Episode 60: Spinning On and On

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.

I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 60:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  
Swirl E. Socks for my niece.  

1898 Hat for Brian, with adaptations.  Started in light grey but not enough contrast, so ripped back and used new dark grey  Woolstok.

WIPs:

Walk on the Moon going in slow and steady.  I'm liking the stitch pattern right now.

Stalking:  simple hat patterns to use my new pom.  Also, might I suggest Shilo Weir's new pattern, Tide and Pebble hat.

Acquisitions - Colorful Eclectic, pom, purple sparkle, Woolstok

Spinning Projects - Greenwood Fiberworks BFL/nylon 3-ply intended for socks.  Like the marled, it really turned out unexpected.  Also, dang on dividing into thirds and spinning singles.

Brown alpaca and white wool 2-ply to clear my plying flyer.

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects -  

PPQG had our first meeting of the year, where one of our own members spoke.  So fun.

Block Heads 3 by Moda finished with 42 total blocks.  Added sashing and borders, ready to sandwich and quilt.  

Doing the APQ UFO Challenge for 2021 in hopes of finishing off things that have been languishing for YEARS.  Jan was project #7, which I pulled out and planned a way forward, but did not finish before end of month.  Feb is #2, which is the BH3, so I'm going to work on quilting the BH3 and finishing my #7.

I've ordered a Janome 8200QCPSE!  Everything is slowed down, so probably won't ship until later this month.  I'm not good at waiting.

Plan to Quilt planner by Shannon Gilman Orr at Eva Blakes Makery.  My inner geek is so happy.

Beading some cute hearts and lambs.  Need to find a marketing strategy so I can actually sell some.

On Paper:

Christmas cards turned out great, I think, so I made a few Valentine's Day cards for nearby senior center.

In the Garden: Seed planning!  Need to get out and move some dirt when we get some nice days.

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  
Watching/Listening:  So excited for Resident Alien on SyFy.  Hope it doesn't disappoint.  

Craftsy membership for ridiculous price.  Do it.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 59: Goodbye to 2020

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.

I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 59:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  

WIPs:
Swirl E. Socks for my niece.  Took the heel setup out and am just going to do an afterthought heel.
Blueberry Waffle socks no longer for Brian.  Heel doesn't fit over his foot, even with a 72 stitch count.  Maybe for his dad?

Walk on the Moon going in fits and starts, although there's plenty of dog hair knitted in.  Did a cool little no turn, work right side row twice thing.

Stalking:  patterns that use Advent mini skeins

Acquisitions - $120 gift card at Ewe & Me, so shopping in the new year is on!

Spinning Projects -

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects -  PPQG learning how to do things via Zoom.  I volunteered to do Membership again this year.  Hoping somebody wants to help out.  Hoping we can meet in person again.

Block Heads 3 by Moda, a new block every week. 
Earth, Wind, Fire and Time - top, with borders, complete, back pieced, need to find a longarmer and pick quilting design.

Hexis - am I done with one block?  started flower hexis in small batches.

Doing the APQ UFO Challenge for 2021 in hopes of finishing off things that have been languishing for YEARS.
Looking to purchase a new sewing machine.  My Viking Interlude 435 is 16 years old and I'm jealous of my mom's with all the bells and whistles.  Want something with more throat space, but under $2000.  No embroidery, just quilting.  Top of list is a Janome.

On Paper:

Visited my MIL at a crop retreat and had so much fun.  It inspired me to go through my scrapbooking and card making supplies.  I sorted and organized, and made sure everything had it's own place.  Had so much fun organizing I went through some of my knitting things and sorted them out too.  Sorted shelves of books and magazines.  Bag for Goodwill when I can.

Decided to make Christmas cards this year.  I haven't sent out cards in years, and this year I decided to make them, too.  Joy in the process.

In the Garden: n/a

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  
Watching/Listening: Vlogmas from some of my favorite podcasts; Stitching the High Notes, Corner of Craft, Stranded, Suburban Stitcher.  Board games with family - Sequence and Rummikube.

I was #1 seed going into winners bracket in Fantasy Football, and got knocked out immediately.  Josh Allen is continuing to play well and it's just so good to see someone from my school doing well.  You know, not from the SEC.  

Craftsy membership for ridiculous price.  Do it.

Purchased New Year's Eve dinner from local restaurant.  Have sparking wine chilling and will be in bed by 9.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 58: COVID-19 Sucks

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.

