tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95531222012-02-06T21:09:04.700-05:00Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.comBlogger3371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-17551569170752931402011-02-03T13:07:00.003-05:002011-02-03T13:27:09.317-05:00

I completed two sweaters in the same weekend a little while back.Sweater one I started this past fall. Hallett's Ledge from Twist Collective, knit in buttery soft pure cormo from the Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm (now Juniper Moon Farm). I finished it in just a few months - pretty good for a lady who hasn't really been knitting much lately.And that is as finished as you'll see it. Despite

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-14180532849664691142011-02-01T09:37:00.001-05:002011-02-01T09:38:57.132-05:00

I have no idea who this poet is, but I share his sentiment.Take Our Snow PleaseAs out the window,I look, more snow today,have only one thing to say,take our snow please.Six week-ends straight,snow, snow every where,have only one thing to say,take our snow please, today.So much snow, so much cold,snow in the streets, snow in the yard,snow on the car, snow on my shoe,have only one thing to say,take

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-68852582459435561122010-09-14T17:27:00.003-05:002010-09-14T17:41:01.665-05:00

Hello there! I'll save you the standard opening about not blogging*, blah, blah, blah. But I wanted to pop in to let you know that I knit something. Earth shattering, I know.All the chatter about the new Quince & Co. yarns, led me to purchase a skein of their aran-weight in the pretty raspberry color they call "Sorbet". I decided to knit it up into a cool little piece that I queued in Ravelry

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-12231419310829110672010-05-07T12:42:00.004-05:002010-05-07T12:57:23.575-05:00

So I think the last time I spoke to you here, I was a wee bit obsessed with crocheting a Babbette blanket. Well, I finished it not long ago, and here are some pretty pictures for you. (all the yarn details, etc. on Ravelry here).I appears that getting that out of my system has cleared the way for a new quest. I've completely succumbed to the quilting virus, which I manged to pick up on Flickr.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-44373393451831960432010-01-04T12:54:00.005-05:002010-01-04T13:36:34.570-05:00

Now this is what I want you all to do:If you got faults, defects or shortcomings,You know, like arthritis, rheumatism or migraines,Whatever part of your body it is,I want you to lay it on your radio, let the vibes flow through.Funk not only moves, it can re-move, dig?The desired effect is what you getWhen you improve your Interplanetary Funksmanship. ~ParliamentI'm in a serious funk. I have

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-47154631664486793142009-11-15T14:41:00.002-05:002009-11-15T15:03:52.139-05:00

I'm going to give you a peek into how my monkey brain works. I finally dug out the Judy's Color stocking kit that I picked up about 2 years ago for Dizzle. Her brother has a nice handknit stocking, so I figured she deserved one too. But, I never got inspired to pull it out. Seeing as she's getting old enough to notice, I figured I should maybe get to work on it for this year.Its knit with

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-28690817234500727842009-11-08T09:34:00.003-05:002009-11-08T09:59:24.697-05:00

You know how sometimes yarn has a mind of its own? I swear my sweater's worth of Araucania Nature Wool in a fabulous tealy-blue was destined to be knit, ripped, knit and ripped over and over. Its first incarnation was as a brioche ribbed sweater called Nieuwmarkt that I knit 8 inches into before discovering I didn't have gauge and it was sized for a 12 year old (do you have any idea how much

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-68830489562213915682009-10-04T10:32:00.001-05:002009-10-04T10:32:45.874-05:00

My Tale of WoeOriginally uploaded by pumpkinknitsLook! Flickr straight to the blog again means 2 posts in a week? Just over a week? Woot! Anyway, the knitting saga of my Low Tide Ripples: I was so proud of myself this morning, as I got to the last 3" of the Low Tide Ripples Body. Then my ribbing wasn't working with the pattern. About 10 rows back, I had zigged, when I should have zagged.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-54531052740148648622009-09-24T12:56:00.001-05:002009-09-24T12:56:30.287-05:00

ribbon blanketOriginally uploaded by pumpkinknitsAn utterly "cheating" blog post, as I'm just pushing this from Flickr. Latest knitting completed is this colorful baby blanket. I actually have no idea if recipient baby has arrived yet, but I believe she's due soon. Pattern is Ribbons Baby Blanket (Ravelry Project Link for details). Life is suddenly super, super busy - my work week is now 4

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-1308342327385670712009-08-08T09:05:00.002-05:002009-08-08T09:12:08.329-05:00

Fiber Revival is next weekend! Saturday the 15th to be exact. Newbury, Massachusetts. If you live in eastern New England, it is well worth the day trip. A day full of excellent classes (still spots open - go see the website for details), excellent vendors, and excellent fibery friends. This one is near and dear to my heart, not only because my spinning group co-hosts it but because usually by

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-11380273075000454532009-07-14T12:25:00.002-05:002009-07-14T12:43:26.060-05:00

Things I have thought about blogging:my new ability to crochet without wanting to poke my eyes outa big crochet project I have startedlots of things I have spun, want to spin, or thought about spinning and then didn'ta couple of things I have knit and/or am currently knittinga warning that I really, really want to makeover my blog, but then just thinking about all.that.work. makes me despair and

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-36227376585786930732009-06-10T12:32:00.001-05:002009-06-10T12:33:20.398-05:00

I've been waiting with bated breath for the summer Knitty to come out. Back in March or April I was contacted by them to submit fiber for review for their "Fiber Fiesta" section.I am VERY pleased to annouce that I can breathe now!!Link is here.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-44589177010802765662009-06-08T19:42:00.001-05:002009-06-08T19:44:04.629-05:00

I had a marvelously productive dye-day last week. Just updated the shop with lots of new spinning goodies!

