sheep clean and free of debris.</p><br /><p align="justify">I can't tell you how excited I am to be able to offer this very special fiber to handspinners in the USA. The Sharlea will be packaged unwashed in 50 gm boxes and will be available in my festival booth this fall. You have to see and touch it to believe it so please stop by and see me at the shows.</p>Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-56629824475082888272011-02-18T20:52:00.004-05:002011-02-18T21:00:45.171-05:00Feb Sale Photos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlrX9oEIREcP4dmWofelUbmeOhCiBCxUQ5OKjm3onHnH7PPoItbUsGYZPBIm8SXEmaBDcxLG-vXOTIRvbTO37ButwBkUsbRFashBUfx0eOtBjgsHfiPW_9FKqS1eF2RFGpgwmQJVXLcc/s1600/Feb+sale+pics.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575214748521244722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlrX9oEIREcP4dmWofelUbmeOhCiBCxUQ5OKjm3onHnH7PPoItbUsGYZPBIm8SXEmaBDcxLG-vXOTIRvbTO37ButwBkUsbRFashBUfx0eOtBjgsHfiPW_9FKqS1eF2RFGpgwmQJVXLcc/s200/Feb+sale+pics.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oB0JZXCf87drfxgeUKeQHwpuiYC8I6C260C0sJ7wXhl5p-D556-iUghZq8lWazx8jymak2Xu3gI2OzWSlXo-Ju8bNHNc1o7LWG07QwHdRA4q63wCs7IB8PtN4wbtvkx4C3CMoo0mLs4/s1600/Feb+sale+pics-1.jpg"></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Arrrrrrgh! I'm driving myself crazy trying to get this photo posted to Ravelry so I'm posting it here then putting it there. It will accompany a coupon code for the shop (that isn't as good as the one here, special for blog readers :)</div></div>Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-43410591391175643922011-02-18T20:49:00.001-05:002011-02-18T20:49:03.640-05:00Feb sale pics<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36338914@N04/5456875571/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5456875571_015c54412e_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36338914@N04/5456875571/">Feb sale pics</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/36338914@N04/">BitsyKnits</a></span></div>Arggggggh, I can't get this posted on Ravelry from Flickr so I'm putting it here to get it there :)<br clear="all" />Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-53789860754212726312011-02-15T23:41:00.006-05:002011-02-16T00:19:08.851-05:00February Phatfiber - Precious Gems<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-XFfjU8fFvwb43zwiboWJrdUsW89p97E5OSJwdu5ShZOXe7QMQZJ6TS59nAID_o9kqvU_elwpELp06522-P2scVR0N0_-DQJydcMkwfchoQrSYTpyMcIlDrHts0i5FDiHAY1ylt4a20/s1600/kido+pg+corner+pile+2.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574148313880564194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-XFfjU8fFvwb43zwiboWJrdUsW89p97E5OSJwdu5ShZOXe7QMQZJ6TS59nAID_o9kqvU_elwpELp06522-P2scVR0N0_-DQJydcMkwfchoQrSYTpyMcIlDrHts0i5FDiHAY1ylt4a20/s200/kido+pg+corner+pile+2.JPG" /></a> <em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Kido Lame in colorway "Precious Gems"</span></strong></em><br /><br /><div>I'm so excited about the yarns and fiber I dyed for the February Phatfiber Box. I have a wonderful new base yarn called Kido Lame. It is a lace weight kid mohair stranded with a gold metallic thread. The superfine kid mohair simply loves the dye pot and the results are astounding. Kido Lame knits up very much like other lace weight kid mohairs on the market and can be substituted in almost any pattern. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIfPHXgoQEKESZz4gzfJ48yN9ymbTC9-wXv5XY6UuY3woCFpoH4-oUz-1YDqTnf3dlRt8QZYLWjSIHMiOxmkydaHx4JaaXrcXAlSj56jW_hf9DXXEmIEpQosc_cIqNMlhl3-e-BZEcbU/s1600/bfl+silk+pg+corner+coil.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574148995307462882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIfPHXgoQEKESZz4gzfJ48yN9ymbTC9-wXv5XY6UuY3woCFpoH4-oUz-1YDqTnf3dlRt8QZYLWjSIHMiOxmkydaHx4JaaXrcXAlSj56jW_hf9DXXEmIEpQosc_cIqNMlhl3-e-BZEcbU/s200/bfl+silk+pg+corner+coil.JPG" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;">85% BFL/15% Silk Top</span></em></strong></div><div align="right"><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Soft Silk 50% Silk/50%Merino</span></em></strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha64ChidN-S0G_2EHi8nsbveqDk-TxND1OcGTYzlOzpDKpK76kMIckSglDJg6rqXqaNcBM2Tljpk7uuWo3I7gJqASeKfOdZAtSgwhPWydmkSOBryr62BR7BGxygDrH2YALTT5fB17i31g/s1600/ssilk+pg+corner+pile.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574149501538427202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha64ChidN-S0G_2EHi8nsbveqDk-TxND1OcGTYzlOzpDKpK76kMIckSglDJg6rqXqaNcBM2Tljpk7uuWo3I7gJqASeKfOdZAtSgwhPWydmkSOBryr62BR7BGxygDrH2YALTT5fB17i31g/s200/ssilk+pg+corner+pile.JPG" /></a></div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> <strong></div></strong></span></em><br /><div></div><div>I've included pictures of the luxury yarns and fiber that I've dyed up in the Precious Gems colorway as sampled in the Phatfiber Box. Special for blog readers until February 28, 2011, the code GEMS15 at checkout will take 15% off anything in the BitsyKnits Etsy <a href="http://www.bitsyknits.etsy.com/">shop</a>. </div><div align="right">.