I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 58:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  
Summer Sanctuary is finished.  Ends woven, washed and blocked.

Charity Hat #2.  Child or small woman.

WIPs:
Swirl E. Socks for my niece.  Took the heel setup out and am just going to do an afterthought heel.
Blueberry Waffle socks for Brian.  Using Lollipop Yarn self-striping in Blue My Mind.  Love it, but wound in ball so can only knit one at a time.
Prayer Shawl #6 is on the hook.

Walk on the Moon started the third color.  Rows are getting looooong.

Stalking:  

Acquisitions - Hue Loco Fall 2018 colors.  Still looking for Moss.  Kit for a Bronco's hat, saving for the DCS Pigskin Party.

Spinning Projects -

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects -  One quilt guild holding meetings, the other one not.  
Block Heads 3 by Moda, a new block every week. 
Face masks for the family.  Trying different patterns.

Beading more stitch markers.  Fall tree, fruit.

In the Garden:  perennials from High Country Gardens were hit and miss, still have areas to fill in.  Reminding people that it's xeriscape, NOT xeriscape.  Didn't pick hops this year, but they did do well.  Planted strawberries and some herbs, and didn't get to harvest all the basil before the 1st freeze.  Yes, we had snow in mid September. Fires in Colorado have left smoky skies for the last month so it's hard to work in the yard right now.  I've been watching some online courses through the CSU Extension Master Gardeners program and really enjoyed it.

In the Beeyard - n/a

Off Topic:  
Watching/Listening: Brian's been riding his new bike almost every week.  After 3 years, I finally replaced my battery and got my bike running.  Love the feeling of accomplishment (capable) of doing the work myself.  Depression is a sneaky bitch though, because I cried on my first ride and can't believe I've let this go for so long.  Have enjoyed watching football again and of course I'm doing Fantasy Football.  Josh Allen is making me points.  Go WYO! 

Thanks for watching!

Episode 57: Pinky and the Brain

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 57:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  

WIPs:
Swirl E. Socks for my niece.  Took the heel setup out and am just going to do an afterthought heel.

Summer Sanctuary is on the border band.  Might be shorter than I thought.

Walk on the Moon About ready to start the third color.

Stalking:  

Acquisitions - Fabric for face masks

Spinning Projects -Braid from 100th Sheep in Violet Headed Hummingbird that I 3-plied.  About 398 yds.

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
Block Heads 3 by Moda, a new block every week.  Borders on the red/green quilt.
Face masks for the family.  Using pattern from Frontline Masks.
Hand piecing EPP hexis. Long term project.

Beading more stitch markers, paw prints and badgers.

In the Garden:  Spring cleanup done.  First round of weeds pulled, but it's like Pinky and the Brain.  Ordered new perennials from High Country Gardens that should come this week.  Fill in with plants from Harding Nursery.  Harvested rhubarb twice already.

In the Beeyard - I think I caught a swarm???  Girls are building comb and making honey, but there is no brood, larvae, eggs, or queen sighting.  No clue.  They aren't robbing it out, it was empty.  Now there's honey.  So confused!

Off Topic:  Tired of this pandemic crap.
Watching/Listening: Itchy Boots about a woman riding an adventure bike around the world.  Soooooo, Brian bought a new bike!  It's a Honda Africa Twin DCT and it's pretty neat.  Off-road here we come!

Thanks for watching!

Episode 56: Same As It's Always Been

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 56:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  

Prayer Shawl #5 in Lion Brand Homespun on K hook.

WIPs:
1898 Hat with modifications for Brian.  Doing a Latvian braid and plaid pattern, but he requested "ear flaps."

Swirl E. Socks for my niece.  Stalled out on the heel.  Cat Bordhi's Sweet Tomato Heel.

Summer Sanctuary I picked it up again.

Walk on the Moon that I started for Nashville trip.  Yarn is a dream.  

Charity Hat #2.  Using donated bulky yarn that's just sooooo smooshy.  Improvising Breckle pattern for the top, designed by my friend Shilo.

Dragon No. 34 by Shibui Knits. Ready to cast on.

Stalking:  

Acquisitions - Hedgehog Fibers alpaca boucle and Smooshy for a cowl.

Spinning Projects - A wool, silk plied together to clean up singles that have been sitting around forever.  Bled like a head wound when soaking, and I know I dyed at least the silk.
Braid from 100th Sheep in Violet Headed Hummingbird that I've divided in thirds.  Singles are spun, now on to the plying.  Traditional 3-ply.