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-32823606722479368812009-05-27T13:20:00.008-05:002009-05-27T14:31:04.011-05:00

I finished the "Little Liza Jane" dress 2 days before the wedding. If any of you have little girls in your life to knit for, this dress is really a wonderful knit. I cannot tell you how many compliments I received on it throughout the wedding. I bought a sweet little button down collared shirt for her to wear with it, and had the perfect tiny heart-shaped buttons in my meager button stash for

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-45596942996390015042009-05-15T06:28:00.004-05:002009-05-15T06:45:38.935-05:00

As I said in one of my last posts, my little WIP tally on the sidebar over there is totally inaccurate. I have two things on the knitting needles, only one of which is actually getting any of my time. The one I'm ignoring (in my great tradition of taking a year or more to knit one pair of socks) is a Mermaid sock in Vesper self striping, the colorway I can't be bothered to look up right now.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-59141504875599112312009-03-25T13:01:00.003-05:002009-03-25T13:27:02.117-05:00

I've been feeling some blog angst lately. With Ravelry, Flickr, Twitter, etc. it is becoming harder and harder to sit and devote the needed time to a blog post. I have lots to blog about, but it seems I come here and "crank it out" with a quick blurb about this project or that, plug in a photo an wham bam, I'm done. I used to write, rewrite, take time to take lovely blog-worthy photographs and

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-7225692016072050962009-03-12T07:19:00.001-05:002009-03-12T07:20:56.972-05:00

The dyeing I did Monday is all ready! Mostly merino/bamboo - yum. But some targhee and an alpaca/merino/silk blend in there too.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-38111701759838871502009-03-09T13:26:00.005-05:002009-03-09T13:43:32.547-05:00

This post is for my friend Kelly (KellyR on Ravelry). She's not a blogger, but if you live in the area and spin, or knit, or use a sock machine, odds are you've met her. She's a regular at spin night and I owe her this post for two reasons.Reason One:She introduced me to these teeny tiny 9inch circular needles. They are HiyaHiya needles and it means I can knit socks without DPNs (hazardous

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-86890097289446925212009-02-25T20:33:00.004-05:002009-02-25T20:49:00.205-05:00

I cannot stop spinning! I have no desire for knitting (though I do have a lonely sock on the needles, which I have to show you - the needles, not the sock!) and every time I have a moment I've been spinning. These kicks are cyclical for me, I must be feeling the instant gratification need, as spinning up a nice chunky 2ply out of a 4oz braid doesn't take too long and makes me feel

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-63541939595845731772009-02-20T11:58:00.002-05:002009-02-20T12:10:34.288-05:00

I am safely back in chilly New England. The Pumpkin Family had a marvelous time in a warmer clime, and I at least came back feeling refreshed and inspired and like I can handle the remainder of winter here with a little more grace.I am in full-on dyeing mode for more shop updates coming soon, as well as keeping up with the coming months samples for the PhatFiber box. My February box arrived

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-86324771465416444122009-02-05T08:31:00.003-05:002009-02-05T08:58:17.886-05:00

I traditionally don't do a lot of small projects - I'm a sweater knitter, a big lacy shawl knitter, usually with a slow-in-the-making pair of socks on the needles somewhere in there. If you look through the last few months of the blog, or of my Ravelry projects though, its all small all the time. A little flurry of holiday gifts, a scarf, neckwarmers, baby knits. It makes me feel quite

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-89484337736965646122009-01-23T11:12:00.002-05:002009-01-23T11:26:19.275-05:00

It seems like I always manage to produce a sweater (or vest) in the early months of each year. This year's is the Garter Yoke Cardigan from the latest Knit.1 It is knit with humble Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool (just 2 hanks, on sale - can't beat a $14 sweater!). I think this is one of the best fitting sweaters I've done to date. I wanted some negative ease, but my gauge was off so I risked

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-7699418872129596722009-01-22T09:40:00.002-05:002009-01-22T09:55:07.712-05:00

My spinning time has been completely consumed with the first batch of my "big handspun sweater project". The fiber fates had me fall into a fleece at last spring's New Hampshire Sheep and Wool festival - a stunning Romeldale (the non-mutant version of CVM) in the deepest brown-black. I dropped it for processing that same day, and I've had it sitting in a box waiting to be spun all summer and

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-33532049240099343792009-01-17T15:42:00.000-05:002009-01-17T15:43:42.972-05:00

The shop has just been updated.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-45008677151592073252009-01-15T13:52:00.002-05:002009-01-15T13:56:54.875-05:00

