My Sister's Knitter

Hello, I missed you!

 

Hello loves! 

 

 

Summer will be over by the end of the day, I couldn't think of a better time to return to a regular blogging schedule than the beginning of Fall. 

Hello and how have you been? How was your Summer? Are you ready for the knitting frenzy that Fall brings, I know I am?  So many projects are on the needles and future ones on my mind that I am almost giddy.  As you can see above the scrappy blanket has been brought out of hiding and is now actively being worked on.   The book with it was a gift from my nephew for my birthday- I love it and the beautiful young man that gave it to me, it bits!

 

 

All the socks have been cast on, are you surprised?  Left to right, Harry Potter themed socks- The Boy Who Lived yarn by Storyweaver Yarn, Scrappy Monster sock and The Yarn Jar- Sunday morning colorway.  

Hopefully soon these babies will have their mates. While I tend to deny it, it would seem that I am suffering with second sock syndrome. Never fear, I will remedy it soon, (I know you weren't fearing, that statement was more for me). 

 

 

Let's not forget about the sample knits on the needles. This one is for Anne of Wooly Wonka Fibers, using her Brigit sport in the color Pewter and the pattern Stonecroft Shawl. 

You would think that I didn't also have a 9-5, right? :)  Now, if only I could master knitting in my sleep.  

What have you been working on?  Do tell. 

Enjoy a song and have the best day today! See you next Sunday! 

 

 

 

XO,

andi 

Happy Sunday knitting...

 

Well hello there...

 

Yarn-Nomadic Yarns in the colorway, Honeydukes.

I can honestly say, I am trying to do better about getting back into blogging. That being said, I give myself permission to forgive myself if I miss a Sunday here or there.  It is not like I am not thinking of chatting with you all, it is just sometimes time gets away from me. My apologies. So let's catch up, shall we? 

We are in a new lovely month, August. While the weather and humidity are not my favorites, it is my sister's birthday month, so I enjoy it because of that. 

 

 

The knitting news here is pretty plump. I finished my  Harry Potter themed socks for a casual Instagram knit-along that is happening. The goal is to knit with my much loved and hoarded Harry Potter themed yarns, at least a pair a month until December. So these loves are my finished July socks. I am already on to my August socks...

 

 

These are going to be plain vanilla socks. The yarn is Story Weaver Sock Yarn in the color, The Boy Who Lived. Isn't it fun? I always find it difficult not to have "special" yarn in my stash and not hoard it, but I hoping seeing all the fun yarns knit up will help ease that tendency.  Do you have those skeins of precious yarns that you have a hard time knitting up?

 

 

In addition to fun knitting, the mail has been especially kind. This lovely bundle is from one very special lady, River.  Her Instagram page fills me with a peace like no other. Her shop is evidently an extension of that peace, as receiving these treats in the mail made my week.  Not sure what these beautiful minis will become, but I know what ever they grow up to  be will be amazing. 

I can never get over how much this knitting community means to me. When i receive mail like this, I think it is quite possible that we are the luckiest people in the world to have these connections. 

 

 

I have to share with you another lunch buddy from the fake lake outside my work.  I get to sit outside for a bit and watch this guys antics. He is sort of a bully, but he is spectacular to watch. 

That is about it for me this week. I hope you all are doing well and enjoying your Summer crafting despite the hot temps.  Stay cool and have the best day today!

 

 

 

XO,

andi 

Charming Sunday knitting...

Hello there, loves! 

 

 

The weekend is almost over, actually over for those of you outside the U.S.. I hope your days were great ones filled with calm and knitting. Mine was for sure a lovely relaxing time. As you can see above I am starting on my second Harry Potter sock in the pattern, Vanilla Latte Socks with the yarn from Loft twenty-Two in Love Potions, Eh? colorway. 

 

 

I am still working on a sample knit for my friend Anne of Wooly Wonka Fibers. The pattern is the Beeswax cowl by Amy Van der laar and is such a joy to knit ,add to that Anne's gorgeous yarn...heaven.  I was able to work on couple quick sample knits for another yarn dyer that I adore, Playful day Yarns, but those had to be rushed out to her so no pics. 

 

 

There have been many GMD this month, the latest are these 2 beauties from Ruby and the Yarn Co. Now I know you all know about my Harry Potter anything addiction, these speak to my soul. The one on the left is Luna and on the right is Mrs. Weasley's garden.  I am resisting casting these on, as I would really like to get some of my many other projects off the needles.  

That is it for knitting. In other news I had a lovely lunch date with my longtime friend, Melanie. It was so nice to catch-up and just hang out. Being an introvert, I sometimes forget how nourishing friends are for my spirit. It is sort of like I am totally unaware that my gas tank is running on fumes then after spending time with loved ones, I feel like my engine is running better. Do you know what i mean? 