</div><div> </div><div>On other fronts, I've begun to finalize my festival schedule for 2011. Details on where you can see all BitsyKnits yarns and fibers in person as well as the current calendar of classes I'm teaching can be found as always at <a href="http://www.bitsyknits.com/">BitsyKnits.com</a> </div><div align="right">.</div><div> </div><div>Oh, and 1 last note for all you Spinolution fans... I have a Spinolution Hopper with just a few hours of use on it being sold as a demo wheel - full factory warranty, 3 bobbins, 8 oz. art yarn flyer, the works, all at a deeply discounted price. Feel free to contact through the website for pricing information and to receive a PDF sales flyer with pictures of the wheel.</div><div align="right">.</div><div> </div><div>Knit On, Bitsy<br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div>Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-15820137963806313282011-01-09T21:56:00.002-05:002011-01-09T22:14:40.497-05:00New Shop Inventory / New Year's ResolutionA Happy and a Healthy New Year to all. I normally don't make NY's resolutions but this year I've decided that I will and I will go public with it (perhaps that will help keep me on track). For 2011 & beyond, I'm determined to be more technologically up-to-date. I will keep my blog updated, I will stay on top of things at Ravelry. I will update BitsyKnits.com regularly and I will add new inventory to my Etsy shop throughout the year.<br /><br />As I get older, I find myself reminiscing about the days before we were all connected, all the time. I do realize that this is now the way of the world. Although I spend my days using technology passed down through centuries, it's time to start including the technology created in the last decades.<br /><br />So I will do my best to stay connected the new fashioned way. Look to hear from me more often with thoughts about knitting, spinning and life. Oh, and so far, so good. I have been on Ravelry and checked in at all my groups, there is new inventory available right now in my shop, just click this post's title and last but not least, I've posted my first blog entry for the year. Not too much on the pertinant topics but hey, its a start. Let's see if I can keep it up. Knit On, BitsyBitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-79231646982786555802010-11-04T12:48:00.001-04:002010-11-04T12:48:49.933-04:00Conversational Threads Class Calendar - Nov Dec 2010<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36338914@N04/5145713485/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5145713485_31640c59f5_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36338914@N04/5145713485/">Calendar - Nov Dec 2010</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/36338914@N04/">BitsyKnits</a></span></div>Hard copies are also available at the shop. Make sure to register in advance at the shop. Due to a change in availability of the classroom, classes may be cancelled if there are no registrations two weeks prior to the first class.<br clear="all" />Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-12165436943759537122010-03-19T01:14:00.003-04:002010-03-19T01:24:47.197-04:00PHATfiber Giveaway - My Own Handspun & MoreHi again,<br /><br />Somehow I missed that Jessie posted my giveaway skein of handspun on the PHATfiber blog. Just visit my store at <a href="http://www.bitsyknits.etsy.com/">www.BitsyKnits.etsy.com</a>, take a look at the stuff (just put up LOTS of yarns and fiber) and add a comment to the PHATfiber blog post found here:<br /><br /><a href="http://phatfiber.blogspot.com/2010/03/bitsy-knits-and-giveaway.html">http://phatfiber.blogspot.com/2010/03/bitsy-knits-and-giveaway.html</a><br /><br />That will enter you to win a skein on my own handspun in custom carded colorway South Sea Isles, a lucious blend of Romney, Mohair and Alpaca. <br /><br />Don't forget, all purchases from the shop are eligible to win the March PHATfiber Superbox. Just make sure to list your purchase at the Ravelry superbox discussion board found here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/phat-fiber-sampler-box/1050217/1-25#2">http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/phat-fiber-sampler-box/1050217/1-25#2</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#663366;"><strong>AND IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH...</strong></span><br /><br />A lucky few PHATfiber boxes in February and March contained a special "GET IT FREE" card that gets you a skein of yarn, braid or bag of fiber free with a minimum purchase from the shop. Check your boxes carefully and don't let this offer slip by.Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-72881290395764278832010-03-18T17:12:00.005-04:002010-03-18T17:43:44.011-04:00March PHATfiber & Swap Thank You<div align="justify">My March PHATfiber colorway is a BitsyKnits favorite, South Sea Isles. Available in 15 different yarns and fibers, the subtle blendings of blues and greens are great with most colorings. For something different, try a smooth yarn like Squash! or Squoosh! Merino trimmed with one of the loopy, lumpy boucles as an accent. One skein of Squash or Bitsy's Sock is perfect for a Baby Surprise Jacket for those new spring arrivals. Keep your eyes open for the jumbo skein of handspun that I've sent off to PHATfiber headquarters, I expect it will end up as some sort of giveaway or contest. Also keep your eyes open for special "Get it FREE" cards that will be included with some lucky PHATfiber boxes. Recipients are entitled to receive a free skein of yarn or bag of fiber with minimum purchase. </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450091711307254466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 575px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMqhRoCXXf3lHi3HGwKgDrVvALfAbEtISmGVNYDZmahD2MHGsQ3OmIGwyiCgfL0MHZuwL7dMkPlUnXSCDprPpGFIC-57Hz1G-tjja7NQ9TcrRzlGtkAku2azvmFK-Bk_F0Gq3dZzM3KU/s400/south+sea+4+fibers.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="justify"><br />As for me, I've recently had a lovely stash enhancement. My wonderful Amazing Lace Swap partner, GuapaM sent me this incredible package from Germany and I'm finally getting a chance to photo it. She included an amazing assortment (the chocolate is missing, its already been 'used'). Yarns (all lace weight) include a HUGE skein from Estonia in teals, a so soft magenta skein from Finland and the wonderfully colorful zauberwool crazy ball in lace weight. Also in the box was the hand sewn project bag in the middle with patchwork, a zipper pocket and my name embroidered on cute little sheep. GuapaM and I have had a wonderful time getting to know each other over the past weeks and found that we have quite a bit in common in addition to our love of knitting.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-Qf8P5RFuQl70OMiUyOBtYNvoIqvLM6xM4Qtw6e72VNlnYWruKBJQpEMEzue10oE5CGQ1mGu62q3Gi6nu5eDoO5wahRhQvqONaO6wW9W21YLt_rRRCpkitFO5IktbGxVF70TQ5od3xU/s1600-h/Camera+Dump+3-18-10+121.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-Qf8P5RFuQl70OMiUyOBtYNvoIqvLM6xM4Qtw6e72VNlnYWruKBJQpEMEzue10oE5CGQ1mGu62q3Gi6nu5eDoO5wahRhQvqONaO6wW9W21YLt_rRRCpkitFO5IktbGxVF70TQ5od3xU/s320/Camera+Dump+3-18-10+121.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Thanks so much Simone, I love it all</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div>Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-79785606927908756502010-02-17T12:18:00.002-05:002010-02-17T14:32:48.065-05:00For Scottie with Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4365381346_d57af8b6f2_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4365381346_d57af8b6f2_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On February 17, 2010, Scottie lost his valiant battle with cancer. He fought hard until the end and we'll always remember the love that he shared with everyone he met and the joy that he brought to our lives.Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-56033186131104689662010-02-12T21:04:00.004-05:002010-02-12T21:19:38.536-05:00Lets Get Ready To Scrumble!<strong>2010 Ravelympics have begun.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />As I type, the Canadian National Anthem is being sung and its time to get to work. I've been training hard for the winter Ravelympics, collecting more than 40 yarns, weighing in at over 15 pounds. It remains to be seen what the final project will - what I do know is tat it will be my own brand of freestyle. I'm looking forward to hitting the bumps.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4352047729_5d78c60b82_m.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;color:#663366;"><strong>3, 2, 1, GO! Proud member of Team Phatfiber - Partial to the Sparkle</strong></span></div>Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-24437453328246850222010-01-14T16:36:00.004-05:002010-01-14T17:13:46.279-05:00'Bout time I posted something!!!Well, its been an exciting time for me since my last post... Major car accident, replacement car stolen, poor little puppy had another surgery and more :(<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2010 is gonna be a GREAT year!</span><br /></span></div><br />In keeping with my positive attitude, I'm excited to announce that I've become a PHATfiber contributor beginning January 2010. My samples have been sent in a special new colorway and I'll be putting the fiber and yarn in the shop to coincide with the box going on sale.<br /><br />For those of you that aren't familiar, check out <a href="http://www.blogger.com/phatfiber.com">PHATfiber.com</a> for more info. Its a great way to check out indie dyers from around the country and I'm really happy to have joined the team.