Goes on sale today sometime (if you recall, I made up these baby braids for inclusion in this month's box). Keep an eye on the PhatFiber blog for details. Jessie, the coordinator of all this fibery goodness, also posted a very cool video that shows you what kind of goodies are in store for January's box.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-7422694686848897242009-01-12T06:22:00.003-05:002009-01-12T07:19:47.385-05:00

Like I said earlier, until the last few months weaving never interested me. I would read about it occasionally, but all the terms - warp, DPI, shuttles, heddles, weft, would leave my brain in a fog of confusion and it all just seemed so complicated and technical.Then, kind of out of no-where I started thinking about it - it might be fun to try. After all, when I first read posts about spinning

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-88601500098125090072009-01-10T10:28:00.004-05:002009-01-10T10:47:42.890-05:00

So, for those of you who I didn't already blab to, my newest toy is an Ashford 16" Rigid Heddle loom. I always said I had no interest in weaving, but in the last 4-5 months I've had a little nagging voice in my head telling me I should try. Then I made the fatal mistake of doing a Ravelry Project search for things tagged with "weaving". I warn you - do not click that link if you don't want to

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-16112876665704508462009-01-09T13:34:00.000-05:002009-01-09T13:35:35.877-05:00

The Man in Brown finally came.....

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-20384794068170482132009-01-05T08:13:00.005-05:002009-01-06T09:16:22.317-05:00

I started out knitting just one Christmas gift this year - a sweater for the newest member of our family (the one who got this blanket upon his birth in September). I knit "Get Ziggy" with some Blue Sky Organic Cotton. It is a really great pattern, and might just become my go-to baby sweater. The seaming with the lap shoulders is a little tricky (I had to do it 2 or 3 times to get it right) but

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-80723334575456662802008-12-29T15:20:00.003-05:002008-12-29T15:32:23.240-05:00

I hope everyone had a good holiday! We hosted here at the Pumpkin abode, for the first time, and it was wonderful, apart from missing a couple of newly-far-flung family members. A trip to Maine to my in-laws for the weekend following completed the celebrations, and we're trying to wade out from under the tidal wave of toys and books that Christmas with 2 small kids brings.I've slowly been

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-89658878153843840682008-12-15T20:16:00.003-05:002008-12-15T21:06:49.054-05:00

In a move that hasn't been accomplished in this house since 2006, I actually knit a pair of socks in less than a years time. I'm hoping this trend continues, as my handknit sock collection is being worn out faster than they can be replaced. These are Koigu, simple 4x2 rib, short row heel.(RavLink)My only holiday knitting this year are some mitts for my mailman. Paul is awesome. We have an

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-34094739760556937972008-12-02T10:05:00.003-05:002008-12-02T10:18:09.210-05:00

I've been wanting to take the time to try some new to me spinning techniques, and finally managed to do just that. The first was pretty simple - plying a bulkk/slubby single with thread. This is half of a "vintage" HelloYarn Fiber Club offering, a merino top called "Maldives", about 2.5oz/135 yards. Very easy to do - I just used plain old cotton sewing thread in a pale blue.Next on my list was

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-42762779355742277952008-11-24T13:56:00.001-05:002008-11-24T14:07:17.632-05:00

After my mopey post on Friday, I grabbed some yarn I'd been staring at forever and started making this:I finished it about 36 hours later, mainly because once Dizzle knew it was for her, she kept cracking the whip, shouting in her cute little toddler shout "Sweater! Mine! Now!" If one must have a slave driver, a cute one that gives you bear hugs anytime you ask is always a good choice. I

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-51313141180656437072008-11-21T07:47:00.002-05:002008-11-21T08:07:56.754-05:00

I'm already feeling the inward pull of winter. I don't want to DO anything. This weeks cold weather has me wishing I could stay in my jammies all day. I didn't even get up the energy to go to spin night last night, my sacred ME time that I never miss unless I am forced to. Just didn't feel like dealing with the hassle of getting there even though I know from past experience that I am always

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-47138180962652789202008-11-11T17:59:00.003-05:002008-11-11T18:16:26.647-05:00

My last dye-day was dedicated to getting a bunch of top done to make these little cutie pies:These are wee sample braids of Rambouillet Top for the Phat Fiber Sample Box, first edition heading out in January. I love the idea of the sample box, having seen one for other crafty artists, but this is the first fibery one I've been aware of. Not sure when they go on sale yet, but there are loads of

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-65252972892854473752008-11-05T07:11:00.003-05:002008-11-05T08:33:18.162-05:00

I never talk politics here. I contemplated a post yesterday, but didn't have the energy. I literally felt manic and nauseated all day yesterday. I knew I cared about this election, despite studiously trying to ignore the media coverage (when I didn't I ended up shouting at the electronic devices that brought me the coverage - pretty silly). What I didn't know is that I've been holding my

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-9667378248028678202008-10-30T14:38:00.003-05:002008-10-30T14:40:00.036-05:00

Just put a batch of new fiber in the shop. A really fabulous blend for socks, shetland, rambouillet and some alpaca/merino/silk that spins like heaven.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-70235674762227226392008-10-27T06:24:00.003-05:002008-10-27T06:37:38.047-05:00

