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Dyeing Alpaca Roving

I saw this gorgeous handspun yarn on sale today.  It wasn't really enough for any of the projects I have in mind, but it looked like it was so beautifully spun that I was unable to resist an offering for a "your fiber, my spinning wheel" slot.  Although this appears to be a brand new spinner, or at least new to offering her yarn for sale, it was too beautiful to resist.

So, I'm spending some time tonight with this.

 
Crayononalpacaroving

This is some Baby Alpaca roving that I've been saving for an extra special use.  I've got about 13 ounces of it, and decided to dye it in the old Elliebelly Melted Crayon colorway, so I could have some special yarn to use for Miss Ellie's fall sweater.  I can't wait to see the results!

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How to Knit a Bird’s Nest

Thanks to some inspiration from the good knitters at the PurlBee, I've knit a nest.

 
Birdsnest

Isn't it fun?  Instead of stuffing, I've used dried lavender blossoms in my eggs.  This nest will ultimately perch in one of the walk in closets, perhaps the one where much of my yarn is stored, as a deterrent to moths.  These first two eggs are knit from Manos del Uruguay's Serena, a lovely yarn that would make a fantastic little baby sweater.  I'm going to knit a few more from Blue Sky's silk/alpaca blend.

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More Squares

I'm eternally optimistic.  

I'm pretty sure that given my current rate of progress, I am fully capable of having the Barn Raising Quilt  I'm knitting for Miss Princess completed by the time she leaves for college in, oh, about, six years.  Such confidence.  But then again, was it really me that thought knitting a blanket on size 2 needles was a good idea?

 
3square

Nonetheless, I adore this pattern and enjoy knitting the little squares, although I'm far too ADD to stick to just one square at a time.  I like to keep them in different stages of development.

   
Blsq

This square in KPPM is turning out to be a favorite.  I'm trying to insure a good mix of light and dark squares and different colors without being too intentional about it, so I'm randomly pulling yarn out of my stash of sock leftovers but trying to insure that if it's blue one square I'm on to green the next time.

   
Greensq

This is some Elliebelly yarn, leftover from one of my favorite pairs of socks.  And then I moved on to more KPPM, but in a much lighter value of colors.

   
Palesq

This one is so new it's hard to see, but I think it's going to be a favorite.  In fact, I'm thinking more of this yarn may be needed to knit a sweater for a friend's new baby that is on the way.

There is definitely something very pleasurable about knitting these wee squares that are simple enough to knit over coffee while talking with friends but have just enough going on to keep boredom from setting in.

And, while looking ahead to finishing it some day, I discovered a picture of my friend Susan's absolutely stunning finished quilt.  Isn't she amazing?  She used a crocheted edging on each square to create the outline.

 
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