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMp1rZcuao8e85LZn0xFAXNyJcabpsMLNAeKTGEuVQD6aXeyVf7GeLqiIZGt0rNrcCEs04jbHloMLT03BJP91znvckLEkzvITdv4j8iZcK2qo5T1oWLmv4H_1Mtk7vwn6y9LBaJhWCJg/s1600-h/glitz+plum+cu.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMp1rZcuao8e85LZn0xFAXNyJcabpsMLNAeKTGEuVQD6aXeyVf7GeLqiIZGt0rNrcCEs04jbHloMLT03BJP91znvckLEkzvITdv4j8iZcK2qo5T1oWLmv4H_1Mtk7vwn6y9LBaJhWCJg/s400/glitz+plum+cu.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426721393131223298" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a sneak peek at my first contribution. I'll tell you all about it when the box is revealed. That's all for now, gotta run & open the 60 pound box of beautiful rovings that just arrived for painting.Bitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-39938941195061597282009-09-16T16:48:00.002-04:002009-09-16T16:54:15.088-04:00Off and Running - to the FingerlakesWell, here we go. Just got the call that we've got a last minute spot at the Fingerlakes Fiber Arts Festival in Hemlock, NY. Melissa (<a href="http://www.strandedinoz.com">Stranded in Oz</a>) and I are doing the last minute scramble and heading up north to fit in 1 more fest. What could be better than a weekend filled with sheepy goodness :)<br /><br />If you can't make it that far north, we're sure to be in your area in the next few weeks - the remainder of the fall fiber festival schedule is:<br /><br />9/24-25 Knitter's Day Out (near Harrisburg, PA)<br />10/3-4 Vermont Sheep & Wool<br />10/24-25 Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival, Berryville, VA<br /><br />Links to these fests and more can be found at <a href="http://www.BitsyKnits.com">www.BitsyKnits.com</a>. Come on down & have a look, fondle the fibers and take home some goodies.<br /><br />See you at the fests, BitsyBitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-64244730341233377762009-01-02T15:40:00.005-05:002009-01-02T16:04:26.655-05:00The Holidays are FINALLY Over!I hope that everyone out there had a wonderful holiday. I was a little crazed before the holidays and I'm just getting back to normal so I thought I'd post some goodies...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxZI_1fFjkXGBkG-YHcuWUyv37bF6zYFOBWcpFRPtgG1bKZVLb7av_n8VGfSNFRHiK6IFodIIHuiZf_fyNEZ6h2hht87d2IF89t-YC1ZsZyGz3q4GjjEPjiW2yzvw-8okQ8nMFcAHyIs/s1600-h/Christmas+Cookies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxZI_1fFjkXGBkG-YHcuWUyv37bF6zYFOBWcpFRPtgG1bKZVLb7av_n8VGfSNFRHiK6IFodIIHuiZf_fyNEZ6h2hht87d2IF89t-YC1ZsZyGz3q4GjjEPjiW2yzvw-8okQ8nMFcAHyIs/s320/Christmas+Cookies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286799796663644274" border="0" /></a><br />These are just some of the cookies that I baked for my son's Scout Troop Holiday Party. The party ended up being postponed due to weather so I actually ended up baking 2 batches, a total of around 200 cookies PLUS 200 cupcakes, all decorated as well. I'm planning to take a rest before I do any more baking!<br /><br />While I was working away on presents, I was suddenly struck with the desire to knit a Sock Monkey for my cousin's baby daughter. I though that this would be an easy project, I'd Google knitted sock monkey and come up with a bunch of patterns, select one and knit away. What I found was that there aren't alot of patterns for handknit Sock Monkeys, not on Google or on Ravelry so since I had already committed in my mind to make the present, I chose to design my own.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-K8zNG3DuyQ0BB4jfvhQAp0AIxVcHQ-RBRzDuIXFm-DLKlNGjr4rDXKEPQ885eesxGyTI-WvuIcPYF0Zo7fQCxZ4nBvSXvQTZESLon0LOVQkVTSQsNU9sJoih0OPB4Mt1yqhOcmb1cM/s1600-h/Sock+Monkies+in+Love.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-K8zNG3DuyQ0BB4jfvhQAp0AIxVcHQ-RBRzDuIXFm-DLKlNGjr4rDXKEPQ885eesxGyTI-WvuIcPYF0Zo7fQCxZ4nBvSXvQTZESLon0LOVQkVTSQsNU9sJoih0OPB4Mt1yqhOcmb1cM/s320/Sock+Monkies+in+Love.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286799802009824322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sock Monkies in Love</span><br /></div><br />My Ultimate Handknit Sock Monkey pattern will be available in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry shortly. Once I started, I just couldn't stop! My goal was to design a monkey that was the same size as ones sewn from socks. The finished monkeys measure approximately 21" tall and closely resemble the classic monkeys of old. After I had knit the first one in traditional sock monkey colors, I decided that a little girl needed a pastel girl monkey and so I knit the second in my handpainted Bitsy's Sock yarn accented with kettle dyed solids to match. I'm so pleased with the way they turned out, I especially love the handpaint monkey. Kits will also be available with Bitsy's Sock yarn and special limited edition kettle dyed coordinates.