I remembered that I haven't shared my other vacation project with you. A long time ago I bought 2 hanks of scrumptious yarn from Heather when she came to a spin night - it a worsted weight merino/alpaca/silk dyed in her gorgeous Rock Lobster colorway. I knew exactly what it was going to be as soon as I saw it. Another person I call friend has a great pattern that was perfect. In even better

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-41196314129701641562008-10-14T10:17:00.002-05:002008-10-14T10:33:17.365-05:00

I love Tim Gunn, and I'm hopelessly addicted to Project Runway, as I know many others are. My favorite thing about Tim is how he so insanely tactful in his critiques - he lets the designers know if they are straying without making it seem insulting or mean. I need more skills in that arena. But of course my most favorite thing is his catch phrase: "Carry On!" It is a good personal mantra, and

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-5421040141676237492008-10-10T08:23:00.003-05:002008-10-10T08:35:59.811-05:00

Phew - a busy few weeks. Spent a week on the Vineyard last week for a last gasp fall vacation, and closing up the house for the winter. The week off makes the first week back seem extra hectic with laundry and food shopping catch-up to play, followed by a big project at work on the first day back, then a majorly tweaked back muscle and subsequent inability to really move my head and arms (

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-59153884337874014372008-09-20T08:35:00.003-05:002008-09-20T08:37:20.601-05:00

I am extremely pleased to announce that the Sunrise Circle has found a home with Danielle. She came over last night to try it on and it looks as if it were made just for her - a perfect fit! Hooray for happy endings. I will get replacement yarn so I can knit mine in a more realistic size. I love it when things work out like this!

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-83261527354073619952008-09-19T06:20:00.005-05:002008-09-19T09:19:17.658-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, my Sunrise Circle is finished. As proof, I offer up this mediocre photograph of it on my kitchen floor. It will not be getting the full tripod, auto-timer and lovingly crafted close ups.She is way too big. I noticed it when I was seaming up in Chicago that it seemed kind of large. When I got all the seaming done, I tried it on and realized it was true. In an

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-8674840962060108762008-09-15T08:56:00.004-05:002008-09-15T09:15:44.439-05:00

I was living solo in a hotel room in Chicago all last week while at a conference for work. I always miss the kiddos and the husband when I'm away, but I do try to focus on the positives, like the peace and quiet, the tidy room, the exquisite pleasure of no one needing anything from me when I walk in the door at night. And of course, the knitting time. The extra time saw me starting and

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-26676455160586685362008-09-02T16:45:00.000-05:002008-09-02T16:45:00.243-05:00

I alluded to the return of my knitting mojo in my last post. I've been wanting to knit Sunrise Circle for some time now, and finally cast on, with the yarn I bought for that purpose, no less! Here is a partly completed left half:This side is now complete, and I'm about half done with the right side sleeve/front combo. The yarn is Queensland Collection Kathmandu Aran, and it is quite nice to

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-80785942006286863262008-08-21T13:18:00.003-05:002008-08-21T19:14:01.721-05:00

Can you believe the last finished object I have is Celtic Dreams from back in March? Eek. My only active knitting since then has been unbloggable - a baby blanket for my brother and his wife, who are expecting #2 in early September. Happily, I finished the blankie and it has arrived with them as of today, so I can now share it with you.The pattern is the Baby Ripple Blanket (Ravelry link) by

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-69202106798338090812008-08-14T09:35:00.003-05:002008-08-14T09:37:59.509-05:00

I want to post a reminder to all New Englanders that the 2nd Annual Fiber Revival is this Saturday from 9am to 5pm at Spencer Peirce Little Farm in Newbury Mass.I know for a fact there are still a few open spots in classes, so if you were waiting to see how the weather would pan out (looking good!), go and get thee to the website and pick one. Or pick none and come hang out and shop and knit and

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-60123597251667781812008-08-11T10:24:00.002-05:002008-08-11T10:26:46.119-05:00

These are in the shop right now. I decided on 2oz bundles to ease mixing and matching.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-77232417811175100542008-08-07T12:26:00.001-05:002008-08-07T15:50:07.080-05:00

My gradient dyed roving experiment is complete.To recap:dyed a small (2oz ish) roving from dark to light in the same color.split roving lengthwisespun each half on its own bobbinchain plied each bobbin, resulting in2 balls of 3ply sport weight yarn each going from dark to lightknit one sock (due to small amt of yarn) in 4 row stripes starting one ball from the dark end, and the other from the

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-38129753171865602852008-08-01T19:39:00.002-05:002008-08-01T19:42:42.214-05:00

Thank you all for your well wishes, everyone always says this, but it truly does wonders just knowing others are pulling for you. Your good vibes appear to have worked, as Dad's procedure went swimmingly, and he had but one blockage, where they placed a single stent. Prognosis is excellent, and if all goes to plan he will be home tomorrow. So thank you from the bottom of MY heart, I will be

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-37369560858045596582008-07-31T14:16:00.003-05:002008-07-31T18:52:34.487-05:00

I know what a powerful mental force you knitters can emit when required, so if you have any to spare, some good thoughts for my Dad would be much appreciated. He is in the hospital tonight awaiting an angiogram tomorrow am after some episodes of chest pain and an irregular EKG.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-49883268006376848272008-07-19T10:14:00.004-05:002008-12-11T16:30:21.539-05:00

