To Friends

Sale! 25% off Yak Yarn

The sale is over but do take a look at the most beautiful yarns ever..

Back in September, After 20 yrs. my cousin and friend , Jan was looking at blogs...guess what she found me.
We lost touch after my many back surgeries and my moving to Florida....

We used to ski and really be the best of friends. I thought of her often and
wondered what she was up to. Well now I know...she's knitting like me. So as in the past we speak almost daily.

She is a nurse now...and doing private duty. Gosh, missed out on alot....
We have caught up very quickly..I of course sent her to http://www.ravelry.com/. then she told me about
this specialty yarn she purchased....Mink and Cashmere.....wow.


I didn't know about it..so a few days later I go and get the mail and yes, she sent me that
beautiful 70% mink /30% cashmere from http://www.greatnorthernyarns.com/
. I do not need to tell you what a surprise and thoughtful gift from an old lost friend.

It just seems that we have connected right where we left off. Older, wiser (well???) and can't wait
to drink some tea together.

Thanks Jan..cause I have really missed you.....as Sly used to say, "We are family".......

To you,
darla

My Newest Knit Project

Alright I know the picture is not really pro but it is from
my phone....yeah I cheated but it is a PHOTO>>

I love this pattern that I found under Felted Slippers,
on RAVELRY patterns.

I still have to felt ...oh I also have to knit the other foot.

I used Lana Loft...so easy..on US8 needles.

Peace,
Darla

Lavendersheep's Fiber Garden

Lavendersheep's Fiber Garden

Look at her sale yarns..and roving too.
I love it, ooh so beautiful & soft.

She also has a great Blog!!!!

Changes Today

Just finished updating my Blog as you can see.

I was getting a bit bored with the old set-up. New Year
so I have a newer look. It's not too fancy but I LOVE
the sky and grass.

Now I need to begoin taking pictures. I just don't
know what my problem is with not taking pics. I used
to be pretty good and was always taking them.

It will be soon..I promise to ME that I shall begin!!!

I'm knitting a pair of slippers for myself. I found
a great felted pattern on{ www.Ravelry.com}. So I'm
working on the 1st one.

Then I will make a felted Laptop Bag, which I found
on Ravelry. I'm going to change it up a bit but that's
fine.

Speak at ya later.....
Peace,
Darla

A Contest

So here I am for just a short quick blog. As I was checking out my Groups on
http://www.ravelry.com I found this contest for "KnitPicks DPN's".

I immediately entered and if you wish to please go to the following
blog(which is great)and enter,[http://gardenlynn.blogspot.com/].

All the rules of entering a pretty simple so go for it...

Peace,
Darla

A NEW YEAR - 2011

 It may seem late to send New Year wishes to you all but I have really been very
busy.

I made a resolution to be more active on http://www.ravelry.com/. I have changed
some of my groups and taken some away. I will have to work hard at being
attentive to my Fiber Friends. I don't know how thesee women do as much as
they do everyday.

 I made and completed many knitted gifts this year but.......
still no photos...that's the next item I need to complete! I don't take great pics
so I could practice. Just lazy I guess...

The next : to get in the habit again of writing my Blog, change up my template
(needs to be upgraded) and replying to others blogs and not just reading them.

So far I'm on track and hope I can continue......

See you tomorrow,

Darla

Just In Time!!!!!!

helloo everyone....I really had a bad time without a computer so I jusst
knit like a crazy person.

So NOW I have a new laptop as my computer died a horrible death..
Eight yrs old....that's old in computer years.

I've missed so much not having a computer but it is here now for before
the bad weather arrives.

I have alot of catching up to do on Ravelry...you guys were reaally missed alot!!!
Also not being able to read the blogs I follow..wow has our world changed.

I am back and am not alone anymore...

Peace,
Darla

Check This Out!!!!

http://prudencemapstone.blogspot.com/2010/04/scrumble-37.html


Oh I just love this website....She does Freeform Knitting & Crochet. What beautiful
work. Then she shows on her blog "Scrumbles", which you can use to make one of
many projects...It's another way of using up your scrap yarns to make something
wonderful.

