I love packages!

My KnitPicks package came today full of yarn for christmas knitting. Each of my children picked out a pattern for mom to knit for the them with the understanding that it may not be under the tree ;) As you can see Tyler liked going through the package too!

The Chart Keeper is for me :) Do you have any idea how long I have wanted one of those???

And this is the latest project, The Every Way Wrap. I think Tyler found a mistake.......

The Etsy store is updated too!

Help! The mess has taken over!

The vacation only lasted a week but you know......I am still recovering from it! My office is a disaster, I have winter squash waiting to be put in the freezer, apples needing to be put into applesauce and the house desperately needs some deep cleaning. The dye pots are being neglected and my Phat Fiber box from September is still sitting here waiting to be properly ohhed and ahhhed over. I don't think even Calgon can fix this!

I did get my8kidsmom.etsy.com and countingsheep.etsy.com up and running though and even have an update to do tomorrow.

And......my bird loves me, so life isn't too bad :)



As promised here is another find from Northern Michigan Lamb and Wool: Merino Wool hand dyed using red onions skins by Vibrant Fibers. This is beautiful stuff, let me tell you! I am thinking hat maybe????

Back from vacation!

And I am still recovering!! After TN I headed to West Branch, MI for Northern Lamb and Wool and bought many wonderful things including this:


Don't worry more details and fabulous stuff about NL&W to come, I promise!


My phatfiber box was waiting for me and was fabulous as usual. It is time for me to get started on November boxes but I am still a bit exhausted from vacation!Yep, I owe you more details on the box too. Until then here is a pic of the guy who is taking up all my time :) My sweet family paid for Tyler, a rehomed African Grey!

I need a vacation......

Honestly, I am trying to think of something clever to say to entertain and put you in awe of my cleverness but I got nothing.........


I do, however have my samples packed and ready for the Phatfiber October box. 100% Mulberry Silk hand dyed by me.Some romney top has been dyed, braided and labeled in preparation for Northern Lamb and Wool.....
and a few samples are ready for a knitting convention I was asked to contribute to......
but as you can see I am still working on it. Everything needs to head to the post office tomorrow because they say I am leaving for vacation on Monday. (I ask you, if you are bringing 5 of your kids and driving 11 hours.......is it still a vacation?) I am coming back home EARLY Thursday morning so that I can get home in time to milk mama cow. I just couldn't bribe anyone to milk for me 4 nights in a row.

In parting, above is a pic of my handspun for the spin to knit along on Rav. Have a great days guys......I think I am going to take a nap.......

How crafty can you be?

This is why I can't get anything done! I have been rug hooking at night.......

Doing hand embroidery for about 10 mins each day (these towels are for my kitchen).....

Sewing when I get the chance........


And spinning at least every Monday. Too many irons in the fire? I haven't even listed the dyeing or the quilting (not to mention the cheesemaking, the photography......) Yeah, I get bored easily :)

On Ravelry we are doing a Mitten Spin toKnit Along. I chose this lovely pattern. If you are of a mind, come by and join us!

hOt sWapPin AcTIon

Stupid title huh? Well, it's been one of those days. My brain is fried! Let's tour my swap package anyway! Above you see the spindle :) I haven't tried spinning with it yet as it has been a little crazy but it sure is purty. (She also included felting fiber and needles)

4 oz of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Roving,

Awwww, a cute tape measure......

Yummy candy and yummy lip gloss

Ooooh shiny stitch markers......I can never have enough. I think I am addicted. No really......
And this, courtesy of my sis, is my hand dyed superwash roving in the Tiger Lilly colorway, spun and knitted. Not too shabby huh? ( This colorway has been sold out but there's plenty more in the shop!)

Well, I should be in bed but I have cheddar cheese curds draining for another 15 minutes or so.....
Good night all!

Wordless Wednesday