So, I've had this idea brewing in my head since before my vacation. Gradient dye a strip of roving from dark to light, split it down the middle, then spin each half onto a bobbin and chain ply each one. Ending up with (hopefully) 2 hanks of yarn that go from light/dark. A fun thing to knit into socks or use them alternately in light/dark stripes - and I'm sure there are many other cool things

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-33858827019693793092008-07-11T13:04:00.002-05:002008-07-11T13:06:10.889-05:00

Title stands for Yet Another Etsy Shop. That would be my new shop, named VINES. In it you can find some of these, along with some of my handspun. This should be an adventure.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-85647999235129546862008-07-05T08:29:00.003-05:002008-07-05T08:49:03.967-05:00

I highly recommend that anyone who is able to take 3 weeks off at a time does so. My, what a wonderful, much-needed recharge time. PumpkinFamily spent a marvelous time with great weather, lots of beach time, zero internet and TV, lots of walks, and just general relaxed outside merriment in the sunshine.I was able to spin almost every day and got so much done. I managed to knit exactly 2 rows

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-4537209545863906962008-06-05T15:46:00.002-05:002008-12-11T16:30:22.000-05:00

A have a date for you to save for your summer fiber activites:Saturday, August 16th is the 2nd annual Fiber Revival. Go check the website - there are workshops and demos, some really wonderful vendors, and overall fibery goodness.So, put it on your calendar, it will be here before you know it.Photo shamelessly swiped from Cheryl.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-80351817977432329642008-05-30T11:25:00.003-05:002008-12-11T16:30:22.186-05:00

Apart from memes and auction publicity, I guess I've got nothing going on. I am clinging to each day by my fingernails - counting down the 9 days left til a much-anticipated 3 whole weeks of vacation. There is much in the way of real-life stuff that needs to get done before then.I am not knitting - choosing instead each night to collapse on the couch and watch tivo-ed Ghost Hunters episodes and

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-3652077856407910372008-05-28T07:46:00.003-05:002008-05-28T07:54:34.572-05:00

One of our sisters is in need. PippiKneeSocks and her family are having a rough time of it. Amy of Spunky Eclectic has coordinated an auction with all proceeds going to Pippi and her kids. The current items up can be seen here and include a really gorgeous whopping 9oz batt from Indigo Moon (no longer in the biz, so very rare) some delicious yarn and I've donated my kit for the Bee Fields

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-69352230113019560612008-05-22T14:55:00.005-05:002008-05-22T20:11:34.328-05:00

Linda tagged me, and I'm short on time - rushing to get away for the long weekend, so you get a meme!The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-54454200431472302292008-05-17T15:13:00.003-05:002008-05-17T15:20:29.564-05:00

I made a little detour into the sewing world this week. When I saw this sweet little bag tutorial posted I knew I just had to make one. Long ago I dabbled with quilting, so I have a tiny little stash of fat quarters, and this was a snap to whip up during an extended naptime. It is very wee - just big enough to hold a skein of yarn, or if I let the blues in it remind me of you know who, then

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-10729017542670699182008-05-12T08:55:00.002-05:002008-05-12T09:15:09.011-05:00

The past 10 days has seen every single member of our household getting sick, in one form or another, sometimes in pairs. I escaped all last week unscathed, just needing to play nurse to the ailing ones. I started feeling oogly myself on Friday, but felt well enough Saturday to spend the day at NH Sheep and Wool.It was a bounty of fiber and friends, and I left feeling so much better for having

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-28902019143232992382008-05-03T09:32:00.003-05:002008-12-11T16:30:22.501-05:00

I felt quite bereft last night with nothing on the wheel - I was tempted to close the poll early and just start spinning. I restrained myself though, so now I get to start pre-drafting the lovely "In the Navy Now". Here is the yarn resulting from my red dye job that I named "Creeper" in honor of the Virginia Creeper leaf photo that inspired it. It came out a little less bright than I expected,

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-90227323244434182902008-05-02T13:09:00.007-05:002008-05-03T09:43:32.912-05:00

Ok - I finished spinning my Creeper roving (the red one) from my dyeing last week. It is still drying, so no photos yet. But, I can't decide what to spin next, so you get to choose:Poll order matches the photo order top to bottom. I will take votes through tomorrow morning sometime. Vote early vote often![Poll Closed!]It seems adding the poll script screws with my header for some reason, so

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-10744153594506783272008-04-25T17:54:00.003-05:002008-05-03T09:44:39.287-05:00

Finally got some dyeing done. If you've never seen Kuler before, you must check it out. It helped me choose my colors from some of my favorite photos.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-54528325646835143332008-04-24T09:28:00.002-05:002008-04-24T09:48:58.115-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, after abandoning Morning Glories, I really have no big projects on the needles. Last week I decided Dizzle needed a little something, so I balled up some handspun Merino (in looking that link up, I realized this yarn was knit up just over a year after it was made - funny, looks like I got the dyeing bug last spring too) and made this:Ravelry DetailsIt is the

