Iris' Knit n Things

 I started a knit along online and it was for a huge, over 900 stitches, shawl. I had random balls of yarns I wanted to use up, so unfortunately, don’t really remember the brands names. I do know that it’s Moreno, alpacas and wool blends. Here’s the results.  I love how it looks like a stain glass in the middle portion.  This was really a special Shawl for me. It will forever reminded me of this time of deep changes and adapting to the world and this pandemic.  

Off to work. I rather knit a sweater. Happy Monday!  

 Another pattern from Cookie.  I just had a little skein of yarn, decided to make these shorter than the pattern’s instructions.  I have no red socks and it’s my favorite color.  These are so cute and perfect for keeping my toes warm. 

This was a project from WestKnits.  The yarn was a finger weight, in which I have dyed in a berry wine, and indigo blue. The yarn is alpaca wool from a local farmer. 

The year of CHANGE  ! This has been a year that is truly testing us. I say is, because it’s not over, and thus far, not giving us a break, with all the current events, and it being an Election year as well. You have to truly give thanks to stress relievers, such as, knitting or any other hobbies that help distract for a couple of hours, from the serious stuff around us.  Here’s what I’ve been doing to help me relax. I have started a garden, and it has been such a joy. Not only do I get many fresh vegetables, I get to share with friends. I tie dye shirts! This was so much fun! 

Exploration Station Here's the completed project. I love Westknits patterns. Not my best color combinations.  I don't know why, but this pattern just makes me feel so happy when I wear it. It's so carefree, and wild.  Steven West's patterns are creative, and I adore his color ideas. Its so liberating. https://westknits.com/

Sewing Fever This year is going to be the year that I will complete a sewing project at least once a month. I made a mental promise to complete at least one sewing project a month. My list of things I want to make has gotten totally out of control. I have patterns, fabric, notions, and thread. Everything to complete every pattern I planned to sew. Everything, except. Time. Well that's about to change this year! I will  conquer those patterns, even if it's just  20 minutes a day. Once a month I will have something to show for my efforts, as well as, put a dent on my fabric stash.  So lets start with my first project for this month. Simplicity pattern 2766. What I love about this pattern is you have several items to choose from. The skirt, pant, dress, blouse, and long jacket are what I plan to sew. I started with the dress. I like the retro look of this style of dress.  The blouse can go with both skirt and pants, that's two outfits...

What will I do now that your gone Outlander?! I know? I'll make little caplets just like the one Claire wore on the show! This pattern is from Lions Yarn. I made this, and my mother simple fell in love with it. She even sleeps with it on. So to say the least, I am going to have to make another one, for both my mother and for me. Great thing this pattern is so easy you can crochet it in two hours with some chunky yarn. This is the one I made for her Birthday. You think she'll like it?

Sophie's Universe is wonderful! This is a wonderful crochet pattern of a Mandala. A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. So if you're into meditation, this is the project for you! I love this pattern, it's fun, colorful, There's no way you can ever be sad and crochet this project. Not to mention what a great way to get rid of all those little ball of yarns in your yarn stash. The pattern is from Dedri. This pattern has taken the world by it's colorful strings. Everyone is making it , or is planning to make it. You'll find the pattern for free on  http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/free-crochet-patterns-tutorials/  

Hat and more Hats! Sometimes I just want to knit hats. It doesn't get very cold around here, so when it does, I can't wait to try on my hat collections. Here are a couple of my current knits. The pic in the middle is what's on the needles below. This is actually for a co-worker, who really liked my hat and request one for herself. I don't normally knit for anyone unless a special occasions, or if someone commission me for a project. Not too many people knew how to take care of wool. Since it requires hand washing and air or flat drying. Everyone want to throw everything in a washer and dryer. Which will ruin the wool by turning into felt or shrinking. I have a couple of orders for hats with fake fur ball, which are going to be adorable, can't wait.

Happy Chinese New Year! There's always something exciting going on in the Knitting or Crochet world, YouTube is filled with tons of wonderful tutorials. I love that the younger generation is picking up the hobby and adding their personal touch to the technique. One of my new discoveries, and now favorite, is Stephen West from West Knits. He is so colorful, and an absolute genius. You will never get bored with his' patterns. Currently, I've started this pattern for a shawl, called Exploration Station. This pattern will defiantly keep you on your toes.  Also an excellent way to use up some of those skeins of yarn that you would probably never have thought would go great together. Check out his YouTube channel, or some of his patterns on Raverly.  I am hoping to run into him in any of the many fiber shows he attends. Stephen West you Rock!

