Yeah, I haven't been here in FOREVER.

Still, I figure I can't possibly be the only fiber fanatic here! So let's talk about what you are working on, what you are stuck on, or what you want to learn next in fiber crafts!

I have lots of stuff on the needles right now, from a sweater I started like 2 yrs ago to the arm warmers I started a few days ago. I have learned I like faire isle stranded colorwork, but I'm hopeless at intarsia.

I also like shadow knitting. Mostly I do washcloths with that, but I have done 2 color shadow knitting in a scarf and plan to do more.

So, what are you working on?

I'd love to learn tatting too!

Yarn has gotten really expensive! I scour sales, coupons, and ebay. There are a couple of vendors there who carry nise yarns at good prices, even with shipping. And of course there's Knitpicks! www.knitpicks.com

They just came out with a new cotton worsted weight yarn called "Dishie". It goes for $3.99/100g ball---which is cheaper than peaches and cream, sugar and cream, or berroco handicrafter! Of course, you want to make a $50 order to eliminate the shipping charges, but that just means planning ahead a little.

You know, it is possible that you aren't actually allergic to wool itself, just to the dyes and sizing used in processing commercial wool yarns. But whatever makes you happy is totally cool with me!

If you haven't yet heard of it, one of the very best resources on the web for fiber crafts is a site called Ravelry. http://www.ravelry.com/

It's a huge site with tons of tools specific to fiber crafting. There is a forum there for literally every interest, and if somehow they missed your interests, you can make a forum on the site just for that interest!

Wow, do I babble, or what? Anyway, I am currently working on two projects, one in worsted weight alpaca yarn, and the other in lace weight Paton's lace yarn. I'm making the Shetlander arm warmers in the alpaca, which is a stranded colorwork pattern, and Anisette in the lace, which is a lace stole pattern. Both are listed on Ravelry, and both are free patterns.

I wish I were better in crochet. There's a solid ton of cute patterns I want to make, but I still cannot read my stitches well enough to not get lost. I've done granny squares, potholders, rugs, and a bracelet in #8 pearl cotton, but there are some really cool tea cozies I want to make too. And some adorable animals and a sweater.

I'm also eager to get into dyeing! I've done a couple of colors of koolaid on wool, but I have a kit to dye with indigo on order! I'm really excited about that one, as it will do up to 5lbs of fiber, yarn, or fabric! And it works on both plant and animal fibers!

*grins*

Well, ya knew I'd be back sometime!

*kitteh's ears perk up*
Yarn????
hmm...

**tosses a small ball of yarn teasingly past sleepycat's nose**  Enjoy

I haven't really made anything in the past while.  I've mainly been practicing with the double ended needles.  I picked up as many wood ones as I could, I'm finding it's much easier when the needles can't slip right out of the stitches!  Been keeping a look out for decent deals n thread.  I checked out Ravelry Black_Rose.  Excellent site!

I don't quite know what to make next.

I have decided that Ravelry is a dangerous place... I have gotten lost there for hours!  Since the last time I was in I've made a couple new hats on the looms.  I've sucessfully made spiral socks but haven't managed to make a pair of regular socks yet.  Still practicing and I am finally getting the hang of making a heel.    Have made a few bowtie scarves as well.

Crochet was my main thing for years up until now.  I love making little things!  Do you use patterns or play it by ear?  I love making toys and bags with crochet too.  Unfortunately my crochet socks are too bulky to be comfortable   So I decided it was time I made myself do it.  Partly because Grandma gave me a lot of her knitting needles, but also because I can never find what I want in a store.   

i crochet, i tried to learn knitting when i was oh i wanna say around 10-13 and i think i was just to young to get it or something cuz it never clicked. But ive known how to crochet since i was 11, a boy showed me how to finger crochet on the playground at school then when i got good at that i borrowed my moms hook and started my first infinity chain, wonder what happened to that baby it was like 30 ft long XD anyways after that my mom finally showed me how to start a second row.

Pretty sure i dont do what she showed me though, because i know what i do is called double stitch/a lay over stitch and im pretty sure she does single cuz she doesnt get the distinct rows that i do.

i cant read patterns though, to the bain of my creative wishings but im pretty good at looking at a pic and figuring out how make what i want one way or another. unless its in the round, havent quiet mastered that yet but im working on it, actually ill be trying my first hat using a puff stitch in the round when i get home for the winter break.

lets see ive made oodles of scarves, coffee cup cozies >w<, im working on a blanket, ive made a backbapck complete with straps, and a couple of messenger bags

Veridian Etoile wrote on Dec 6^th, 2011 at 10:02pm:

But you are burning up the track with GIMP and once you REALLY get the hang of it, you will be a GRAPHICS GODDESS!

Penthesilea wrote on Dec 7^th, 2011 at 1:11am:

Thanks! I hope so, I like graphics design, it's right up my alley. I just wish I had inherited my uncle's ability to paint/draw but unfortunately that talent wasn't passed down to any of his nieces or nephews (in my case grandniece).

I also use looms.  I have rakes and rounds.  Actually bought the new Martha Stewart loom kit.  It has two sizes of pegs and several pieces so you can customize the loom to the project.  You can weave on them as well.  Might be a lot easier on the hands, I know for hats n scarves it's a lot faster than regular knitting.  I'm looking forward to trying that   So far I can't manage to make a decent pom pom to save my life! 

Anyway, with the dpn's I've managed to make a spiral hat for the bloke.. Lots of mistakes but he loves it anyway.  I have also finally managed to knit some test socks and actually turned the heels.  Now to do them properly without having the little holes at the ankle where they join! 

I've loomed a few hats and cowls as well. Couldn't knit or crochet Lion Brand Homespun the old fashioned way but it sure works well on the looms!  So I guess the next projects will be socks and mittens.  Possibly gloves.  Not sure yet

I've recently learned how to crochet. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time and finally decided to just do it. I've made a baby blanket so far and am working on a blanket for hubby. He loves it so much already and has stated that he isn't going to ever share it. Lol

I want to learn how to knit next. I have abloom but I don't have the space to put it out at the moment. I've been cross stitching since I was 16, to try to learn patience, and so that is one of my passions. I never keep them though and lately I'm not sure who to make them for.