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-67091160734219031322008-04-21T15:13:00.002-05:002008-05-03T09:43:32.912-05:00

With no big projects on the needles, I'm doing so much more spinning. The latest finished yarn to come off the wheel is this:Its BFL, "Insect Wings" from the February offering of the HelloYarn fiber club. I get doubles, so this is 9oz roughly 750 yards of a sport weight three ply. These aren't really my colors, so I was kind of "meh" about it, but I love how it turned out - Adrian's colors make

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-48496717989378968702008-04-10T11:51:00.002-05:002008-04-10T11:55:07.261-05:00

You know, I saw that Kathy just posted this, so I popped over and took the quiz, with NO intention of posting here, just for kicks. But read that first paragraph, of course I had to blog it now.You Are An ISTJThe Duty FulfillerYou are responsible, reliable, and hardworking - you get the job done.You prefer productive hobbies, like woodworking or knittings.Quiet and serious, you are well prepared

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-80124307810390947172008-04-04T13:20:00.003-05:002008-05-03T09:44:50.247-05:00

Mama got to do her own arts and craft project during naptime today.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-75033008818096286162008-03-31T09:36:00.002-05:002008-05-03T09:56:16.112-05:00

Setting knitting goals for myself worked well to get me to finish Celtic Dreams, but it is failing with the Morning Glories wrap. I am just not feeling the love at all anymore. One way I was working to make my knitting goals was to give each project its own night - so say on Tuesdays, I would always knit on Celtic Dreams after the kids went to bed. What I have found with Morning Glories is

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-39256341201676619992008-03-24T06:17:00.003-05:002008-12-11T16:30:23.072-05:00

I'm all for charity knitting, but I tend get a little selfish with my knitting time, do don't do a lot of it. I prefer to help out with cash, as it is expedient and doesn't steal precious stitches away from me. So, when I hear that I can BUY YARN and help a charity at the time time, happy little bells ding in my head.Local dyer extraordinaire Heather of Sereknity is dying up this gorgeous stuff

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-27731564281247152102008-03-17T09:28:00.003-05:002008-05-03T09:56:22.734-05:00

I am very pleased to announce that my Celtic Dreams is finished. This has been my longest on the needles project to date, and my first aran ever. I have a ton more like this in my queue on Ravelry, but I must say, while it is not really difficult to knit per se, these suckers sure are time consuming. The yarn is Classic Elite Skye Tweed, and once washed up it is so soft and felty feeling. Its

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-72257391267870360562008-03-11T09:33:00.002-05:002008-05-03T09:56:30.311-05:00

After all my pretty colors, I got a hankering for some naturally colored fibers. I pulled out the latest offering from WoolyWonka Fiber's Exotic Fiber Club, bison!Staple Length? We don't need no steenkin' staple length!I have never spun any down-type fibers before so this was a learning experience. I will share my top three tips for spinning bison/buffalo fiber with you:remove all small

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-19315828399137304452008-03-08T09:39:00.003-05:002008-05-03T09:56:30.312-05:00

Here's the finished skein fractal spun:Its difficult to capture in photos but I think the end result is a different effect than if I just willy-nilly spun and plied. The way this roving was painted, one end was started off with a big lime green swath, and then alternated with the orange/yellow/pinks that are the predominant colors. The green never shows up again except in very small bursts.So

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-21371562021963863102008-03-04T13:05:00.004-05:002008-05-03T09:56:30.312-05:00

My latest to come off the wheel is "Frosted Forest" wool/soysilk from Hello Yarn Fiber Club, I believe its the December 07 installment. I went for doubles for these past few months, so I have 4oz total, about 520yds of my trademarked (not really) "fingersport" weight yarn. I'd been thinking a light and drapey scarf/shawl with this, but once I completed it, I started wondering if the fiber combo

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-43703486759144821082008-02-27T14:29:00.003-05:002008-02-27T15:04:37.893-05:00

Once again, I find myself home from work on a Wednesday. This time, its PumpkinBoy, feeling too mopey with a cough and low fever to go to school. A mere 3 weeks after my last WIP Wednesday post I am pleased to report, that despite starting and finishing and entire adult sweater, I also met my WIP goals for my long term knits!Morning Glory: I finished the last half of the lingering repeat and

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-42363634724496982762008-02-15T17:01:00.002-05:002008-02-15T17:19:09.756-05:00

Eight Days from start to finish - I really pushed myself on this one so I could get back to my "real" knitting. I am very pleased to have exorcised the demon! Even more pleased to have a really nice sweater to wear. All the yarn/needles details are in Ravelry. I really love this pattern. Its quick and simple, and I think it would be a excellent use for handspun - you only need about 150g (

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-26140547773182570402008-02-15T10:22:00.000-05:002008-02-15T10:23:52.740-05:00

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-80876988894222232212008-02-11T08:31:00.001-05:002008-02-11T08:57:18.068-05:00

About 3 hours after my last post, I drove up to Newburyport for my regular spin night. Spin night now meets in a yarn shop. This is a dangerous thing. I sat with my friends, happily spinning and chatting. About half an hour before the night was over, I looked up over the register and saw a sample sweater. A simple raglan pullover, with striped sleeves, solid body, striped gusset panels at

