Out With The Old...

Wow, it's been a long time since I've attempted to blog. Almost as long since I've even glanced at any of the blogs I follow.

2011 was a crazy, busy year. I took on far too many projects & customs & got more than a little burnt out. After taking some time away from customs to reflect & regroup, I am ready to enter the new year with a fresh start.

It was a difficult decision to make, but I will not be taking many custom orders in 2012. I will be focusing on ready to ship items, with the occasional custom offered in very limited numbers.

I have been working on writing my first knitting pattern & hope to have it ready for release for the January Capella stocking. I will also be joining the ranks of Their Own Knitted World & I find it is a huge compliment to be in a group with so many talented knitters.

As the year winds down, I am frantically trying to finish up my current UFO's (un-finished objects) so I can start the new year with a completely blank slate.

I am challenging myself to only purchase fabrics or yarns needed to complete a specific project. No more buying just because it's pretty & I must be realistic & let go of supplies I will not be using. I have a group of friends that are entering the challenge with me, which should make it easier for all of us to stick to our plan.

Tour de Fleece

So, did I mention that I got a spinning wheel from my awesome husband for Christmas? Well, I did. I was all excited & attempted to spin a little here & there when I had a few extra minutes in Jan, Feb & March. Then, I got frustrated that it wasn't just clicking & well, poor Betty (yes, I named my wheel) has been sitting in the corner of my craft area ever since, just begging for some attention.

Enter le Tour de Fleece. JUST the motivation I needed to get Betty the workout she so rightfully deserves. What the heck is the Tour de Fleece, you ask? It's a group on Ravelry for those of us that need motivation to, um, actually spin the fiber that we have been collecting & petting. And motivate, it did!
The TDF started yesterday & runs along with the Tour de France ;) I spun a couple ounces of the lovely purpley yarn on the right last night after the girls went to bed. I then spent the better part of today ignoring my children & household duties to finish spinning & then plying the two lovelies below :) (Don't worry, I didn't really ignore my kids, I just didn't follow them around cleaning up the little pathes of destruction, i.e. toys & clothing). Oh & did I mention, I dyed the fiber myself? That's another new hobby of mine, but we can talk more on that subject at a later date.
Not too bad for the first two days of the event, eh?

Celebrating Seuss

Dr. Seuss is a HUGE favorite in this house. We read his stories over & over & they never get old. In honor of his upcoming birthday, I will be doing a special Seuss themed stocking. I've got several cute sets in the works & some hand dyed yarns inspired by a couple books/characters as well. I'm still not 100% sure where I will stock yet...Hyena Cart? Etsy? Both? All I know for sure is March 2nd is the day, so keep an eye out.

I've got a stack of several prints from the latest Suess line from Robert Kaufman, as well as some discontinued prints I've been hoarding. I will be offering lots of new goodies & may bring back an old favorite or two as well.