a few yarny pics

Most of these colours have already found good homes, but I'm just so excited about them I have to share! The next big challenge will be replicating them (wish me luck)






















So I know that there are A LOT of pictures, but I just can't help myself. Still nothing up on my Etsy store, but I hope to get my act together very soon! I'll keep you posted.

I've just cast on Damson in a lovely gold-y/orange-y colour that I quite like...I've named it Marigold...

nothing's finished...

I did manage to finally take decent pictures of this lovely vest that I knit ages ago...





...the belt was a Christmas gift from a friend, and I think it works perfectly with my vest! It was a completely mindless knit (something I always love!), but I procrastinated like crazy on the seaming; mostly because that wacky little point thing was confusing me...so sad. Anyway, I now call this my elf sweater, and love it dearly. The pattern is from Norah Gaughan book 1 (from Berroco) and is called Kaino. If you want to knit for AGES and never have to think, this is the project for you! I used 5 skeins of Cascade 220 heathers; I'm slowly chipping away at the full bag that I bought on an insane impulse one day. Hooray!

I've been dyeing yarn like crazy, and have my little business up and running-for the most part. As soon as I get the first few skeins up on my Etsy store I'll post excitedly I am sure, but in the meanwhile you can only buy my yarn at the Naked Sheep. I have a lovely spread of yarn photos to post, but alas, left my camera at the shop this evening so I will leave you with these ADORABLE pics of my sweet pup Lucy...








...there was a little sofa type thing in the place of this table that she loved to sit under. When her little "cave" was moved she didn't know quite what to do, so she crammed herself under this tiny table instead! She had just cut her paw quite badly in this pic, so she is acting even more pathetic and hard-done-by.

OH! and I almost forgot! Thanks for the comment on my Tomten...I really love the way it came out, and feel that everyone should knit one! Serious!

a little bit of finishing and a lot more starting

Well, it appears that at moments in life where there is great transition, change or general upheaval the only coping method a crafter such as myself possesses is to buy yarn and cast on like crazy!!
Sorry for that crazy run-on sentence, but I think it was necessary.
I have been buying yarn like its going out of style, and the guilt is building slowly but surely. It hasn't stopped me from lurking on the Sundara site, however. So anyway, I won't show you everything that I've bought (because it's too embarrassing!) But I can't resist sharing a few highlights...

sooo, you know how much I love Pigonroof studios...check out this BFL in "Black Walnut"!






Sweet Georgia worsted merino...




...the colours are ginger and blackberry, I am in love with both! The yarn is super squishy, but was quite pricy too $11.50/50g skein...oh I don't know.

And finally, the most impulsive purchase of all...5 skeins of Classic Elite Fresco! I couldn't decide between 5 colours, so I just bought them all! Of course, the orange is my favourite...



I've been dyeing to cast on some new projects as well. Sorting through my stash to move it has really made me think about all the beautiful yarn I already have! There is really no more room to store it, and I hate that my pretty yarn is hidden away. So perhaps I am making some sort of new year's resolution (though I don't really like the idea of resolutions...too much pressure). Anyway, you heard it here first; am am going to knit all my most delectable stash yarn! Of course, I have to wait until I finish my mom's oh-so-late Christmas sweater...just 1 sleeve to go...

I did manage to finish the sweaters I was knitting for my little niece and nephew (they are my cousin's kids...does that make them cousin's x times removed? I can never keep it straight!)...and here they are







I could not be happier with the way this Tomten turned out! It was so quick to knit (and the pattern is genius, but we all knew that anyway) I found the perfect toggles at the tiny button place at Queen and Spadina (Torontonians, you know the spot I'm talking about). Making the afterthought pockets was a breeze too; I love that I didn't have to plan the pocket placement in advance. It was so much easier to get the pockets in the right spot!






And this adorable little short rows cardigan turned out great as well. I used vintage mother of pearl buttons that I picked of at the St. Lawrence antiques market.

I know that I titled this post with something about casting on...and I have been casting on like crazy, but at the moment I am pooped. I'll spare you the long list of WIP's and post projects as they are finished, or something...good night folks!