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-86121509931111913992008-02-06T14:50:00.000-05:002008-02-27T15:04:47.930-05:00

My last post was 3 weeks ago - I did a WIP Wednesday post, as I had the day off to care for PumpkinBoy , who is so utterly recuperated and has SO MUCH newfound energy now that he sleeps well, that Dan and I are wondering if the surgery was really in our best interest*. I find myself home mid week again, this time for Dizzle, whose daycare is closed so that the owner can have a brief maternity

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-26967189291382140752008-01-16T10:09:00.000-05:002008-02-27T15:04:53.696-05:00

Before I get to my knitting post, I want to thank you for your well wishes for PumpkinBoy. His surgery went great, the weather didn't hinder us too much at all, and he is back home resting and recovering. It truly does lighten the heart to read all your comments and know that people are thinking of us.Having him home means I am home playing nurse all week, which means I actually have time to

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-59835359860676038062008-01-13T06:51:00.001-05:002008-01-13T07:03:21.675-05:00

My little man goes under the knife tomorrow for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (or a "T and A" as those in the biz like to call it, wink wink) to correct pretty severe obstructive sleep apnea. Its all very routine, and I know his health will be improved, yada yada, but it still makes me nervous. The weather is conspiring to make tomorrow that much more stressful (10-14inches and a 20 mile

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-74515254503888624082008-01-08T18:50:00.000-05:002008-01-08T19:41:59.574-05:00

Back in November I made my sister in law a scrumptious brown cabley hat. I vowed then to make myself an identical one. After holiday knits and side tracks with mittens, I finally completed it. I present Hat Chocolate #2, which will actually end up being sent to said sister in law, in exchange for the original hat, because it seems she's got a much bigger brain than me. The original fits me

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-91537695564413773902008-01-04T07:58:00.000-05:002008-12-11T16:30:23.300-05:00

Below is my first skein of handpun from my Rose. This is the kind of yarn I've been trying to spin for the past two years - namely a true sock weight, tightly spun, and I did it with ease on this wheel. I am beside myself with happiness. This wheel is fast and smooth and has the ratios I need to get enough twist without feeling like I'm running a marathon. The fiber is Spunky Eclectic

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-45821371726051209032008-01-02T08:52:00.000-05:002008-01-02T09:04:47.674-05:00

I'd been feeling a little non productive for the year, after seeing all these knitting roundups and resolution check-ups being posted. Then I went through my archives and did a tally, and I'm actually pretty impressed with what I completed in 2007:1 pair of mittens4 hats1 baby sweater4 pairs of socks2 adult sweaters1 shawland (best I can count) at least 2355 yards of new yarn created.I think I

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-54069230865323998162007-12-31T12:15:00.000-05:002007-12-31T12:22:44.647-05:00

Just in from the remainder of holiday travels after a long weekend in Maine with my inlaws. For the knitting war: my one and only gift knit was complete on the 22nd, and opened by the giftee on the 25th. Socks for my mom in Socks that Rock medium weight, color "Barney Rubble". Picot cuff, 60 stitches. And for your amusement or horror - look what husband spotted in the local Maine paper this

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-69865976670129142802007-12-22T06:55:00.000-05:002007-12-22T07:10:18.393-05:00

I finished my second mitten just in time for the next batch of snow to hit our area. I love these things with all my heart. They are my first pair of adult mittens that I've knit and I'm thinking they won't be my last. Quick, warm and pretty - you can't beat that.Project Specs:Pattern: Bird in Hand by Kate GilbertYarn: Elle Rae Classic, color 17 (brown) and 7(blue)Needles: #3Notes: A

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-83636592984178240262007-12-14T17:21:00.000-05:002007-12-14T20:32:45.737-05:00

Well, I just discovered from reading Cheryl's blog that we've been pitted against each other in this Holiday Knitting War. I love competing against Cheryl, as she's great at smack talking and despite her mild-mannered demeanor has a crazy ass competitive streak that's fun to play off of. This will bring back memories of the Great Moth Race of `06.For anyone keeping pace, my charity will be The

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-75537448738392310402007-12-13T10:21:00.000-05:002007-12-13T10:27:35.024-05:00

I received a mysterious email yesterday:1,2,3,4 I declare a KNITTING WAR…………………………..YOU have been chosen…should you choose to accept this mission, you will receive your orders soon….via your blog….your war will be against another yet fun and famous knitter.What are the details you say…..to see who can finish ALL Christmas knitting before Christmas……the reward for winning this war you ask……a

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-32547674013205539912007-12-10T08:08:00.000-05:002007-12-10T08:10:28.543-05:00

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-61616842480938777852007-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:002007-12-05T09:02:17.608-05:00

Happy Birthday my Little Dizzle! Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.For a more wordy tribute (and the same slideshow again) see here.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-55940477655175636202007-11-29T13:36:00.000-05:002007-11-29T13:54:10.248-05:00

I have too many online identities. I have this blog, I have the blog I keep for updates on the kids, I have my Flickr account, and I have Ravelry. I represent myself the same in all those places, but for instance, when I post this photo to FlickrI forget that I am sharing with only a few people who actually follow my photostream over there, and that my readers here have no idea that my new