<br /><br />Along with many other handmade gifts, I also knit a pair of ruffled, fingerless gloves for my dear friend Wanda. She had seen a glove that I was playing with and simply had to have a pair. After several attempts, I am pleased with the final effort and will also be offering this pattern in the near future.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwvzSrxbtsZwJOacIgsyc0GEOPq5WUwzNPu5xCrgGoePScz2kG-8_-3ULTNk2NpDrr9ff0Qr9MNneOgBZIjnMDN02s9uHIFPzbFGMydsSlpnSc0keKahZxu97Fl2-MfI7TmOnlbZROww/s1600-h/Ruffles+Fingerless+Gloves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwvzSrxbtsZwJOacIgsyc0GEOPq5WUwzNPu5xCrgGoePScz2kG-8_-3ULTNk2NpDrr9ff0Qr9MNneOgBZIjnMDN02s9uHIFPzbFGMydsSlpnSc0keKahZxu97Fl2-MfI7TmOnlbZROww/s320/Ruffles+Fingerless+Gloves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286799805414447282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wanda's Ruffled Fingerless Gloves</span><br /></div><br />Wanda's gloves were knit in a handspun 3 ply sport weight yarn, a handdyed blend of wool, mohair and angora. The pattern is suitable for any sport to light worsted yarn.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now. I'm off to work on my current spinning project, a lace weight Blue Faced Leicester yarn from handpainted fiber that I purchased at MDS&W last year. I'll post some pictures next time.<br /><br />Thanks for reading, BitsyBitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-66751167291029215892008-11-19T15:30:00.005-05:002008-11-19T15:57:12.329-05:00Finished WIP's and Poor Little PuppyWell, I've been a busy girl this past week. 2, yes 2 finished fiber projects, 1000 yds of handspun laceweight yarn, 12 silk scarves, hand dyed, ironed and boxed, ready to wrap for holiday gifts and I played nurse to my baby, a 10 year old Scottish Terrier who had a mass removed from his paw on last Monday.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHORpyCQc3QJLNyynmpLkSxuc-kwUGzMvhKe0xC-lEeQ1FKL50gdBSpXCND-5eVZmdJMRwsYLcRss_bATdXUvk5gQ_A7BsKkXU9QXbujbSCVl3LZixiHpaZDVRI7HfH7OwWhGLeBSBpK0/s1600-h/Scottie+post+surgery.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHORpyCQc3QJLNyynmpLkSxuc-kwUGzMvhKe0xC-lEeQ1FKL50gdBSpXCND-5eVZmdJMRwsYLcRss_bATdXUvk5gQ_A7BsKkXU9QXbujbSCVl3LZixiHpaZDVRI7HfH7OwWhGLeBSBpK0/s320/Scottie+post+surgery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270469395254383122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Scottie the scottie at home after surgery</span></span><br /><br /></div>Scottie (no, I didn't name him) is doing just fine. He now has a handknit sock and boot to cover his poor little foot. The stitches come out next week but until then it needs to stay clean and dry. We won't have the pathology back for a while yet so please keep him in your prayers.<br /><br />Onto more exciting things, FINISHED PROJECTS! I think I mentioned previously that I was weaving a scarf on my new rigid heddle loom. I used Emu Naturally wool for the warp and my own handspun wool/mohair for the weft. The handspun was a blend of 2 colors, one a solid turquoise and the other a turquoise/rose blend that I purchased at MDS&W '07. The yarn created subtle undulating shades against the rose colored warp. I'm really proud of this one since it is my first woven item.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jhU7S7sacJi4DtXNQEw4idk8WjJFPPaYygIV3roi0PWn0xu8VdalRZTp1uKeutcOfWfmGqr4_I-iyAyvj4YQyHaup-RleD-3-w2TYCxiXudeExEXctOOH6hPOZaJR6jiYxdDALxOuaw/s1600-h/woven+scarf+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jhU7S7sacJi4DtXNQEw4idk8WjJFPPaYygIV3roi0PWn0xu8VdalRZTp1uKeutcOfWfmGqr4_I-iyAyvj4YQyHaup-RleD-3-w2TYCxiXudeExEXctOOH6hPOZaJR6jiYxdDALxOuaw/s320/woven+scarf+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270471228008143746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">handspun, handwoven scarf</span></span><br /></div><br />I had thought to give it away but I think that it will stay with me. As this was my first attempt, there are a couple of problems with it. Next time I will loosen up my weft at the selvedges but all things considered I'm really happy with the result. I purchased the loom in an effort to use up some of my handspun faster than knitting and I certainly was able to do that. The 11" wide, 60" long scarf only took about 5 hours, including warping the loom. I have more of the handspun (I did around 24 ounces originally) and I like the colors so I'm thinking I'll do the same project again, adjusting to loosen the edge just a bit.<br /><br />My second finished project is my tam using the California Red that was in my spinning guild's paperbag for this year. This one make me happy for a couple of reasons, first, it is finished and ready to display well in advance of the December guild meeting and second, I was really looking forward to creating a tam and playing with the wheel type motif on the top. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvDQ2ThJ5oobiefm6Kkmz7GOztRF62BU4rxuhuN-tzboPqCi2kym_u0VXhJLGlbIGqmgi1nuc9ZiPl3wucGqe_Z9IGJdU6Z-L2qh6qSpe_GKW7PuaX1WBIkqdRTSSsi3150Il6wZMagU/s1600-h/knitted+tam.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvDQ2ThJ5oobiefm6Kkmz7GOztRF62BU4rxuhuN-tzboPqCi2kym_u0VXhJLGlbIGqmgi1nuc9ZiPl3wucGqe_Z9IGJdU6Z-L2qh6qSpe_GKW7PuaX1WBIkqdRTSSsi3150Il6wZMagU/s320/knitted+tam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270472915527034034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">knitted tam using hand dyed, handspun yarn</span></span><br /></div><br />The California Red is the multicolor yarn. I handpainted the fiber using acid dyes and then spun it and plyed it to create a sportweight yarn. I wasn't happy with the feel of the yarn, it is kind of rough and so I used it to create the fairisle patterning against a background of commercially milled wool and alpaca. The end result is just lovely. The colors in the handspun really look nice against the sage green of the background yarn. It fits nicely although next go around I will decrease the needle size used on my ribbed band. This was the first time I actually used a multi-colored yarn for fair isle. I ususally do it the old fashioned way and end up with 15-20 partially used skeins. I really like the results and will likely do this again in the future. I have some very suble color blends of handspun in my stash and I'm already dreaming of fair isle socks with more of a color contrast.<br /><br />So, thats it for now. I'm off to begin work on my first issue of the North Country Spinners Newsletter, a job that I am taking on beginning this month. I'm also beginning to work on my 2009 festival schedule. I just learned that the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival has a waiting list so that one is out. I'm hoping to get a few shows in this spring. If anyone has any suggestions, drop me a note. Geographically, I like to limit myself to the Northeast.<br /><br />That's all for now. Until the next time, Happy Knitting, BitsyBitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-57676269463684814102008-11-10T16:47:00.005-05:002008-11-10T17:26:51.054-05:00Look what came in the mail today / thoughts on photos<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Stash Enhancement</span>...<br /><br />I'm so excited! Look what came in the mail today... a huge pile of rainbow fluff, more often referred to as a batt of alpaca. This is a photo of one of the batts.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxV9pHpaqavhbovy0wv66fkQv42WfvbxLiymerRc7B6wxd2R5v5vpCDKf5C8_Hz_d1UFrO2S560WqYJMtVBDL6ULHCnxkncw4MPJm117NdMXWdN4ip5o2MSffZy-fN1Lqnvay2x8jP3g/s1600-h/11-10-08+rainbow+alpaca+batt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxV9pHpaqavhbovy0wv66fkQv42WfvbxLiymerRc7B6wxd2R5v5vpCDKf5C8_Hz_d1UFrO2S560WqYJMtVBDL6ULHCnxkncw4MPJm117NdMXWdN4ip5o2MSffZy-fN1Lqnvay2x8jP3g/s320/11-10-08+rainbow+alpaca+batt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267152306776117138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">rainbow alpaca batt</span></span><br /><br /></div>A total of 4.25 pounds of rainbow, 2 pounds of white and 2.4 pounds of natural colors from Marathon Fiber Mills. Of course, I had to grab a handful and try it out right away. I spun a little sample with a drop spindle of unknown origins just to try it out. They told me that this was prime and boy were they right. nice staple length, easy to spin. I simply tore off a strip of the batt off the edge and hand pulled it into roving. I really like the results.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTEfEDvIUPmDVxoXErYy9KTgViwKhmQmSm56iZ27kqFZAPujbl0LgaqLelyIGJRtEz9zbTt5zehvXMooH1pEUQHfP6afkzqcDuZBeOluwYP2CnIbppCIhCKPP_8Ln6haC1R9XNxb6I1k/s1600-h/11-10-08+rainbow+alpaca+yarn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTEfEDvIUPmDVxoXErYy9KTgViwKhmQmSm56iZ27kqFZAPujbl0LgaqLelyIGJRtEz9zbTt5zehvXMooH1pEUQHfP6afkzqcDuZBeOluwYP2CnIbppCIhCKPP_8Ln6haC1R9XNxb6I1k/s320/11-10-08+rainbow+alpaca+yarn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267152662936963794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">spindle spun rainbow alpaca yarn</span></span><br /><br /></div>When I saw this advertised, I knew that it wanted to be a sweater some day. I'm not sure if I'll use the same method when I do the sweater spinning. I may take the batt apart in layers in order to preserve cleaner color separations but I will definitely be spinning all of the colors of the rainbow into a worsted weight yarn to knit something cozy for myself.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">You're never too old to learn...