Checking In

So, how goes it? It's been a little bit since I've written and I feel the need to check-in, as the title says. However, I don't have too much to talk about. What am I knitting you ask? Well, I'm not quite ready to tell you. Does that make me coy? I don't mean to be. It's just I've started making this really simple idea I've had for quite a while. I had this idea and started knitting and now I've got about 10 of these made and a cute little name to go with. I'd like to get about 30 of them done and then take them into work and see if women like them as much as I do. Everyone I've shown so far loves the idea so who knows. After I get a good collection completed, I'll post pictures and see what you think.

Meanwhile, I've also started a number of little items: the Tribble you see below (because you can't knit just one...and boy is that true), a simple lace scarf called Wisp, with some yarn I got at Big Lots (my favorite "you never know what you'll find" store), a pair of socks with KnitPicks Gossamer for S based on the Chevron Pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks, a couple of different versions of Market Bags, (one from a pattern and one from my brain) and I still have my Pinwheel Blanket.

So I obviously have lofty goals but I haven't been keeping up with photos and blogging. I've also been doing some Spring work around the house to try and get ready for summer and rid the house of the bad winter mojo. Unfortunately, the rollercoaster weather is not exactly helping things. So,while I don't have a bunch of beautiful knitting photos, I'll leave you with some flowers from my yard. The yard is an overgrown mess, but wow, don't these look great? I just look at them and I feel better. :)

Shoes and Socks

Well, I finally finished the Ditto socks. I have to say I was highly disappointed in the yarn for these socks. It was really hard to work with since it tended to split quite a bit and both balls had a knot in them. Unfortunately the knot messed up the stripe pattern but I'm probably the only one who will ever really notice. Well, no one else would have but now they'll be looking. Oh well. Overall, the socks look pretty cool and I think the recipient likes them. I've heard they fit well so hopefully they will hold up and be well used.

In the meantime, we've been working at my house to develop a new business. My partner is creating some beautiful leather gear and we have decided to try selling it and starting up our own "Farm Fund." Our goal is to get some land in the country somewhere and we're working really hard to get our finances in order and make it a reality. So, this is one small step.

Steph has been making gorgeous moccasins, sandals, dog collars, leashes, keyfobs and anything else you can think of out of leather. She has a real talent at this and it seems to be a really good fit. She made me a great pair of mocs that I wear every day around the house and they are my new favorite shoe. They're totally comfortable and thick enough that I can wear them outside to take out the trash and such. I could wear them around outside more but I really need some arch support to wear them as actual shoes. They make terrific slippers though.

The pair above are our first internet sale. These were a rush job for a really nice woman, Native Knits. She had an event and couldn't locate her pair of mocs. She convo'd us on Etsy, asked for a pair in dark brown, and had this pair, made to fit her foot, within 5 days. We've mostly sold locally so it's pretty neat to get this first sale through Etsy. We've had a lot of interest and I think this has a real shot. I sure hope so. So, if you get a few minutes, go check out the store. If you mention this blog, you can have 10% off any item in the store. :)

Check out the stunning custom made leather sandals to be found at www.buckarooleather.etsy.com. I hope to see you there!

Hemlock Ring - I'm in Love

I can't help it. I'm in love with the way this looks. The yarn was amazing and I am thrilled with the results. Best of all, this is for me. I hardly feel deserving except I know I damn well deserve it!! I LOVE it...did I mention that?