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-45393642294363047772007-11-26T07:15:00.001-05:002007-11-27T14:14:46.755-05:00

So Kim was bemoaning that all she sees on the knit blogs lately is magically produced finished objects, with no work-in-progress posts. Well, my dear, if you want WIPs this is the place to be, because its all WIPs all the time here at PumpkinKnits! Apart from my Celtic Dreams and my Morning Glory Wrap, both of which are rapidly closing in on the one year mark for WIP status (a first for me) I

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-13218275387702594412007-11-19T07:50:00.000-05:002008-12-11T16:30:23.773-05:00

My little Mazurka has found a new home with some wonderful new spinners from Maine. Before I could let her go, I had to clear off the bobbins, which meant finishing my first true woolen spun. This is 2oz/250yds of Rambouillet from Anne's Exotic Fibers Club. It it pretty wildly inconsistent, so I need some more long draw practice thats for sure, but I do love the result - so elastic and fluffy

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-88692103296522778682007-11-11T09:42:00.000-05:002007-11-11T09:59:10.356-05:00

My fabulous sister (I'll add "in law" for clarity's sake, but I do count her as a real sister for what it's worth) requested a chocolate brown hat. I picked up some Classic Elite Waterlily at spin night this week and viola!It will be hard to give this one away.Project Specs:Pattern: 3 A.M. Cable Hat by SmarieKNeedles: #7 DPNsYarn: Classic Elite Waterlily, color 1978.Notes: A great little

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-33619253523954007142007-11-02T16:54:00.000-05:002007-11-02T16:59:07.936-05:00

To MaryJane.Lovely clear finish Kromski Mazurka. I'm clearing room (and raising money) for my next 2nd wheel. She is in good shape, with three small flaws (see Flickr set for closeups and details of those) that do not affect how she spins at all. Comes with 2 whorls (4 speeds) orifice hook, 5 bobbins and the pretty arched Kromski tensioned lazy kate.This has also been posted on Ravelry spinning

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-40720446255519678822007-10-26T10:00:00.001-05:002007-10-26T10:04:17.852-05:00

The girl does not seem to be a hat person. It came out just as I'd hoped though, apart from the fact she won't keep it on her head for more than 1.5 seconds. There's certainly enough yarn left for matching mittens, so with just two more World Series games to watch (cross fingers) I can get those done.

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-79777131140567141692007-10-23T08:30:00.000-05:002007-11-27T14:14:28.932-05:00

I have be-hatted my son for the winter, but no hat for Dizzle yet. I decided I wanted a bulky, colorful yarn for her hat. But alas, none in my stash. Whats a girl to do? Spin her own. I grabbed "Lantern Festival", the offering from Hello Yarn's fiber club for the month of July. Here it is all pre-drafted:And here it is all spun up. There are 2 batches, the first 2.5oz I did watching the

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-12225990726579153162007-10-05T09:56:00.001-05:002007-10-23T08:49:45.320-05:00

I haven't posted about any of the spinning I've done in the last several months. Carole did WIP `em out Wednesday this week, and I'm sad to say my knitting WIPs don't look very different from the last time I posted about any of them - the hazard of spending short amounts of knitting time on large projects, I suppose. So I'll show you my spinning instead.First up - Flames Superwash from Rachel

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-62803986405966455312007-10-02T13:50:00.001-05:002009-08-21T11:09:15.835-05:00

Thanks for all the great comments on the hat - it makes me happy that so many of you love it and want the chart. That said, you can get it (in gif format) here from my Flickr page, or if you want it in excel format email me and I can forward it to you ADDED 8/2009 - I no longer have the excel chart (computer blowup). You will also need to print out Adrian's Generic Norwegian Hat Chart for the

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-74252666022641994032007-10-01T06:31:00.001-05:002007-10-01T06:51:34.213-05:00

Well, its hat-making season again. Not to be confused with hat-wearing season, which is much longer and starts a bit later in the fall. I had planned to haul out the handspun and have PumpkinBoy choose the makings, but then I got to thinking he might like something more than a plain old ribbed brim handspun hat (and I also got to thinking I'd like to knit something more fun than that, truth be

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-74435071492940728782007-09-25T15:06:00.000-05:002007-09-25T15:14:15.733-05:00

In an effort to raise funds for my honest to goodness last wheel (at least until I'm and empty nester in 18+ years) I have decided to part with my copy of June Hemmons Hiatt's The Principles of Knitting. Before I post it on all the requisite destash pages, I figured I'd mention it here in case someone I "know" wants it. My copy is is good condition, it may be missing the dust jacket (hubby has

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9553122.post-28544113933070920622007-09-07T15:08:00.001-05:002007-11-27T14:14:46.755-05:00

It was downright chilly yesterday morning. I had gotten us all safely out of the house and we were headed to daycare and work, when I had to pull over so that PumpkinBoy could toss his cookies in the parking lot of Wild Harvest. We were close enough to Miss Dizzle's daycare that it made sense to drop her and then head back home, with only one child to deal with for the day. My feet were

Pumpkinmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02269302354983603865noreply@blogger.com20