 

Just because I love salads so much, I had to snap a pic of my enormous antipasto salad. :) 

Oh and get this...I was doing laundry at my complex's laundry facility and there was an older man in there doing laundry as well. While I ran back up to my apartment, as I am a heat wimp, he pulled up a chair and pulled out his knitting!!!  I think I scared him with my enthusiasm of seeing another knitter in the wild, especially Arizona.  I still have to run down in about 10 minutes to get my clothes, hopefully he will let me snap a pic of him.  You will know when you see this post if I was successful or not. Just remember, I think I truly scared him when I exclaimed, " You are knitting!!!" . Heh, for those who have never met me in real life, I can at times be very loud. 

Okay...he wasn't there when I went back. Maybe he knew I was secretly plotting to make him my best friend? :(

So that is it for my knitty weekend. In a tribute to this lovely neighbor who knits, I will leave you with a song from my youth.  Enjoy and have the best day today! 

 

 

XO,

Andi 

 

Delayed post~

 

Happy Monday! 

 

 

Sorry there will be no post this weekend.  I am neck deep in a couple sample knits that are on a very tight deadline. 

So many fun things are going on and I can't wait to share them with you this Sunday! 

xo

Andi 

A knitterly chat...

 

Happy Sunday! 

 

 

How was your weekend? Did you get some time off for the 4th of July? I did and while I could not bear to go out into the scalding sun to celebrate, it was nice to just relax. Of course knitting happened, maybe a little too much knitting, is that possible?  I think it is only a problem if your laundry and cleaning is piling up...at least that is how I justify excessive knitting periods. ;) 

 

 

Progress on my Harry Potter themed socks is coming along. Again if you would like to knit a long, just pop on over to Instagram and knit with us. The pattern for these socks is Vanilla Latte Socks, of course having the perfect not vanilla pattern is essential,am I right?  

Lots of books are being read, Summer calls for light and funny tales. Fitting that ticket is  the above Mindy Kaling book. Of course being the weirdo I am, I also am watching The Mindy Project on Hulu. It just seems like the thing to do. Reading or watching any fun things this Summer? 

 

 

Oh and back to knitting, I needed to start a purse knitting project. Of course socks are the perfect small carry around knitting. Aren't these colors fun?  The yarn is Nomadic Yarns in the colorway Honeydukes.  Originally I started these just to have  something to work on out in public, but then i couldn't stop. That is the curse/addiction of self-striping yarn. :) 

So, now to you...what is going on in your world. How has your Summer been? 

Leaving you with a song and wishing you the best day today! 

 

 

XO,

andi

Sunday evening knitterly chat...

 

 

Hello there! 

 

 

So it would seem the day got away from me a bit, as I meant to post earlier.  But I am here and can I just say that it was so lovely to hear from all of you and catch up. Thank you for all the wonderful wishes and kind words. I truly adore each and every one of you.

This week felt rather rushed, maybe it was my own doing as I waited till the last moment to get some home things done. Now that they are all done, I get the chance to sit, knit and chat with you all. I mentioned last week that I am going to be knitting down my Harry Potter themed stash,right? Well I am and starting July 1st, there is a little casual knitalong on Instagram using #Hpknitalong19, if you would like to join in.  Above is the yarn I am using for my first pair of socks.  I am so excited! 

 

 

Luckily I have a sample knit on the needles to keep me from casting on the socks before the start of the KAL. This sample is being knit up using Wooly Wonka Fibers Worsted  in the colorway Brocade. The pattern I am knitting is the Beeswax Cowl.

 

 

Other than that, not a whole lot happening. Isn't it nice sometimes to have nothing to report? Above is this beauty that I shared my lunch time with. He/She didnt even care that I was so close or taking it's picture.  :) 

Hope your weekend didnt go too fast and that you got to sit back, be quiet and just "be".

Enjoy a lovely video and have the best day today! 

 

 

XO,

andi

 

Knitterly chat...I'm back!

 

Hello loves!

 

 

First off, let me apologize for the very long delay in blogging. I am finally in my new home and settled. I felt that would be the best time to start back with the blog. Thank you for all your kind messages and notes during my hiatus. I have missed you all more than you know. I cannot wait to catch up with you and share knits and hear how you all are doing.

 

 

So much knitting has been happening. Rather than boring you with it all, I will start with my current knits. As you can see I just finished these loves today. These socks are my Tulip socks and knit for the current KAL that is running in the My Sister's Knitter group on Ravelry. There is still plenty of time to knit along with us if you would like to participate. The theme for this KAL is Spring. :)

 

Pattern- 3x1 ribbed pattern

Along with my Tulip socks I am also knitting on these beauties. The yarn is from Yoshi and Lucy and has the tiniest pops of pinks and purples. It made me think of Spring as well.

 

(L to R): Liquid Luck, Molly Weasley, Yer a Wizard Harry, Love Potion, Eh? and Honeydukes.