Having Fun Blending all sorts of wools, and natural fibers. To spin yarn using rologs, is such a delightful experiences. If you're new to spinning, you should definitely start with a rolog. As a new spinner, the process of pulling the wool as you spin, can cause for uneven yarn. The rologs are blended on a blending board, so this makes for a really smooth transaction on the spinning wheel. The yarn comes out balance and much more even. Not to mention your spinning is faster since you don't have to stop as often to pre- draft the wool. I may make a tutorial on blending wool. Even so, I do think YouTube is already bombarded with tons of tutorials to learn the process of making Rologs.

Just wanted to say I will miss you grandma! Sorry I didn't visit you more often. Wish things were different between us. Yet I understand you loved in your own way. Fair winds. Sept 16, 2018. Puerto Rico

Come take a knitting class and learn how to knit. I'll be your instructor and would love to show you this fun and easy technique. Joann's Fabric

Is it safe to come out yet? It's been a crazy week. I wonder if the Total Eclipse had anything to do with all the crazy weather we've been getting these few months?  Normally, this is my most favorite time of the year. It's when the weather is perfectly suited to create all kinds of lovely wooly sweaters, socks and whatever my mind can conjure up. This year, I am so into vests. It's never cold enough here for most wool sweaters, but a vest can be just the thing to keep you comfortably toasty. The trick is the colors, making vest with the brightest, sunny colors, to keep you alert and ready to deal with the fact that "Winter is coming!" I've been blending wool to make wool Rolags. I sell these blended Rolags to spinners. They're so much fun to spin, making the process easier as well, since there's less drafting to do as you spin the wool. Here's a couple of pictures of some of my samples. This one is a blend of Silk, wool, and alpaca. I jus...

Can't wait to sit out here with a nice cold drink and some knitting. There's still more work to do in order to complete this project. I have to paint and seal the wood in order to protect from the weather. I will probably wait till fall where we normally get our spring like weather. Promise to post after pic of completed DIY.

Girlfriend is getting four alpacas for her hobby farm and I get to visit them any time!  This is her with two of her alpacas, the brown one is a female, who is pregnant, the white one is a cria who was born in September, and already is showing to have an impressive grade of wool. Who knows maybe I'll even get to buy one of her crias (baby Alpaca) and have her provide boarding for a fee, until I can get my own hobby farm. For now, I'll live vicariously through her, as I learn more about the husbandry of owning Alpacas.

Another year to head on down to the Buena Vista, Alpaca Farm in Beach Island, South Carolina, to help John get his' alpacas ready for shearing. This year the herd has grown and he had over 40 alpacas. Most were pretty easy to lead to the shearer, and others put up a fight. One even knock me down to the ground. Luckily, I landed on my butt so, all is well. This year we took my boyfriends' granddaughter Kalena with us, and she had a great time. If any one is looking for Alpaca wool to spin, go check out John Trolley at the Buena Vista, Alpacas farm, in Beach Island, South Carolina. He has a great selection of wool at really great prices. The color range is amazing. If you're interested in becoming an Alpaca Farmer, he also has alpacas for sell. With your alpaca purchase you also get to breed with some of his price winning breeder male Alpacas and I have some of their wool and it is to die for. Let him know I sent you and he may even give you a discount. Kalena and...

This year began pretty hard for me. Which is why I've just now had a chance to post a blog. Still in between it all, knitting, spinning and sewing has kept me sane. It really is a great form of therapy.  Now spring is here and nature is starting to blossom. It's looking pretty bright for us all. I like to give this lady a big hug, she's really been a strong woman  She had Cancer surgery in February. She really is an amazing woman with a good heart.

You have to love a man that will indulge your hobbies and take you to the SAFF for like the millionth time! Look how the ray of sun shines upon his holy head! Ha Ha! This year at the fair , it was all about felting, weaving and wool balls, t h e kind you throw in the dryer to help with static. . I notice a hug e amount of bags for sale. Bags sewn in fabric for knitting while you're outdoors. I now must make one for myself. I also saw a great idea, of sewing bags to take to the market, which w ere made from recycle pet food bags. I just love the idea, and to think my dog's food  come in the coolest  brown and pink bags! Another idea I will have to hack. Th e weaving floor loom on the picture down below was made in 1850 , and  It was used for 6 generations. A beauty and still being used today. One of my favorite things at the fair, was the fleece auction, and the Woolery's booth. I didn't buy a single skein of yarn. Surprisingly , that's a first...