</span><br /><br />I am a member of the North Country Spinners, a guild with members from Eastern PA, NJ and NY that meets monthly in Blairstown, NJ. This month, the program was "How to Photograph Your Work" with Daryl Lancaster (www.weaversew.com). If you ever have the opportunity, take a class with Daryl. She was wonderful, well prepared and knowledgeable and the advice she gave me is invaluable. I'm looking forward to an improvement in the photographs here as well as in my Etsy shop. I was so excited to give her suggestions a try that I dressed my 13 year old son up in black from head to toe and used him as a model. Although I could have had a more cooperative subject, here is one of my shawls displayed elegantly on his lithe 5'8" frame. I know that I need to improve on my background and my model could be wearing better fitting clothing but hey, its a start :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OznItBdEJ2Mrfw3YHQDxDHyZ1vi3ydSzfgHJF4atsw9jZ12wistTJgQ-clcY1R5GbGxvBbOpfhSWw5bTwzJSRq1AklKILNAFvCJ0QTsfm9JhmS35IgFa6yldaOIngdCA2zQS4B83Evw/s1600-h/burg+green+shawl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OznItBdEJ2Mrfw3YHQDxDHyZ1vi3ydSzfgHJF4atsw9jZ12wistTJgQ-clcY1R5GbGxvBbOpfhSWw5bTwzJSRq1AklKILNAFvCJ0QTsfm9JhmS35IgFa6yldaOIngdCA2zQS4B83Evw/s320/burg+green+shawl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267155606915331778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Roses in Fall shawl</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Works in Progress...</span><br /><br />The weekend was spent playing with my new (used) rigid heddle loom. I was totally absorbed in it and I finished my very first woven scarf. I should say, I finished the weaving portion. I still need to remove the header and finish off the ends. I used a naturally dyed millspun wool for the warp and handspun wool/mohair for the weft. I'm happy with the results although I do need to loosen up a bit next time. Pictures will be posted when it is all done.<br /><br />I'm still knitting along on my Wensleydale shawl but I did start another new project yesterday. Our guild's paperbag project for the year was some California Red roving. Since we display our finished projects at our December meeting, I though it was time to get going on the knitting. Earlier in the year, I handpainted the roving and spun it into a 2 ply fingering weight yarn. Last night, I finally decided what to do with it. Originally I had planned to knit a lace scarf but I really wasn't thrilled with how the yarn felt after it was finished. It took dye beautifully with deep, rich colors and spinning it was OK (a little bumpy but not too bad). When the yarn was plied and washed, it had a rough feel to it that doesn't feel good next to the skin. That killed the scarf idea since I didn't want to wear it against my neck. I though about weaving with it but if I did a scarf I would have the same issue. <br /><br />Because I handpainted the roving, the colors change constantly along each ply of the yarn creating a lovely effect of colors and I want to take advantage of that. I dove into my stash (larger than most yarn stores) and came up with a lightweight yarn, 20% alpaca, 80% wool in a sage green that is an exact match for one of the colors in the handspun. With the two yarns, I swatched a fairisle pattern and was please with the results. I began work on a fairisle tam that begins with a ribbing in the sage green so that it will be soft next to the skin. The patterning will be done in the handspun using the multicolored yarn to create the illusion of many yarn colors. Photos will follow as perhaps will a matching scarf or mittens, depending on my enthusiasm level.<br /><br />Well, I'm off to begin the colorwork on the tam. That should keep me happy for the evening. I like it when my knitting makes me think and because I am not taking the time to chart out the tam in advance, it will definitely keep my mind occupied throughout the evening. <br /><br />Happy Knitting, BitsyBitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8050316247312946646.post-91001685572730914032008-11-05T22:29:00.000-05:002008-11-05T23:36:27.147-05:00I finally caught up to the 21st Century!<span style="font-family:georgia;">I know, I know, I should have had a blog ages ago. I've resisted (I'm giving in and I'll soon have email on my cellphone, too). So, since this is my very first entry, I guess I should tell you all a little bit about myself.<br /><br />My name is Bitsy, and I knit :)<br /><br />That would probably do it for some of you but for the knitters out there, I KNIT!<br /><br />I have been knitting and creating with fiber for more than 35 years. More recently, I have become a spinner and a dyer of all things fiber. To start us off, I'm including some pics of some of my more recent work. That's probably the best way to get to know me, since fiber takes up a goodly portion of my day.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdi744uaXIduv5D41p6xwIaouW-GxuGXNBl_vGBaAO7x1SX1dapZikXpQmik9zKwYMHp0E-7zowUjMPavcw03grLveVoHLsEQhct2KbjVsoLjvJSTF-WIQsW4DjRlunC2xatdngofc_E/s1600-h/DSCF0792.