Oh by the way she is on http://www.ravelry.com/ and an Etsy Shop which can be found
here http://www.etsy.com/shop/FreeformByPrudence, so do yourself a favor and check
her out.

Oh auditioned for a comedy...got the part and will tell you more about it at a later date.


Peace,
Darla

Just A Quick Look

Okay, so here is Sister Mary Merlot tap dancing.....

I will catch you up on my experiences this last 3 months or so.
Who could've guessed this would be me.....

Have a great day tomorrow!!!!!

Peace,
Darla aka Sr. M. Merlot

Start of 2010 Resolutions

http://tricks-for-new-bloggers.blogspot.com/

This is a great blog as it gives you very EASY information on how to change up your blog.

This is something I have wanted to do for a while..change up my template to one that is definitely me. I like being able to control (oh, that's me) my destiny, okay maybe just my blog....

Now that I am on Facebook, which I am enjoying connecting with old and dear friends, I also can use this as a medium for my art, knitting and blogging.

I have alot of time but it never seems to be enough for when I want to vacuum, you now what I mean...vacuum or knit??? No contest here..knitting comes first.

I will stop for now as I want to look at the above blog for MORE info before I change it up...and must finish the throw rug that I started..

Peace to all & good health & wealth 2010,
Darla

V.I.P. MESSAGE TO ALL.....
Also need to get to http://www.ravelry.com/ and communicate on my groups. If you haven't checked it out do it for yourself this year....We are a GREAT group of people with so many talents.......

Paradise Fibers Website

Oh how I love looking at the yarns for sale on all the websites I go to. Especially http://www.paradisefibers.net and http://www.webs.com.

Just to pick two of my favs today. I can purchase $19.95 hank of yarn, which I could never afford in a LYS, for $5.99 and wait 3 days and it's in my hands. I love the experience of knitting with all different fibers.

Having no LYS nearby is a loss as I cannot fondle the yarn before purchasing. My yarn websites give me the chance in the description the touch and feel of this yarn. Thank you sooo much .

I also purchase my dpn's and knitting needles at these sites. I have always dealt with great people when calling and asking questions about my orders.

I need to learn how to combine different fibers to knit together. I'm still learning but want to use huge needles(35) 4 or 5 different yarns to make something. I'm working on that. Will go to http://www.Ravelry.com and ask in the forums how to manage this.

Have a great week (and it's raining here).

Peace,
Darla

What A World

So we finally did it and have put a "real" comedian in office. Not that I don't think we need comedy in Washington,D.C. because we all need to laugh alot more. I wish Minnesota well as Sen. Franken can't do any worse than what has been in that state before.

I don't see any skeletons in his past and it does give us 60 votes, so what the heck we can try it for a while.

Also on the front our troops are leaving Iraq....well not really just pulling back a bit to watch from what I understand. I hope and pray that all goes well for the people of Iraq and let them have peace for a change.

I'm putting together my $10 Swap pkg. and am sending it out tomorrow. I love doing this every month. I enjoy the fun of sending and receiving a surprise in the mail every month. Thank you

http://www.ravelry.com/,

you folks rock and are #1 in my book. Many new friendships worldwide. Have learned alot about the lives of others and how they live. Imagine you can't get Kool Aid every where in the world. Who knew. But be careful as customs does check your pkgs, out when Kool Aid is included in the package.

So have a great night and enjoy the rest of the week.

Peace,

Darla

Sunday after Saturday and before Monday

CUTE BABY BUNNY

I tried to blog on Saturday but I was too busy knitting. I am really hooked on this wonderful art.It was cold and rainy so why not!

It's a good thing I have lots of time to do this otherwise I would be in deep trouble. I can't seem to get enough. What a great addiction.