Other than a sample knit that is on the needles, that is pretty much it for knitting. Although, I do have some plans for some of my Harry Potter themed yarns that I have been hoarding. I have decided that I am going to knit with my loves rather than just pet them. I am wanting to knit 6 pairs of HP socks before the end of the year. If you have some Harry Potter themed yarn or patterns and would like a casual knit along, I would love the company.

That is it on the knitting front. On the new home front, can I just say for an introvert like myself, being in my home again is so settling to my soul. Of course I cannot express how grateful I am to have had family take care of my and my health for the past 8 months.

I will be returning to my regular blogging schedule. I hope that you visit and share all your happenings.

Enjoy a song and I will see you next Sunday!

 

 

XO,

andi

 

Knit musings and such...

 

Hello loves!

 

Pattern~ Feathering the Nest by Danielle Jorge  Yarn~ Playful Day Yarns in the colorway Himalayan Salt.

No need to be alarmed or check your calendars, It is indeed Sunday and I am posting. ;) First things first, how are you and how have you been?  Myself, it has been a great couple of weeks. Nothing like consistently feeling good health-wise to make that spring in your step come back. I am sure may of you can relate. 

 

 

Before I go much further...I have an important public service announcement. They are now selling yarn at Target. The sister called me one day,sounding a bit of out breath exclaimed, "They are selling yarn at Target!". I had to go see for myself. While it has been a while since I have crafted with acrylic, I may have to try one of these sweet treats one day. All I know is I had to share the good news with you all.

 

Yarn~ Wooly Wonka Fibers Rhiannon in the Luna & Heartsease colorway.

Back to knitting chat. Progress is being made on my lovely Vanilla socks. Interesting how working on fewer projects,( I won't say monogamy because that would be a fib), really makes for decent progress. The yarn is screams spring to me. 

 

 

I have had some amazing GMDs and the picture above proves it. My very dear friend Jeannine has started her own yarn dyeing business. In addition to yarn she is also making lip balms and soon hand lotions. The  yarn above is her fingering sock yarn in the color Lavender. Jeannine of At Stone Cottage is one of the kindest people I know, I do hope you stop to visit her new shop and blog.

While sock knitting is happening, I have also started a new sample/test knit which is so fun. The only problem is I am not able to share pics.

Well that has been me in a nutshell over the last week. Please enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

 

XO,

andi

ShawlStar Volume 2 review...

 

Hello there loves!

 

It is so wonderful to be able to meet with you sooner than my Sunday post and bonus I have a wonderful E-Book that I want to introduce you to.

You may be familiar with Knotions...

it is a brilliant online resource chalked full of gorgeous patterns, informative tutorials and invaluable E-Books.

Last April Knotions launched ShawlStar with over 40 recipes for shawls by author Elizabeth Felgate.  Now Knotions and Elizabeth have increased the magic with 3 new shapes!

 

 

There are many reason why I feel ShawlStar is a must have addition to my library.

• Photos that include step-by-step tutorials.
• Pros and Cons of each shape.
• Yarn suggestions for gauge.
• Variations to shawl shapes.
• Options for borders and edges

Whether you are a budding designer looking to familiarize yourself with the basic concept of shawl shapes or someone who is looking to modify a pattern to suite your taste, ShawlStar is priceless.

The additional 3 pattern shapes will be added to the ShawlStar pdf E-Book on March 23rd. Simply follow this Ravelry link to increase your Shawl knitting resource exponentially.

There is also an option to purchase a copy of the pdf E-Book via gumroad.  Full disclosure when you purchase ShawlStar via this link I do get a small affiliation commission.

ShawlStar was provided to me at no cost for this review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

 

Thank you for visiting with me! Have the best day today.

XO,

andi

Knit bits and a cast on party!

 

Happy Sunday!

 

 

I missed last Sunday, please forgive me. While I can't promise that I will post every Sunday, I can tell you I will try very hard. I am still in a temporary home setting, so at times it is hard for me to feel settled enough to create a post. Does that make sense?

I can tell you that my knitting has increased lately, thanks in large part to a cast on party I had midweek.  Not really sure what came over me but I look at the sock WIPs on my needles and frogged what was no longer bringing me joy and cast on new ones that I feel will.

 

 

My dear friend, Anne of Wooly Wonka Fibers gifted me this gorgeous skein of herself-striping yarn. It is called Luna & Heartease. Since this picture a lot more progress has been made as you know how self-striping yarn can be...just one more row.

 

 

Just because I cast on all the socks, doesn't mean that I have forgotten about my Forever and Always socks. They are nearing the finish line and just in time because they are being knit for a KAL in the My Sister's Knitter group.

You may have noticed that I have been reading lots of Maya Angelou lately. I have read her biographies before but it has been so long that they seem new again. I am currently on the 3rd. Reading any good books lately, as I am looking for some recommendations?

I will be back midweek with an exciting review.

Enjoy a song and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

andi