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdi744uaXIduv5D41p6xwIaouW-GxuGXNBl_vGBaAO7x1SX1dapZikXpQmik9zKwYMHp0E-7zowUjMPavcw03grLveVoHLsEQhct2KbjVsoLjvJSTF-WIQsW4DjRlunC2xatdngofc_E/s320/DSCF0792.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265386557315101026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Fascinating Rhythm Entrelac Shawl</span><br /></div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />I suffer from degenerative joint disease which limits my mobility severely. Fortunately, I am generally still able to knit and/or spin in my recliner and so I have become rather prolific in my work. So prolific in fact that I recently have begun marketing some of my goods. You can find them in my Etsy store, BitsyKnits.Etsy.com. So far, no profits (I'm a loooong way from those) but at least it keeps me thinking. Perhaps this blog will help with that as well.<br /><br />My designs and articles on knitting have been published in Yarn Magazine and I teach knitting and lead workshops as well when I am able. My areas of expertise range around the fiber and knitting world - felted bags, Norwegian style Ski Sweaters, two handed stranded colorwork, lace shawls (I've knit a couple dozen) and more. I dye with professional acid dyes but I like to play with natural dyes as well. In my short time spinning, I have earned 4 Blue Ribbons and 3 second places for skeins of everything from straight up wool to Llama to tencel.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiC7mpR6_lifKFlTX3U7EgVfDjyH8QCS7fZ9UtHDASc7CN-1hD-FWesdS8m14H7d5-OrMLa5xEIGFVEwwXpPATU7TYYDsvziv9k6VKsqmSFYXamGRchK7D4q3GUTBS7YtfwBMe1H-Rto/s1600-h/Etsy+1+%2877-2%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiC7mpR6_lifKFlTX3U7EgVfDjyH8QCS7fZ9UtHDASc7CN-1hD-FWesdS8m14H7d5-OrMLa5xEIGFVEwwXpPATU7TYYDsvziv9k6VKsqmSFYXamGRchK7D4q3GUTBS7YtfwBMe1H-Rto/s320/Etsy+1+%2877-2%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265388452407864626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">handspun superwash merino self-striping sock yarn</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />I live in the Lehigh Valley near Allentown, PA, having moved here after 20 years in Central New Jersey with my husband and my 2 sons (yes, they moved too). I am convenient to the New York and Philadelphia metropolitan areas which would be nice if I had more mobility. That said, I do travel for workshops and retreats, they just require some advance planning.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwvRapLVAhoT2aAHP9BIvSNO1kmeHHzMnSdPJ3gek3hBUhrzWClxfj6RrwFaQTHcHrXYPIN6cmKERhazccrpyntdMCI-IW20D6I3YYHZakbg0C-YmpUu55L-qPsI-1rm_2OEyCcXsM0M/s1600-h/Etsy+1+quite+a+party+roving.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwvRapLVAhoT2aAHP9BIvSNO1kmeHHzMnSdPJ3gek3hBUhrzWClxfj6RrwFaQTHcHrXYPIN6cmKERhazccrpyntdMCI-IW20D6I3YYHZakbg0C-YmpUu55L-qPsI-1rm_2OEyCcXsM0M/s320/Etsy+1+quite+a+party+roving.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265388451848219970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Quite a Party" handpainted roving</span></span><br /></div><br />To keep you coming back to visit, I'm going to tell you a little bit about my current project. I began with 3 braids (4 oz each) of handpainted Wensleydale roving. By dividing the roving into smaller pieces, I spun 5 - 2 ply lace weight yarns that gradiate from Aqua to Lavander. I charted out a top down triangular lace shawl that I am currently knitting. To entice you, a picture of the 5 skeins is below. Next post, I'll have some pics of the shawl in progress and a little bit more detail. I am planning to submit this project to Spin-Off Magazine along with an article so I am carefully photographing it as I move along.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rAN51qNtjwl_BXs6-A806l9dHQsLY1ESrGcBHVQMSr54NqO8WtW8bGt5jSPIIVEqGzvlXC5O60LhjwdS-ut6UC64cwPEaL2bkyG3s_KG-yqnNGAYa0vjtr8zx4x9PGGxVd91lbmk5jA/s1600-h/Etsy+1+%28140%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rAN51qNtjwl_BXs6-A806l9dHQsLY1ESrGcBHVQMSr54NqO8WtW8bGt5jSPIIVEqGzvlXC5O60LhjwdS-ut6UC64cwPEaL2bkyG3s_KG-yqnNGAYa0vjtr8zx4x9PGGxVd91lbmk5jA/s320/Etsy+1+%28140%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265388460326817586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Handspun Wensleydale Lace Weight Yarn in 5 shades</span></span><br /></div><br />Thanks for taking time to read all the way to the bottom. For those of you who did, drop me an email and I'll happily take 10% off anything in my Etsy store through December 1st. See, it does pay to stick it out and read to the end!<br /><br />I'll do my best to post on a regular basis. There will be times that I am lax and times that I'm distracted (I'm picking up a new loom on Friday) but be assured that I'll always be back...eventually.<br /><br />Until then, Keep Knitting, BitsyBitsy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07570364285047872931noreply@blogger.com0