As I spend the majority of my time alone except for 2 lil dogs and an occasional phone call ,I have filled many hours with knitting. Seems I don't have time to read anymore and am backed up with 17 great books to read. I do have the television on so I can listen while creating.

I also think about my $10 Swap Group, which I adore. Friends all over the world and a surprise every month. And then I get to put a box together for them. It has been so much fun.

Well must get to bed and try not to think of what to knit next!

May all your flowers bloom this summer...

Darla

Swapping

Well, I just finished making up my May swap package to go out. I am having too much fun. I just love meeting new people and getting surprise packages in the mail as much as I enjoy making them up to send.

This month was great..actually wrapped all the little goodies into a ball of beautiful Rowan yarn. I hope my swap partner loves it as much as I did making it up.

Tomorrow is gardening day...have to put the flowers & vegetables into pots and make sure all those seeds get in soil.

The weather has finally turned and is wonderful.

Going to knit some more and get a good book going.

Peace,

Darla

My Camera

I finally did it..I bought batteries. I cannot believe they cost me $8.79 plus tax.
Guess I need to invest in a charger as I do have rechargeable somewhere. What is the problem when a person (me) will not go out and purchase the darn batteries.

I have a digital so I have no excuse for not getting the film printed. So it is done and pics will be coming on my blog and Ravelry.

So watch for my projects finally. I have given alot as gifts but I can start from NOW..

Have a great week,
Darla

Yarn Help

So I want everyone to be ready as today I need help...big time. If any of you have suggestions ( and we know who you are) please let me know here or on Ravelry,(dacg).

I have purchased some beautiful yarns that are discontinued but don't know what stitches to use or what pattern I could use to show it off and the pricing is wonderful..okay I'll give it up for us internet shoppers because we have no LYS, http://www.webs.com ,. I check so many sites for the best prices of yarn and shipping costs and have found this last week an abudance of wonderfully pricey yarns I could purchase for great markdowns.

I also need to mention http://www.paradisefibers.com as they are fast at getting my orders out.

• I have been swatching with different size needles and trying all types of stitches which doesn't seem to help me. I am having fun though. Have to find a book that will help me with the textures and fibers of differnt yarns.
  
  So here they are:
  
  Cascade 128, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool (100 gms,128yds, size 10/10 1/2 needles), it is a wonderful yarn & I want more.
  
  Berroco Cuzco, 50% Superfine Alpaca & 50% Peruvian Wool (100 gms, 130yds, size 10 Needles), ooh it is so soft.
  
  Rowan Chunky Print , 100% Wool (100gms, 109yds, size 13 needles), its think & thin and wonderfully colorful yarn (many colors in it's variegation's).
  
  I bought these on sale and want more & there's plenty for the getting...I just don't know enough of what to do with yarns with beautiful texture to it. Being newer to knitting and expanding my interest I need help.
  
  I have 2 hanks of each (but will order more at reasonable prices too) to work with at the moment and want to purchase ASAP.
  
  I have checked my pattern books and others to see what I might do..no luck. I went on the Internet to no avail..(some are yarns they no longer are showing patterns for...I also checked http://www.knitrowan.com.
  
  My next step after tonite is to hit http://www.ravelry.com during the day and see who might help me..
  
  Thank you ahead for the help...
  
  Good Night and peace,
  
  Darla

A New Book..

Oh the blizzard is on the way..8-14 inches (at least I hope it's inches) starting this evening. So I will have lots of time to knit and read. Can't wait for the dogs tomorrow morning with all the snow. The puppy goes out & wonders where all the blowing leaves have gone ( oh, to be one of my dogs..).

I found a great book for all three methods of knitting socks...."How To Knit Socks, Three Methods Made Easy" written by Edie Eckman. It's got great pictures and instructions. And some new patterns for more socks. I found the instructions so much easier to understand and it is cuff down for "Magic Loop".

I love that I am learning more and enjoying it. I am almost done with the 2nd pair of socks and I can wear them in the blizzard as it seems we will also get more snow on Saturday. Whatever, where is Spring and those pretty little flowers we all look forward to. I just love the help I get on , so many wonderful groups with many knowledgeable woman. They know how to knit and keep friendships going forward.