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
Block Heads 3 by Moda, a new block every week.
Quilting workshop in Feb with MJ Kinman about quilting gems, facets, and light.  Intend to finish block I made and use for quilting practice.

Beading more stitch markers, shamrocks and koalas.  Thanks to BeadCrumbsHawaii for the pattern.

In the Garden:  

In the Beeyard - 

Off Topic:  Croatia is OFF!  Other than cancelled trip and hubby working from home, life is pretty much same as it's always been.  A few more board games, pulled out the puzzles.  we've been sitting around the fire pit in the evenings when the weather is nice.  More of those nights, although it's forecast to snow on Sunday.  Been sleeping a bit more, but surprisingly depression hasn't worsened.
Watching/Listening: Lincoln Rhymes: Hunt for the Bone Collector.  Zooming with the knit ladies.  Not the best, but getting to see the ones who've moved away is nice.

Thanks for watching!

Episode 55: Catching Up

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 55:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  
Syncopation Socks.   Socks for Brian.

Quick Ombre Hat in Merino/Alpaca for Brian or his dad.  This thing is WARM.  Knit up so quick.

2019 Christmas Socks for me.  Yarn by Holly Press Fibers in Christmas Blizzard.  Knitting for the Stranded Dyeworks Festive Sock-a-long.

Magical Thinking by Casapinka.  Love it. Yarn, pattern, stitches.  I made the large size, but I could have even made it bigger and been happy.

WIPs:
Prayer Shawl #5 in Lion Brand Homespun on K hook.

1898 Hat with modifications for Brian.  Doing a latvian braid and plaid pattern, but he requested "ear flaps."

Swirl E. Socks for my niece.  She asked and how could I say no?

Stalking:  winter hats

Acquisitions - sock yarn because the nieces have made requests

Spinning Projects - "A Cornfield" art batt from Spinning Mermaid Fibers.  Plied the singles with coordinating threads.  
Dark brown alpaca, undyed unknown fiber, trying to clear off my bobbins.
Blue singles plied together

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 
Project bags for some friends.
Block Heads 3 by Moda, a new block every week.
Beading more stitch markers, winter and holiday themes.

In the Garden:  

In the Beeyard - 

Off Topic:  Traveled to Vegas for a wedding.  Hosted the knit group Holiday party.  Phoenix for Christmas, Nashville just because, and Croatia is ON!  Bought a treadmill and have been cleaning out the basement.  We need our recycling to come every week vs every other.
Watching/Listening: Prodigal Son

Thanks for watching!

Episode 54: When Did Fall Happen?

Welcome viewers! Glad to have you all back.  Hello new viewers.  Don't forget to subscribe to be updated on new posts, and join our group on Ravelry.
I am DaniGirlCO on Instagram and Ravelry.  Come and follow along.
Here are the show notes for Episode 54:  

On the Needles: 
Knitting Projects - 
FO's:  
Agleam by Lisa Mutch for Camp Loopy August project.  Ended up buying and using a full 3rd skein and I like the size better.

WIPs:
Syncopation Socks.  Using Andromeda sock yarn in Smoke to make socks for Brian.

Magical Thinking by Casapinka.  Loving it. Yarn, pattern, stitches.
Stalking:  summer weight cardigans

Summer Sanctuary by Sarah Gresbach.  Cotton/linen blend by Cascade Yarns Hampton.

Prayer Shawl #5 in Lion Brand Homespun on K hook.

Acquisitions - Salida Fiber Festival haul

Spinning Projects - "A Cornfield" art batt from Spinning Mermaid Fibers.  Spun the singles and I'm going to ply with a coordinating thread.

Under the Needle:
Sewing Projects - 2 blocks for the Quilts for Valor BOM
Needle book I mentioned last time.  Workshop about the Mariner's Compass block.  Project bags for some friends.
Beading more stitch markers, still having fun, need to decide what to do with them.

In the Garden:  Had the tree professionally trimmed.  Can't believe it's already time for fall cleanup.

In the Beeyard - They went from alive to dead.  Pulled the equipment and getting all cleaned up.  Takes a lot more time than I think it will.  Made a solar wax melter and am cycling through the bucket of goop.

Off Topic:  Countertops fixed, tile picked, now just waiting on installer for backsplash.
Watching/Listening:  I Thought I Knew How, follows the Master Knitter program.

Thanks for watching!