So have a great evening and look for your spring flowers..cause I can't!

Peace,

Darla

I Am Back With A Vengance & I Won

Oh my goodness..first I want to thank all who kept me in their prayers & thoughts. So much for simple as I ended up with pneumonia and 104 temp.

I still have some of a cough but am finally up and feeling better.

Guess what??? I made my fist pair of socks....YEAH!!!! Couldn't knit or read when I was sick..much too weak but 2 days ago I said I will win and the socks will not.

I will take pics tomorrow and post on www.ravelry.com and here on my blog.

I really missed writing and cannot believe it has been since March 2nd. I couldn't even sit down to the computer & read..it was awful. I did receive 2 packages from my swaps which I need to respond to each of the ladies. It kept me going for sure.
I actually used some of the beautiful yarn that was sent to me by Cheryl...ooh she is great and has really gotten me hooked on Milagro kettle dyed yarn from Uruguay..I love it and can't wait to but some.

Well now I have to get going & catch up on my blog reading as I know I missed out on so much while being ill.

Thank you again for caring,

Peace
Darla

Knitting And Technology

I am here trying to paste my Ravelry Badge to my blog. So much to learn and just not enough time. I do feel guilty making this statement as I no longer work outside of my home..

I am finding if I sit at the computer to interact with other human computers I cannot knit. I will find a balance (ok maybe not). I am surprising myself and helping my mind stay very active as I am learning so much daily. It's either knitting or the blog. No dusting, vacumning or even reading (which I am addicted too). I actually have a surplus of books to take on...looks like lots of summer reading to catch up.

I'm playing with changing up my blog a bit. Time to advance a little. I read so many wonderfully written that I need to improve a bit more..

It's lousy here...-12 with the windchill...oh, can't wait for spring.

Have a great week end as I need to work on my SOCKS....

Peace,

Darla

I Won An Award!!

I am privileged to know so many wonderful women in the blogging world. My intention was to blog so my grandchildren could see what I am doing in my life far away from them. I don't want this blog to be political (even though I might touch on it gently) or too deep. I am in a year that is life changing for me..I will be 60 and am having a great time of it.

To open ones self up to the world is not easy but I am lucky to know people like who gave me this wonderful award from http://www.blogger.com/www.craftygryphon.blogspot.com/ "The Helping Hand" fromhttp://www.sojournersplace.blogspot.com/ she is a wonderful example to follow in blogging. She also is great at knitting and keeping life fun.

Go here after reading the remainder of my post to get your instructions on "Paying It Forward".

http://www.soujournersplace.blogspot.com/2008/01/helping-hand-much-obliged-and-paying-it.html

So now I get to "Pay It Forward" to those of you who have helped me in my new adventure of blogging & knitting. You all have so much to give and I have so much to learn from all of you. So the first of you that I would like to receive this wonderful Award is:


CiCi, http://www.2sistahsknittogether.blogspot.com/you are always there for me whether it is blogging or socks or your fun trip to Chicago.

Elle, http://www.toliveistopray.blogspot.com/ for your inspiring posts during your personal trials and losses. Keep your spirit young woman you will come out of this much stronger. You give me hope.


Sinje ,http://www.knityoursocksoff.blogspot.com/ your blog is wondrous...I love going to Yarns Shops with you on your blog. I have learned much about blogging and fibers from you and miss NYC.

So thank you all for your help and please enjoy your achievements of being there for others.

So now you each must "Pay it Forward" and the rules can be found at SojournersPlace (see above for link). I know you will enjoy this as much as I have. Keep mentoring Ladies...Good job.

I am also going to make a list to encourage other new bloggers to continue their quests into this wonderful media. I'm actually thinking of doing some fun things here on my blog.

Peace Darla

ps. thank you http://www.blogger.com/www.ravelry.com for the new friendships.